Expert: Mark Bisig - 10/30/2005

Question
I have a 1990 Chevy Astro Van with a 4.3 litre motor. I get great gas mileage (17.5 mpg city) in the summer but when it starts to get cold out the mileage drops severely. Currently avg high temp. in the mid 40's I am getting 15.5 mpg. I get 14 to 14.5 mpg December thru February here in Michigan. Is there something wrong with this motor?

Older carbureted motors could be fitted with a manual choke to help. Is there something similar that can be done to the intake system of this motor?

Answer
Hi Kirk, I had 2 Astro vans and they both did the same mileage your getting. The only thing to check is the thermostat to make sure it is not opening too soon (cold). Other than that Your doing pretty good. I now have a Jeep liberty that gets 16 at best on the highway and 15 just driving around town, my Astro was way better, hard to believe right.

Have a nice Day

Mark