Looks like I'm in good shape.  Will compare the next all-highway tank and
see what happens. Thanks to all.
Michael in San Antonio
91GL Weekender AT 2.1L 'Gringo'
73 Beetle

On Tue, Jul 20, 2010 at 7:06 PM, Loren Busch <starwagen@gmail.com> wrote:

>  RE: Gas mileage with an automatic
> Okay.  My '90 GL Westy, stock 2.1L, heavy at well over 5,000 lbs (measured
> on the scales), when in tune, gets 17.5-19mpg on the highway, cruising at
> about 60 or below (maybe 65 in heavy freeway traffic).  I've had segments go
> over 20 and and down to 16 for some road conditions.  But on a trip last
> January I was only getting in the 15-17 mpg range.  When I pulled the plugs
> they were way overdue for replacement.  With new plugs in (and timing
> tweaked) I'm back to what I had been getting, the high 17s to 19+ mpg.
> Now, for in city driving?  I haven't checked that recently but when I did,
> a few years ago, it was in the 13-14 mpg range.
> So my suggestions: Basic tune up, cap, rotor and plugs.  And plug wires,
> check both ends for corrosion.  Then make sure timing is where it's supposed
> to be.
> One more thing.  When, for a couple of days on a four years ago, I had to
> drive with the O2 sensor disconnected, I got about 13-14 mpg on that tank.
> Not saying a bad O2 sensor just that that is what I got with the O2 sensor
> unplugged.
>