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Old 11-13-2012, 02:22 PM   #1
springerpete
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Smile gas mileage

Hope this is not beating a dead horse but........ what kind of mileage is expected from a 29 roadster assuming all is correctly adjusted on the car ? Currently, I am getting 14 mpg when out "cruising" limiting my speed to a max of 40-45 mph when on the good roads and a lot less on the hilly, curvy stuff. Spark lever fully advanced with regular (too expensive) gas. Thanks for your input.
Bye the way, never knew there were so many different levels of performance from turn signal flasher cans. After trying 4, all 6 v, I got one to work. Previous, they all flashed way too fast. All lights are bulbs, no lcd's. Live and learn.
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Old 11-13-2012, 02:28 PM   #2
JoeWay
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Default Re: gas mileage

When cruising with the club at 45-50 mph in our '29 Tudor, I usually get around 18-19 mpg.

I'd say your carb needs some work.

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Old 11-13-2012, 03:32 PM   #3
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Default Re: gas mileage

My Model A's all get close to the same. When on the highway to the cottage at 40 MPH I get 20 miles per gallon. In the city ( start - stop ) I get about 14. My Roadsters get a couple less than my closed cars. For 4 or 5 tankfulls a summer not worth trying to improve on !
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Old 11-13-2012, 03:35 PM   #4
Tom Wesenberg
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Default Re: gas mileage

I agree with Joe. When I drove 250 miles at 43 to 47 MPH with about 5 or 6 stops I got 22 MPG with my 28 Phaeton all stock. Driving around MPLS with all the stops I get more like 16 to 17 MPG tops.

Years ago the flashers were USA made and better quality. They came standard for just car lights, or heavy duty for a car and trailer. Hard to know what quality you wind up with today, but you should be able to find good used ones at a junk yard. Some of the better yards still have some 6 volt cars and trucks in them.
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Old 11-13-2012, 04:15 PM   #5
Kurt in NJ
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Default Re: gas mileage

I get in the 20s, local driving,don't keep close track of it but figuring where I have driven and how much spent for fuel--20$, 100 or so miles, on a long trip i averaged 23mpg driving 60-65(1000 mile average) ---stock engine except for "B" cam, 3:78 rear no overdrive ----I do run somewhat lean, plugs burn closer to white than tan
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Old 11-13-2012, 05:36 PM   #6
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Old 11-13-2012, 07:09 PM   #7
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Default Re: gas mileage

Let's put this in perspective, in 28-31, gas was nine cents a gallon and there was no EPA or CAFE!
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Old 11-13-2012, 07:23 PM   #8
lindy williams
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Try adjusting your choke rod leaner. I think you should get 2-3 more miles per gallon based on my 30 year + experience.
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Old 11-13-2012, 08:04 PM   #9
Glenn Thoreson
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Default Re: gas mileage

'30 Tudor, I get 20 - 25 MPG at 40-45 depending on conditions. Flat, hilly, steep, wind, no wind, phase of the moon, everything seems to make a difference with these things. I run pretty lean on the road, with the carb adjustment closed or nearly so.
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Old 11-13-2012, 09:50 PM   #10
pat in Santa Cruz
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Default Re: gas mileage

I get 20 on the highway cruising at 48-55 mph in my slant window sedan. Back in the days before ethanol, my friends roadster pickup got 24 and my 29 coupe got 22. The woody gets 18-19 on today's corn gas junk.
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Old 11-13-2012, 11:01 PM   #11
JtownJoe
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Default Re: gas mileage

I'v tried every updraft carb & tune up possible & still only get about 15-16 MPG, even with a F-150 overdrive conversion, but even if I could get 20 it would probably be worth about $100. a season in gas either way so does it really matter? I usually put on between 2 & 3,000 miles all year.
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Old 11-13-2012, 11:22 PM   #12
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Default Re: gas mileage

In my Phaeton I can do about 20-22 if I keep my speed around 45...if I do 50-55 then it's about 18 MPG. It's been pretty consistent.
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Old 11-14-2012, 12:55 AM   #13
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Default Re: gas mileage

Run the spark about half to 3/4 advance. It may not improve your mileage but your engine will be happier, assuming the timing is correct, witch may also be an issue affecting mileage.
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Old 11-14-2012, 06:33 AM   #14
springerpete
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Default Re: gas mileage

Thanks for your input. Quite a spectrum of mileage but it appears I should be doing better. I will do some work with the choke rod adjustment. Hopefully, we will have more cruising days this fall. Bright and sunny today but only 29 right now. Just have to use a better coat, hat and gloves.
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Old 11-14-2012, 01:15 PM   #15
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Default Re: gas mileage

Some things to consider. If you have a stock head, you'll get less MPGs than the folks with high compression ones do. Also, are you sure your odometer is accurate? Could be off a bit? Additionally consider the following if checking mileage over a period of time; you have evaporation, possible weeping fuel shut off, etc which can rob a few MPGs. I have a 28 roadster with all the above as well as the low compression head and get about what you are for economy.

Last edited by tamagrouchy; 11-14-2012 at 01:16 PM. Reason: grammer fix
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