Losing fuel dramatically fast

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03-19-2018, 10:58 AM

CarltheJeep

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Year: 2001

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0

Losing fuel dramatically fast

I recently just finished putting on a new 4.5” lift, got it all finished up last night. Anyways everything works and drives fine, however this morning I went to get coffe and then headed to school. But my fuel gauge went down a whole 8th if a tank in about 10 minutes. This is very unusual, even with my 32” tires it usually doesn’t blow through gas like this. Anyone know what’s going on?

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03-19-2018, 01:40 PM

craigjacob1

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Year: 1990

Engine: Renix 4.0

Make sure you have an alignment done. The extra drag on misaligned wheels could cause a loss in efficiency.

I would also recommend checking out the fuel injectors and fuel pressure regulator. Have someone rev the engine while you look for leaks. It may not be related to the lift.

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03-19-2018, 02:09 PM

mannydantyla

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Year: 1997

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0

First, check for a leak. With the engine running, look under the jeep for dripping gas or a pool of gas. Old rubber fuel lines can crack, fuel tanks can split, etc.
Next, smell the exhaust. Does it smell like unburned gasoline? Does it look like steam? Steam would be pure, unburned gasoline
- A fuel injector could be stuck open. This would probably throw a check engine light and also cause a misfire
- Fuel pressure regulator could be faulty
- Spark plugs may not be firing. That would also cause misfire and a check engine light
If the gas isn't dripping onto the ground or going out the tailpipe, then make sure your gas gauge isn't faulty
Finally, if neither of those things checks out, maybe you really are burning a massive amount of gas in the engine. Do you have a scan tool? Check the ECU/PCM's trim levels (how much fuel it let through the injectors)

[Edit] Ok, an 1/8th of a thank in 10 minutes might not be that dramatic. Poor fuel economy, yes, but it's probably not a leak. I once leaked a quarter or a tank in 5 minutes before I noticed and turned the engine off (an old chevy truck)

Last edited by mannydantyla; 03-19-2018 at 02:13 PM.

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03-19-2018, 03:45 PM

TRCM

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Year: 96 & 88 4 dr Cherokees

That does sound excessive to me...........I have 31's, and I can run ~4 hrs (240 min) on a tank of fuel @ 60 mph.

Your rate is only 80 min / tank.....that's quite a difference....yer burning ~ 3x as much fuel as me.