large variation in summer / winter mpg

[flapjack]

had my 1991 200TE for a year now, and, as in title, about 24 mpg at the moment but 31 in the summer. The water temp never really gets above 60 at this time of year either. Is this expected, or do I have a dodgy thermostat (or something else) ?

Thanks

jack

 

[tjo]

sould b no less than 80 degrees sounds like dodgy thermostst

 

[mercmonkey]

also you may find you are using more electricity (blower/lights/wipers/HRW etc) all can affect consumption

 

[television]

When I lived in Sweden I always had a piece of cardboard blanking part of the rad. it was there when I came back to the UK for hols, But then I drive on the instruments the whole time. The enrichment devices run longer in the winter and it is normal for the consumption to go up
Most mercs run to cold in the winter the Ideal is 90 too 100 for perfect combustion.

malcolm

 

[tom7035]

30 something per gallon is very fair for a 2 litre Merc., but would suggest changing the 'stat. 80-90 is more normal. Never blank off tne rad. to increase temp.

 

[television]

30 something per gallon is very fair for a 2 litre Merc., but would suggest changing the 'stat. 80-90 is more normal. Never blank off tne rad. to increase temp.

Radiator blinds were a standard extra in cold countries Most 123 and 124 cars had them on the front made of leather or Vynal.

Malcolm