DiGiTY

i only got 204 miles out of my last full tank (mostly city driving), which i think gives me around 14 mpg... does this sound right for a 1996 RL?

 

OneBadNA1NSX

I get 240 miles, mostly freeway a tank.
Everyone's milage varies.... there's nothing to be concerned about.

Milosh

I've measured my fuel consumption and results are as follows:
1. Driving at constant speed 70kmh (43mph), my car eats approximatelly 7 litres/100km (33.6 mpg)
2. Driving at 130kmh (81mph), the fuel consumption is 12 litres/100km (20mpg)
3. I drive mostly in town (speeds 40-80 kmh = 25-50mph) and I usually get average consumption about 12 litres/100km (20mpg). I usualy do more than 500km (310 miles) per a tank, mostly in town and heavy traffic.
4/ While accelerating, the fuel consumption jumps between 40-80 litres/100km (10-5 mpg).

So I think 14mpg is OK value, the A/C may sometimes take about 20% of consumption.

seamusNH

I tracked my mileage over 8 years and 200k miles on my 96 RL and it was very consistant at 21 - 22 mpg. 85% was highway driving, mostly at 70 - 80 MPH. 14 MPG seems low. Track it for a few tankfuls and if it stays that low, there may be something wrong. A misfiring coil pack would have the car running on 5 cylinders, reduce gas mileage and cause a shaking of the car when stopped, in drive and your foot on the brake...

divinchi

It sounds good, do the regular things such as changing your fuel filter, spark plugs and so on.... However, try to use the cruise control as much as possible, it does help alot, on my sedan, it was bad as far as the MPG, my coupe does alot better, and that is with a full size spare in the back. Also check out what crap you may have in the trunk, it matters believe it or not....

On my sedan Get maybe 212 to 220 70% city driving, that is with a 12inch sub in the back. with the Coupe,the best so far was 260 on a tank of gas.....

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DiGiTY

i rarely use the A/C. stuff is always in my trunk (gym bag, basketball, a small rolly suitcase or two and my laptop bag sometimes). a lil' over 3 months ago was my last oil change. i drive mainly over 84 mph, cuz i'm an idiot...

how much would more than decent spark plugs run me? can i install them myself?

from seamusNH's description, i may have a busted cylinder... only a mechanic can verify and fix that?

Ransom_nl

Google for: NGK PFR5L-11 or PK16PR-L11 , they are not crazy expensive I think

jake-1327

i use the bosch platinum +2 in mine and the car seems to love it also check all your raplaceble valves and filters, and tire preasure. also when was the last time you had your injectors cleaned? when did you last change out your spark plug cables? might not be getting enough spark. try running a fuel system/ injector cleaner through it. It could help.

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seamusNH

Digity, It is not a busted cylinder, it is the coil pack. You can replace it yourself as well as all the spark plugs. First, go to Download PDF PDFTown.com | Free Download PDF and eBook and search on "acura rl". Download the "Honda Acura 35RL" manual (it is 40+MB).

To change the spark plugs, you first remove the large gray plastic engine shield. Then you'll see the 6 coil packs that look like small black boxes. Once you remove them, you'll see the spark plug. A coil pack runs about $85 at a dealer. The challenge is to find out if you really have a coil pack problem or not.

Hrant

Need more info to make correct assessment. Go with how many gallons or liters you used and not full tank. Check your tire pressures. I have noticed when I inflate the tires to 35 psi on all four, I gain about 2 mpg on highway driving. Ambient temp also makes a difference. I agree with 21-22 mpg as the norm with mostly HWY mixed city driving. All city driving is about 17.

Mojack

What was your mileage/miles on your earlier tanks?

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DiGiTY

damn, this is a lot of info! where should i start first?

jake-1327

start from what you feel is the easiest and go from there.

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DiGiTY

i've never done any kind of work on a car except change a dome light, so i haven't the slightest clue where to begin under that hood.

maybe...:

[1] replace spark plugs (i saw a picture of one, is that it or do i have to buy a cable thingie that attaches to it or something?)

[2] replace coil pack (if i replace them and they weren't the problem and didn't need replacing, would that do anytime bad to the engine)

[3] fuel system/injector cleaner

and all this I can do all by myself if I follow that service manual?

RedLined

change fuel filter? how? it's in the gas tank. I don't know when the last time it was replaced. But do I have to pull the gas tank off to replace it?