Comments on: Why Am I Getting Bad Gas Mileage On A 1989 Ford Taurus 3.8L?

By: dave.30120

dave.30120 — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:37:05 +0000

I have never liked th 3.8 engines that was put in the Ford Taurus .. . The 3.8 in general has always been problem child for Ford ..It is very hard to diagnose a car without having seeing it in person. Some of the 3.8 engines have 24 valves in them . The model is/ws marketed as the SHO model . Replacing the sensor is a good idea . Taurus improved after the 1999 models.. Most Taurus have the 3.0 engine which is a work horse . I wish I had a better answer for you . I would try to upgrade to a newer model if you can afford one. If you get another Taurus make sure the transmission has been replaced . The Taurus is well known for transmission problems. The 1993 through 1995 where the worst model that had the most trouble in Taurus line .

By: retzy96

retzy96 — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:37:05 +0000

o2 sensors can cause bad gas mileage. replace plugs and wires also if u havn’t already done it. as far as the circuit failure it might b cheaper to replace the whole fuel pump. u can do it yourself in your driveway in a few hours..

By: B B

B B — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:37:05 +0000

First, I commend you for providing detailed information.

If in fact the O2 sensors are "detecting lean" then the response of the computer will be to send more fuel via fuel injectors operation.
The smell of unburned gas is further evidence that this could be happening.
You need to take it in to a trusted diagnostic capable shop. Fault codes only point in a direction, they are not the end of a diagnosis. The O2 sensor operation can be verified with the proper test equipment.

BTW: raw gas getting to the cat converters may lead to premature failure.

By: JAMES B

JAMES B — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:37:05 +0000

Your on the right track, I just put a bran new fuel pump assembly in my Grand Marquis 2001 and the mechanic said he put a complete assembly because even if he replaced just the pump I would be back later with leaks. He said this is a common problem with Ford fuel pump assemblies. It sounds like you are getting fuel but the return is leaking or not functioning.
Take this one to a mechanic and pay them to check it out, they will sometimes wave the this charge to complete the work for you.

By: 144289

144289 — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:37:05 +0000

Fuel mixture is mainly measured by coolant temperature, so make sure thermostat is not stuck open, usually driving down the highway in cool weather, guage should be around the center, if it stays on cold, change thermostat