gas mileage troubles. .. Help please

[mrstolleson]

I recently bought a 2001 pt cruiser, manual transmission, from my neighbor. It came with a k & air filter. It had 83000 miles. I have replaced the radiator thermostat water pump and timing belt. Car runs good and smooth but is only getting 15 mog in town. I have had tire pressure checked. Is this normal? Anything I can do? Thanks for your input!

[JoeX]

Originally Posted by mrstolleson

I recently bought a 2001 pt cruiser, manual transmission, from my neighbor. It came with a k & air filter. It had 83000 miles. I have replaced the radiator thermostat water pump and timing belt. Car runs good and smooth but is only getting 15 mog in town. I have had tire pressure checked. Is this normal? Anything I can do? Thanks for your input!

Did mileage change after you replaced the timing belt?
Check air Filter
Change plugs- USE CHAMPION
Change O2 sensor USE CHRYSLER (or your wasting your money) on the exhaust manifold

How does the car idle? Idle speed?
No matter what you change expect to only get 19-20 mpg for local driving mabe a little more if your driving an area that all flat.

I have a Sebring the gets me about 20 mpg during a 23 mile commute, same engine.

[TruckBus]

I get 20mpg no matter what. 15 might just be road conditions.

[rob342]

in my 5-speed NA PT i get 22mpg suburban driving, shifting at 4-5k pretty much flooring it light to light. i have the rear seats taken out, the front tires at 40psi, rear tires at 38psi, and a cone K&N in place of the airbox.

i agree the plugs are worth a shot, although i had the worst plugs in the history of the forum and when i changed them out, i saw NO benefit in MPG or performance, so don't expect a miracle.

is the new thermostat rated at the stock temperature, is your temp needle just a hair under the 1/2 way mark?