Mike,

Release your parking brake!

Seriously, I never seemed to get much better than that in my 84WBX when I
had my 1.9L.  The 2.1L seems to help a little, but now that I can go over
70MPG, with ease, I am sure that is why my MPG sits around the 17/18 mark.

I assume you are running the correct tires, proper pressure, proper
alignment, etc.  I noted a minor improvement when I installed a K & N
filter, and when I put in a "Cat" by-pass test pipe.

How new is your Cat?  A partially clogged Cat can rob performance and MPG.

Just some thoughts...
By the way, you get better MPG in 4th gear too... Ha-ha!

Jack R.
84 Westy Wolfie, owned for 20 years now!
http://flickr.com/photos/77623993@N00/1084859663/

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Michael Elliott
Sent: Monday, August 27, 2007 10:41 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Normal mpg?

I hijacked a thread earlier this year to ask about this, but never got
it sorted out.

I don't seem to be getting the mileage that others report and could use
some suggestions.

1984 1.9l WBX. Auto transmission. The odo is accurate (used those
freeway "Speedometer check" signs in several areas to confirm). I've
noted fuel consumption at many gas stations and alway get the same
answer: about 15.5 mpg (6.7 km/l). One tank of gas gets me about a 240
(390km) mile range on the flats or in the mountains, pretty much the same.

Seems low, can't guess why. Doesn't seem to be a measurement error yet I
pass California emissions testing easily every time so the engine seems
to be tuned well enough. Plugs aren't all black like I'm running rich,
engine temps are within range. No sign at all of fuel leaks. I drive
mostly freeway at around 50 to 60 mph, with camping gear. No canoes on
top or trailers behind.

--
Mike "Rocket J Squirrel" Elliott
71 Type 2: the Wonderbus
84 Westfalia: Mellow Yellow ("The Electrical Banana")
74 Utility Trailer. Ladybug Trailer, Inc., San Juan Capistrano
KG6RCR