Back around 2005, I got a 3.5 V8 Discovery 1. I had it LPG converted (in Poland) because, even back then, around 12mpg was sucking the bank account dry quicker than a family holiday at Disneyland Paris.
But I liked the motor. Apart from it’s little niggles. (uh, Land Rovers?!)
The LPG conversion had the effect of almost doubling the economy (LPG was around half that of Petrol at the time). And it didn’t mess with the performance much, either.
I was told, by the LGP installer, you lose about 10% real economy and power from a gas conversion.
Charging across Germany at 100+ mph proves otherwise.
The worst part – in my humble but accurate opinion – wasn’t the crappy economy, it was the ZF auto box.
That thing sucked the power right out of it. After a few years of suffering, it was converted to manual and was far more driveable.
Fast forward to today, and Lucky – my Discovery 2 – is also wearing a ZF auto box.
I wasn’t specifically looking for a manual or auto box either way. Lucky came up for sale and I grabbed him.
But (there’s always a but, right?)…
….23 mpg average isn’t doing much for my pocket. It’s a far cry from my previous daily driver at 40mpg.
I wasn’t expecting excellent MPG. But 23’s a kick in the teeth because I was hoping to be somewhere nearer 30mpg.
(how does a newer engine, the Td5, get less economy than the older engines, 200 Tdi?)
So with this in mind, anything I can do to increase fuel economy’s explored with gusto.
And I came across a thing called a “MAP Sensor”. It’s not something I’ve heard of before, or am familiar with. But investigations reveal it could kill the economy quicker than a government budget statement.
So a quick recce reveals it’s a cinch to whip out and either clean or replace.
3 bolts on the top engine cover. A couple of bolts on the MAP sensor. And gently wiggle it out to reveal this…
Yep. That needs cleaning.
I read you should use Carb cleaner. We’ve always got brake and clutch cleaner on the shelf but not usually carb cleaner.
Luckily I found a random can tucked at the back of a shelf.
10 minutes later, after a good spray and a good rub, the MAP sensor looks like this…
Another 10 minutes later, it’s back in place, the bonnet’s down, and I’m slurping a cup of tea.
As for whether the economy’s increased, the jury’s still out on that one. But, if the economy’s still as flat as a hedgehog who lost at a game of chicken, at least it wont be because the MAP sensor’s all gunged up.
Job done. Onto the next one.
Old Landys Rule!
Phil.