Longest trip yet...MPG suck!

[ETAModel]

Got the 30 Fordor going, took it to gas station first thing and filled her up with premium 100% gasoline. Then turned on speedbot and went for a LONG (for me) drive. My longest yet, 48 miles. Mostly county roads, some city but not much.

At the end of drive took her back to gas station and topped her off, to see how she did. She used 4.4 gallons, so roughly 10.5 MPG without using my calculator.

In my opinion...THAT SUCKS!

I had the throttle turned about 2/3 of a turn out. Seems I read somewhere that when your on the highway you can almost close the throttle jet and it will still run fine.

To prove it to myself I hit the local US Hwy and closed the fuel off, then cracked it open. She didn't hesitate or stall or nothing, ran like it had all day. BUT, when I got back in town and hit some stop signs she DEFINATELY needed more fuel going in, as she sputtered and almost stalled. I turned her back to 2/3 open and it ran fine in town.

The plugs look ancient, I need to pull them and at least clean them, and order some replacements.

Remember Guys, I have about a dozen drives under my belt, probably 200-250 miles total thus far, today excluded. So I am still a Newbie to the Great Model A.

Should I leave the throttle at 2/3 turn while she warm up and in town, and then close it down on the road?? I'm not worried about the Cost, I'm concerned about running out of gas! The Gas Gauge doesn't work, its on the list of repairs. But still, this is TEXAS, there's times you can drive a hour or more (in a modern car) any direction without seeing a gas station.

Thanks for your help thus far.
ET

[TerryH]

The Fordor is a heavy Model A, and with mine, driving in town all the time, with lots of stop and go driving, I only get about 15-16 mpg. On the open road, and cruising 55 mph, with overdrive, I get 20-22 mpg. 10 mpg sounds quite low, even around town. Once warmed up, you should not have to adjust the GAV (not throttle). All Models are a little different, but many seem to like 1/4 turn open after warming up. I would do all the basics first: Check your points and gap, check the timing, pull spark plugs, maybe replace, clean and gap those. Another place to check would be your carburetor….make sure your jets are properly size. And at speed, your spark advance should be at least 3/4 down.

[ETAModel]

Thanks for the reply...I'll bite, what does GAV stand for? My old First Shirt told us if you don't know what an acronym means, then it doesn't apply to you. I think in this case he was wrong.

[jayvee34]

Originally Posted by etamodel

thanks for the reply...i'll bite, what does gav stand for?

gas adjustment valve=gav:d

[Hotrodfil]

Tuned B engine in my '30 Fordor running 18's and 3.54 gears and I get low 20's out of mine. And I don't hang around...

Couldn't afford to go anywhere at 10mpg!

[ronn]

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I agree- 10 mpg does suck, but It sounds like it will be tough to get much more then 15 mpg out of your car.
so many variables and the biggest being the weight , as mentioned and the other question is, what condition is your engine in?


is it tired?

[ETAModel]

Originally Posted by ronn

I agree- 10 mpg does suck, but It sounds like it will be tough to get much more then 15 mpg out of your car.
so many variables and the biggest being the weight , as mentioned and the other question is, what condition is your engine in?


is it tired?

I would not call the motor Tired at all...I have had it up to 62 MPH, just to see where it would top out at. I usually drive around 45. I haven't checked compression, but I see no need, it isn't smoking or fouling plugs. I'm new to model A's, but worked around and on motors most my life.

[Bud]

GAV is the Gas Adjusting Valve, the knob under the fuel tank in front of the passenger. It adjusts the carburetor.

[ETAModel]

Originally Posted by Bud

GAV is the Gas Adjusting Valve, the knob under the fuel tank in front of the passenger. It adjusts the carburetor.

I know what is it, and where its located, I just didnt know what GAV stood for..I was calling it the throttle...still learning the nomenclature

[nkaminar]

GAV: Gas Adjustment Valve.

Several things effect gas millage. The GAV should be turned in while cruising down the highway. The spark should be adjusted correctly and when cruising down the highway advanced a little. Make sure the points are adjusted correctly and the car is timed correctly. Also, just like in a modern car, how you drive can effect mileage. Keep the tires inflated to 35 psi. Overdrive helps and the gear ratio of the rearend will effect mileage. Years ago I changed out 4.11 gearing for 3.7 gearing to improve my coupe top end and mileage.

[1crosscut]

Something that will probably help with you gas mileage is to stop using premium high octane fuel.
High octane fuel is designed to be harder to ignite. This is to reduce the tenancy for fuel to prematurely ignite in high compression engines. Model A's even with the higher compression heads are still a low compression engine. Put the lowest octane fuel you can into your car. It will give you more power and most likely better mileage.

In regards to the GAV as I understand it, it is not a good idea to close it all the way as it can cause the engine to run too lean and possibly cause engine damage.

[ETAModel]

Originally Posted by 1crosscut

Something that will probably help with you gas mileage is to stop using premium high octane fuel.
High octane fuel is designed to be harder to ignite. This is to reduce the tenancy for fuel to prematurely ignite in high compression engines. Model A's even with the higher compression heads are still a low compression engine. Put the lowest octane fuel you can into your car. It will give you more power and most likely better mileage.

In regards to the GAV as I understand it, it is not a good idea to close it all the way as it can cause the engine to run too lean and possibly cause engine damage.

I thought you needed to run Non-Ethanol gas in the model A, at least that's what I heard around here. I know there's a huge issue of "E" Vs "Non E" gas on the tractor forum (I have a 56 Farmall). Around here the only straight Gasoline is high octane, I guess for sportscar purists.

I'm also certain I can run E-10 gas in the Fordor and have few problems, unless it sits in the tank too long and turns to sludge.

[ETAModel]

Originally Posted by nkaminar

GAV: Gas Adjustment Valve.

Several things effect gas millage. The GAV should be turned in while cruising down the highway. The spark should be adjusted correctly and when cruising down the highway advanced a little. Make sure the points are adjusted correctly and the car is timed correctly. Also, just like in a modern car, how you drive can effect mileage. Keep the tires inflated to 35 psi. Overdrive helps and the gear ratio of the rearend will effect mileage. Years ago I changed out 4.11 gearing for 3.7 gearing to improve my coupe top end and mileage.

I quickly figured out the tires were low, so I got them to 35psi, certainly handles better, stops quicker.

There's about half a dozen guys in the A club who gather for coffee and politics every Saturday morning; they heard and test drove the Fordor, said the timing sounded right. I know its and easy fix, but had more pressing issues at first, like getting her to start.

My uncle had a 31 A, he hauled Nitro Glycerin for a living in it, and sent it to Dallas for an overdrive, new shocks and overhauled the brakes. I cant see spending the money on an overdrive to improve MPG, I'm not driving it to Houston twice a week like he was.

[Mister Moose]

Possible dragging brake shoes on one or more wheels? See if all 4 turn freely when off the ground.

[Marshall V. Daut]

Check your "Private Messages" in the top right corner of this web page.
Marshall

[Jeff/Illinois]

Wow 10MPG IS pretty bad on a Model A Ford.

Our '29 Tudor got 20 MPG all day long on at that time Sunoco regular 190. (1970's)

I realize a Fordor is a heavy car but you can get better than that.

Good luck, you will find the problem just take it one step at a time . The guys have some good tips on here for you.

Let us know how you come out.

[700rpm]

As a new owner of a Model A you should get a copy of the original owner’s manual. It explains everything you need to know for proper setup and driving. They’re available from all A suppliers.

[ETAModel]

Originally Posted by 700rpm

As a new owner of a Model A you should get a copy of the original owner’s manual. It explains everything you need to know for proper setup and driving. They’re available from all A suppliers.

So far I have Les Andrew's book on the model A, the first of the set. I'll get more soon. I'm surprised his book doesn't show info on type of plugs, ie heat range, gap for plugs, info on condensers, limited info on points, etc. Maybe I'm expecting too much. Guys at the club said its all I need.

[shew01]

Originally Posted by 700rpm

As a new owner of a Model A you should get a copy of the original owner’s manual. It explains everything you need to know for proper setup and driving. They’re available from all A suppliers.

Here is an online pdf file.

http://www.palmbeachas.com/Model-A-I...ion-Manual.pdf


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[ETAModel]

Originally Posted by shew01

Here is an online pdf file.

http://www.palmbeachas.com/Model-A-I...ion-Manual.pdf


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thats great info, thanks a lot, its now on my desktop.