Horrible fuel mileage, it doesn’t matter what I run 87 or E85 it’s 10.3-10.6?

Tiny
CCALE04
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 243,000 MILES
I drive the SUV listed above that I have been working out of for the last 2 years. When I first bought the truck 10 years ago my average MPG city highway mix was always around 15-16 on reg 87 and 12.5-13 on E85. Now for some reason it doesn’t matter what I run 87 or E85 it’s 10.3-10.6. Should I not get better mileage all together and should it not be better on 87? When I first started using it for work, I was at least averaging 13-14. In the last 2 months I’ve replaced all 4 O2’s (checked them and fuel trims with a scanner and they seem to be working), 4 new stock size tires, plugs, wires, heads due to a crack in the #5 cylinder causing low compression, all new upper gaskets, water pump, fan clutch, thermostat, temp sensor, full front suspension, brakes, rotors, hub assemblies, regular oil changes, new air filter, and I’m sure there is more. I know most of that doesn’t matter but just covering every single base. Any help would be appreciated, I can’t afford another car right now, and I also can’t afford to be filling up every day or two. Thanks again.
Saturday, October 1st, 2022 AT 6:40 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,326 POSTS
Yep, if the engine is running okay you should replace the MAF sensor, don't try to clean it because it won't work, you need a new one. Also did you use AC Delco parts on the spark plugs O2 sensor and plug wires? If not, this will affect the mileage and engine power as well. Especially the spark plugs. Here is the MAF sensor location so you can change it out. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Saturday, October 1st, 2022 AT 11:39 AM
Tiny
CCALE04
  • MEMBER
  • 21 POSTS
The plugs and wires are AC Delco, the O2’s were Bosch it’s all O'Reilly's had at the time in stock. I will try that next I guess, is there a way to test if it’s bad before tossing another $150.00 at the truck?
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Saturday, October 1st, 2022 AT 12:08 PM
Tiny
CCALE04
  • MEMBER
  • 21 POSTS
Okay, another $150 just thrown at it. Replaced the MAF, baby drove all weekend for work to try and get the absolute best MPG I could get and averaged 10.3 to a gallon. Any other suggestions?
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Monday, October 3rd, 2022 AT 7:03 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 47,326 POSTS
Send the MAF sensor back and get your money. Does this truck have oversized tries? Also when you installed the plugs did you gap them? If the fuel pressure is low it can cause low mileage as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Fuel Pressure (Key ON, Engine OFF) .................... 385-425 kPa (55-62 psi)
Fuel Pressure (vin Z) .................... 335-375 kPa (48-54 psi)

The only way yot tell on the MAF is to compare readings from the old sensor to the new one.

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Monday, October 3rd, 2022 AT 5:51 PM
Tiny
CCALE04
  • MEMBER
  • 21 POSTS
No completely stock size tires that are only 3 months old and gapped plugs to.040. Fuel pressure I have not checked, nor replaced the fuel filter in around 12,000 miles so I’ll check that next.
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Monday, October 3rd, 2022 AT 6:42 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,326 POSTS
Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.
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Tuesday, October 4th, 2022 AT 2:22 PM

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