I've never really paid attention to my mpg, but now that gas has become so expensive I started paying a bit more attention to it. I filled my car all the way and reset the odometer and found i'm only getting about 220miles per tank, and for this kind of car that seems absurdly low. I drive a 93 240 with a 12 gallon tank and all my driving is on country roads, I dont drive in the city much. Is this about normal or is this really low, and what could I do to improve it?

 

i have a 1990 240dl and ive got the same problem.
theres gotta be something you can do about gas mileage.
maybe a com chip that can lean out the mixture.
if anyone knows anything quick or cheap
please post it!

 

It seems about right. I had a 740 Turbo that got around 15-17 mpg. Some people claim in the hi 20's. I dont know how they do it.

Vic
92 245
86 760 Turbo
Guayama, PR

 

Fueleconomy.gov rates the auto 93 240 at 18/23, so considering it is 15 years old and I am guessing high miles I would not complain too much with 18.33...

 

I'm new to the Volvo scene but here is what my, previous ownervery poorly maintaned, 1991 240 is getting.

fill 2- 100% in-town (small town) driving. Red light-to-red light max 45-50 MPH. 19.8MPG hand calculated
Added 1 can seafoam to the tank. Did the De-carb with Seafoam through the vacuum hose. I have also been taking the car out on the highway up to 70 once or twice a week to get the oil good and hot.

fill 3- 100% in-town (small town) driving. Red light-to-red light max 45-50 MPH. 22.1MPG hand calculated

I recently adjusted the throttle linkage. It made a big difference in the off idle response and seems to have more power at RPM's below 2000. The car really seems to like to cruise around at around 1800rpm. I am hoping to try and get 25mpg out of it. As poor as it was running the first tank I might be able to. Now on the third fill and running much better.

Also keep in mind that this is a 5 speed manual. I always get better milage with manual tranny vehicles than auto. I tend to drivethe manual like my big truck and autos with a lead foot.