Reproduction Parts for 1916-1964 Chevrolet Passenger Cars & 1918-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks


Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2
#391156 06/23/17 10:29 AM
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 58
Shade Tree Mechanic
OP Offline
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 58
The average gas mileage on my 1952 Styleline Deluxe Four-Door Sedan with a Powerglide transmission is 14.4 for the 1,200 miles since acquiring the car in September 20l6. my driving is within 30 miles of home with a number of stops and starts. Would this be considered normal for a Powerglide equipped car driven locally?

Filling Station - Chevrolet & GMC Reproduction Parts


Filling Station


Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,699
Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,699
Likes: 141
It is a little on the low side. Starting an engine frequently and evaporation can raise heck with the mileage.
On trips my 1950 P.G avarages between 17 to 18 MPG driving around 65 MPH. Thats trips of several hundred miles of steady interstate driving.


Gene Schneider
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 828
Likes: 6
ChatMaster - 750
Offline
ChatMaster - 750
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 828
Likes: 6
It's very close to what I get with my 54 with a powergluide, got 17 on a long trip last fall.


Dens Chevys 1927 Speedster 1928 coupe 1941street rod 1947Fleetline 4 door 1949 1/2 ton Pickup (sold) 1954 210 4 door 1972 Monte Carlo 2003 Corvette convt..
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 935
Likes: 12
ChatMaster - 750
Offline
ChatMaster - 750
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 935
Likes: 12
Originally Posted by 52Cfred1752
Would this be considered normal for a Powerglide equipped car driven locally?
I wouldn't expect much more than that for stop & go type driving depending on how light your foot is when starting out.

Dick

Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,699
Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,699
Likes: 141
I averaged 17+ MPG with my 1957 Nomad 4 BBL power pac Power Glide for the 900 mile trip to DesMoines and back. There was a very stiff head wind going, slight cross wind returning. Driving around 65 MPG.
That is what I would have averaged with my '50 PG. under those conditions.


Gene Schneider
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 935
Likes: 12
ChatMaster - 750
Offline
ChatMaster - 750
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 935
Likes: 12
Big difference between steady highway driving vs a lot of stop & go which is what I understood was most of his driving. I would think if he ran a tank full on the highway at a steady speed he would get around the 17 number also. Just my opinion>

dick

Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,699
Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,699
Likes: 141
I agree. For an accurate test you need about 3 succussive fill-ups in a short period of time.


Gene Schneider
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 58
Shade Tree Mechanic
OP Offline
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 58
The 14.4 MPG I have averaged for 1,000 miles since purchasing the car has been local stop and go driving within a 30 mile radius. On a trip at 60MPH I should get 17 to 18 MPG. Thanks to all of you who responded to my Chat.

Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 935
Likes: 12
ChatMaster - 750
Offline
ChatMaster - 750
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 935
Likes: 12
Highway MPG of 17-18 with a early 50's automatic would require the engine to be in top condition, Good rings, good valves, good carb adjusted properly, correct timing, etc.
I would not be obsessed with MPG with all the more miles you are racking up. Can't be costing a lot more to drive, so enjoy the ride. Just my opinion !!

Dick

Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,620
Likes: 5
ChatMaster - 3,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,620
Likes: 5
I agree with Dick... Measure it out in Smiles per Gallon. laugh You'll find it goes a lot further!


Those accustomed to the finest...find it in Chevrolet.
1953 Belair Convertible
1951 2dr Deluxe Sedan
2015 GMC SLE 4X4
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 239
Backyard Mechanic
Offline
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 239
I haven't gotten more than ten mpg since the rebuild. I checked a couple of times with more highway than town driving and still didn't get but ten mpg.

The carb still needs a little adjusting but I don't think it would be that far off.


1951 styline deluxe sport coupe w/54 engine and power glide
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 1
ChatMaster - 3,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by piddler
I haven't gotten more than ten mpg since the rebuild. I checked a couple of times with more highway than town driving and still didn't get but ten mpg.

The carb still needs a little adjusting but I don't think it would be that far off.

The word "rebuild", much like the word "rare" are words used by many, but defined accurately by few.
Depending on the depth of your specific rebuild, meaning (rings, cylinder boring, cylinder head resurfacing, block resurfacing, valves, valve seats, align boring, camshaft, rod and main bearings) and how many miles have passed since the rebuild, I would not expect too much too soon, in the form of good gas mileage.
Fresh rebuilds = excessive friction = poor fuel economy.



1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan / purchased from second owner 6-19-2000.
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,699
Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,699
Likes: 141
A posssible cause of your low gas mileage may be caused by the vacuum operated power piston.
If you have a Rochester carburetor the thick baklite spacer must be used between the maniafol and carb. There are notches in the spacer and one of them lines up with a vacuum port under the carb. base. If the port does not get vacuum the power piston will stay in the full power or rich mixture position.
Also a gasket should not be used in this location.
If that is not the cause the power piston could be stck OR the spring above it is missing.


Gene Schneider
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 239
Backyard Mechanic
Offline
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 239
Bob, it was a complete rebuild with all the things mentioned. I have about 500 miles on it now. Ready for oil change. I will drive it and see if things improve.

Chevy nut, I am running a Daytona, similar to Rochester. It does have the spacer but I did use a gasket there. I will call Daytona and check what is correct. They have very good to work with me

Thanks for the input, Pete


1951 styline deluxe sport coupe w/54 engine and power glide
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,699
Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,699
Likes: 141
Then you are on your own with that....good luck. imsorry


Gene Schneider
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 239
Backyard Mechanic
Offline
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 239
I was wrong. The carburetor is more similar to a Holley. He gave me a few other things to try. It will be a few days before I will have time to work on it.


1951 styline deluxe sport coupe w/54 engine and power glide
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 1
ChatMaster - 3,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by piddler
I was wrong. The carburetor is more similar to a Holley. He gave me a few other things to try. It will be a few days before I will have time to work on it.

I know ZERO about a Daytona carb, but do know Chevrolet utilized Carter and Rochester in the '49 to '52 era. Must be a valid reason for their choices.

For CERTAIN, 500 miles on a rebuild is way too soon to be measuring fuel consumption.

I would CONSIDER measuring fuel consumption after 2,000 accrued miles.

Please remember to vary your driving condition (city vs highway) and vary your highway speeds (example: 50 to 65, then back down).



1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan / purchased from second owner 6-19-2000.
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,699
Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,699
Likes: 141
thought he was refeing to a complete rebuild of the carburetor.


Gene Schneider
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 1
ChatMaster - 3,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 1

Maybe he was referring to a carb rebuild, don't know.



1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan / purchased from second owner 6-19-2000.
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 239
Backyard Mechanic
Offline
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 239
I was talking about engine rebuild. The carburetor is a new Daytona.


1951 styline deluxe sport coupe w/54 engine and power glide
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 1
ChatMaster - 3,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by piddler
I was talking about engine rebuild. The carburetor is a new Daytona.

Since you replied to me, I fully understand you are talking about an engine rebuild and a Daytona carb.

In my post # 391535, I was speaking of your Daytona carb .... and Rochester and Carter, but have never heard of the name "Daytona", as it relates to a carb.

Is Daytona a carb rebuilder company ?



1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan / purchased from second owner 6-19-2000.
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,699
Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,699
Likes: 141
It is a universal carburetor for all makes of cars. If you are lucky it will function OK on some models.


Gene Schneider
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 1
ChatMaster - 3,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by Chev Nut
It is a universal carburetor for all makes of cars. If you are lucky it will function OK on some models.

I now see that it is a Universal Carb, after looking on their website.
Being a "universal fit", I wonder what jetting was decided upon, to be used.



1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan / purchased from second owner 6-19-2000.
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 239
Backyard Mechanic
Offline
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 239
The Daytona, supposedly, has adjustable jets. I have the instructions in the garage but I believe that you hold the rpm at 2000 and adjust to best resulting rpm or vacuum.

The service department has been great to try to help me but if I don't get it straightened out soon I am going to look for another Rochester.

The throttle body is bad on the Rochester that I have and I could not find one. That is why I thought I would try the Daytona.

Again, thanks for all the input.


1951 styline deluxe sport coupe w/54 engine and power glide
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 1
ChatMaster - 3,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by piddler
The Daytona, supposedly, has adjustable jets. I have the instructions in the garage but I believe that you hold the rpm at 2000 and adjust to best resulting rpm or vacuum.

The service department has been great to try to help me but if I don't get it straightened out soon I am going to look for another Rochester.

The throttle body is bad on the Rochester that I have and I could not find one. That is why I thought I would try the Daytona.

Again, thanks for all the input.

You may be confusing "carburetor jet" with "carburetor mixture screw".
If the throttle plate shaft has a "sloppy fit" within the base of the Rochester carb., bushings can be machined to create a proper fit.



1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan / purchased from second owner 6-19-2000.
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 239
Backyard Mechanic
Offline
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 239
There is an​ "adjustable high speed main jet" as well as the idle speed adjustment.

I was trying to replace the throttle shaft bushings on the Rochester and I broke the throttle plate screws.


1951 styline deluxe sport coupe w/54 engine and power glide
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,699
Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,699
Likes: 141
To correctly adjust that you would need an exhaust analyzer.


Gene Schneider
Page 1 of 2 1 2

Link Copied to Clipboard
Support The VCCA!

Enjoy the forum? Become a VCCA member! The World's Best Chevrolet and GMC Club!


Member Photos
1964 Chevrolet Impala SS
1964 Chevrolet Impala SS
by DreamChevy, February 17
My 1933 Chevy 2 Dr. Sedan
My 1933 Chevy 2 Dr. Sedan
by 1939Chevy1, November 24
Back on the road 79 years later
2 1927 Chevrolet Trucks
2 1927 Chevrolet Trucks
by 1927TRUCKS, June 7
Who's Online Now
4 members (Tiny, Greg_H, ruscar, 1 invisible), 68 guests, and 25 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Newest Members
NeilA, Jayhicks, Tomvanhouten, Dads29Chevy, Tractorman
18,308 Registered Users
Today's Birthdays
aristech, RalphL, tonysk
Forum Statistics
Forums58
Topics59,070
Posts429,052
Members18,308
Most Online1,133
Jan 22nd, 2020
 

Notice: Any comments posted herein do not necessarily reflect the official position of the VCCA.

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5