Watching fuel disappear

[soleit]

On average I'm spending $20 in fuel each 1 & 1/2 days in my 2002 Land cruiser 100 series (petrol). If I'm idling for more than about 10 seconds and I press on the accellerator just a bit, a big silvery blue cloud comes out of the exhaust. So, obviously it's burning up way too much fuel. Is it as simple to fix as the good old screws on the carb days or simply changing spark plugs (or both) or is it best left to the mechanics? In as far as level of confidence in doing it myself if spelt out for me, I'm about average. No mechanic but no dummy lol.

[oztojo]

Blue/Grey smoke usually indicates that your engine is burning motor oil. Rich fuel mixture would give you black smoke. It could be valve seals if your getting blue/grey smoke after starting the engine after it's been sitting.

There are other reasons why your motor might be burning oil too - worn rings, faulty PCV valve to name a couple.

Take it to a service centre and get them to have a look. At least then you may nail the problem down.

[soleit]

Ok, well that solves the smoke problem. Would that affect fuel consumption? I know the petrol cruisers have a reputation for being thirsty but it's just getting worse. 2 mechanics in this town and they both want to charge over $600 to change plugs telling me it's all the problem is.

[oztojo]

It depends on how worn your motor is .... how many K's has it done? and how many miles do you get for your $20 of fuel - remember that's only about 16 litres on average.

Average mileage for a new 4.5l petrol motor around town is 5k/litre or 20L/100km, and 7km/litre or 14L/100km on the highway.

So don't expect too many miles per litre out of it ... :biggrin:

Change the plugs and see if it does make a difference - I'd also be looking for another mechanic ..... there must be some one decent around that's a little fairer with his prices.