230Te Fuel consumption

[Derm]

Hi
I have a Merc 230TE 1991. I only get 18mpg on daily 7 mile run . On a long run I did get 25Mpg. Plug electrodes are brown but tickover does seem a bit lumpy sometimes and sometimes sluggish pulling away. Is the consumption normal I had hoped to get a bit more out of it.

 

[NormanB]

It certainly is not normal.

I have had mine a long while now and consistently average 28mpg and around 32 on a long run. I know others who report better but of course driving style does play a big part.

However, unless you are driving like you stole it, you have snags.

 

[Derm]

Thanks for that. Assuming there is a problem can anybody suggest what I could check without electronic test gear. Air filter and plugs are new.

Thanks

 

[panason1c]

Have the emmissions tested, an MOT centre may do that for you for the price of a drink!

 

[NormanB]

On level ground,and using chocks - jack up each in turn to check each wheel is free to rotate - brakes binding?