Gas Mileage, Hard Starting

[Cremator]

I have a 92 sidkick, 1.6 L, 16 valve, 4x4 4dr, automatic trans. I am getting around 21 miles per gallon. When I purchased this rig I changed wires plugs distributor and rotor. I have placed a k&n air filter on it. I am running 215 high traction tires with it. When I go to start my rig after sitting and cooling it is a little hard to start. Once it starts it idles smooth and never dies and once it runs awhile it will start fine. It runs fine but seems to lack power, however, ive never owned anything with a 4 cylinder engine, always had v-8's. Does anyone have any suggestions to help we with gas mileage and the cold start. These two things may be related, may not. Just trying to give as much info as possible. Also CEL is on. Any help is appreciated.

[eXpReSs]

How was she doing before you made the changes.

[Cremator]

I first had to change the starter. The prior owner had not kept records of any services he had preformed on it. The wires were in bad shape, original distributor and such. Did not drive it much before but best i remember it was about the same.

[eXpReSs]

If it was about the same then well keep this post alive for some of our experts to ask the questions.

[Cremator]

I checked my spark plugs today and they were ok. I attempted to change my fuel filter. It appears that it is the original one that came on the rig 16 years ago. The bolts were so tight that I could not get them off with out tearing up my lines. My rig feels that it is not getting enough fuel to the intake. Any suggestions

[jtgh]

common cause for lack of power and low economy but 21 my be good in hard city driving.

EGR valve leaking (stuck open a tad with carbon)

any vacuum leak (illegal air leaking into the induction system to right of maf)
low fuel pressure for bad pump or FP regulator.
weak MAF sensor or just dirty.


unfortunately you most add a test port to the front rail plug.
drill it out and braze or thead in a 1/8" pipe nipple to it.
then you can check rail pressure , for ever. when ever.


when going to KN did you modify anything next to the MAF sensor.
the air flow to this must be undisturbed.
on some years, there is a screen device that must be present. (air straightener it is)

I hope all you did is take off the air box and did not touch the main tube.

to right of maf means from maf all the way to the intake valves.
legal leaks are IAC , PCV. and throttle of course.

[kelikran]

I noticed you first post ended with "CEL" is on. You need to pull any codes and see what the ECM says. Read this: Blinking-Lamp

[sol_tegra]

Originally Posted by kelikran

I noticed you first post ended with "CEL" is on. You need to pull any codes and see what the ECM says. Read this: Blinking-Lamp

i agree with kelikran.....if you can pull the code this may lead you directly to your problem. your CEL is on for a reason.

[jtgh]

oops,cel is first as always.

see my cel page it tell you ifn it is real CEL or SEL nag.

click my sig link, below this word.