|
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 44
Shade Tree Mechanic
|
OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 44 |
Quick question. I have a 1937 Chevrolet with the original 216 engine. What is everyone else getting for gas mileage with a similar car? I only seem to be averaging between 9 and 12 miles per gallon. That seems a little low. The engine runs great. I have checked and there are no obvious leaks anywhere so I'm wondering if this is a normal MPG for this car.
Thanks,
Dave
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,774 Likes: 4
ChatMaster - 1,500
|
|
ChatMaster - 1,500
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,774 Likes: 4 |
Hi Dave, That sounds a little low but it depends on speed and other conditions. I can get as good as 20mpg at 25 mph but at 60 or above is will go down to 13 to 15. It could be timing or carburetor adjustments. There are some real carburetor experts on here that may give you some suggestions.
Ed
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,689 Likes: 21
ChatMaster - 6,000
|
|
ChatMaster - 6,000
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,689 Likes: 21 |
I'm thinking that generally you should get about 17 MPG combined driving. A little less in town and a little more on the road for longer distances. Charlie 
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,046 Likes: 107
Hall Monitor ChatMaster - 7,000
|
|
Hall Monitor ChatMaster - 7,000
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,046 Likes: 107 |
My '38 get's 10-12 @ 60 MPH, 15-17 @ 50. I have the Master with the 3.73 rear end.
VCCA Member 43216
Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet.
1938 HB Business Coupe
1953 210 Sedan
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,323 Likes: 6
ChatMaster - 2,000
|
|
ChatMaster - 2,000
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,323 Likes: 6 |
The first thing I would do is check the appearance of the plugs. If they are grey and white, the mixture is correct. If they are all black and sooty, it is running too rich.
My 1951 1 Ton is now on the road! My 38 Master 4 Door is also now on the road .
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,306
ChatMaster - 2,000
|
|
ChatMaster - 2,000
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,306 |
Hi Dave, I would want to know what the compression is on each cylinder to gauge gas mileage? If you have poor compression you are not going to get good mileage. Your manual should tell you the proper compression. In the 41 engine the compression is to be over 110 pounds per cylinder, with all cylinders reading within 5 to 10 pounds of each other. Good luck, Mike
Mike 41 Chevy
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
|
|
ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141 |
It all depends on your driving. The real test of highway milage is taking a 400 mile trip that requires at least two tak fulls. Putting the miles on ten at a time and filling every month dose not give an accurate measure of gas consumed due to all the "cpld" strats and evaporation.
My '39 would give from 15 to 17 MPG on the highway with the 4.22 ratio and now with the 3.73 I gained about two MPG.
The above is drivng from 60 to 65 MPH.
Gene Schneider
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 4,951
ChatMaster - 4,000
|
|
ChatMaster - 4,000
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 4,951 |
Essentially the ONLY way to check gas mileage is as Gene describes.
Even when checking mileage on the highway there's many potential variables. Such as speed, whether or not the highway is more-or-less flat or up and down hills, whether or not tank topped off at the fill, etc. etc. In order to get fairly accurate mileage you'd need to check mileage over several tanks of more-or-less constant (same) speed of highway/freeway driving on similar highway/freeway conditions.
Basically impossible to get accurate mileage check if much "city" driving is part of a tank full.
Bill.
|
|
|
|
|
