1990 hatchback major mpg problems

[johnprinefan]

hello everybody! i recently bought a 1990 honda civic hatchback with the hopes that it would get great mpg but so far the best i have been able to get is around 16 mpg. i had to replace the oxygen censor and air filter just to get 16 mpg. before i did that i was only getting 12 mpg. does anyone have any ideas as to what the problem(s) might be???

 

[92lseg]

Tune up? Brakes in good shape (not dragging)

Fuel filter, timing

Lots of things effect mileage

 

[Satara]

Like 92 said, a tune from bottom up. With my 91, my milage problem was in shotty spark plugs, wires, crusty oil, and brakes rubbing. Also, dont have to big tire size. When I bought my civic guy had 17 x 9 tires on it. I quickly bought new ones.

 

[johnprinefan]

well...i know my brakes arent dragging because i just got those fixed. i know the oil is good. i havnt looked at the spark plugs or checked the fuel filter. would those 2 things bring down my mpg that dramatically???

 

[92lseg]

Spark plugs/distributor cap/rotor and spark plug wires is your entire ignition system and can have a huge impact on mpgs

Also is the car a standard, or automatic transmisson?

A clogged fuel filter can hurt mileage too

 

[johnprinefan]

its standard. thanks for the replies guys.