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Subject:Re: Vanagon gas mileage
From:Jere Hawn
Date:Mon, 22 Dec 2003 22:54:59 -0800

Hi All,

My two GL's both get 20 MPG.  Things I have found: car top carrier: 17 MPG,
out of range on tune-up 14-15 MPG, Freeway only: 22 MPG, Loose guts on Cat
converter: 12 MPG, Hole in exhaust: 15 MPG, City: 19 MPG.

VARIABLES

Freeway driving: 74'ish
City: faster than most (radar detector mounted!)
Gas: 87 octane (cheap stuff)
Oil: cheap stuff
Coolant: prestone extended life - phosphate free (orange stuff)
Altitude: sea level (got better mileage living in Wyoming (@ 7,500 ft))
Climate: high 30's to high 50's NW Washington; damp
Tires: Cooper 205 70 R 14; 60K

This month's test:  Thermostat is bad (open) new one to be installed next
week (I am hoping to get about a half mile more per gallon)

Jere
90 GL/Carat-a-version
88 GL