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MG MGA - gass mileage

I was reading about gas mileage in the archives the other day. Several guys reported 28 to 30 mpg. Many were at around 26.

I am getting 17.73 mpg US gal. I checked my speedo several times with the roadside radar displays and it's spot on so the miles are correct.

I have a 3 main 1800 in my A. The head was opened up per Burgess. Stock cam. MGA carbs. After a good ride the plugs are gray or brown but not black and carboned-up so I don't think it's running rich.

Any ideas? Thanks
Fred H

Fred

From my experience on this forum I have seen some extraordinary MPG claims. We can all make a claim of 28+ based on one tank load consumed during one long drive. But to me this is meaningless, as there is too much error involved. The only way to get a true reading is over a number of refuels involving all types of driving. I have been running a refuelling database on my MGA since 28 March 2006. I have done long distances, short distances, very short distances, engine running in garage for tuning, Fuel spills, brakes binding, etc etc. My 1800 5 bearing, 5-speed with 3.9 diff has averaged out at 24.17 MPG (imperial). The last refuel showed 21.32 on one tank load of short distances. The best I have ever turned out on one tank load was on a 70mph cruise down the M6 on 30 May 2010 when I got 32.77mpg (give or take a bit). The worst I got was 15.94, although this was due partly to a sunken float!!

To anyone who claims a regular 28 to 30MPG I say show me your proof over a year or 2 of driving. My 6 year database is available for anyone to scrutinise.

Your 17.73 does seem a tadge low but not unknown. My figures were pulled down by dragging brakes for quite some time; the MC was not releasing the pressure very quickly. May be worth a check. Jack the car up, apply the brakes, release and check the wheels immediately spin freely.

Steve
Steve Gyles

To convert Steve's average it is 20.1 mp(US)g, not so far from your 17.73.

Don't confuse the speed reading on your speedo with the miles recorded, they may not be related. You need to check the odometer accuracy separately.

I don't keep accurate record like Steve and tend to pay attention only on long journeys where it is easy to get well over 30 to the imperial gallon. I also get comparatively good economy driving around here as there is very little traffic or traffic lights etc. I do compare to my 4.0 XJ8 Jag though, which has an accurate fuel consumption function on the computer. It does up to 30mpg on a run, but with short journeys etc. etc. has an overall (last reset about 18 months ago) average of 25.3. One thing I do feel is that the MGA uses much less fuel than the Jag for comparable use. Am I kidding myself, or is it that I use the Jag more for long trips so my perception is distorted?
N McGurk

My fuel consumption for a standard 1500 over the last 3,797 miles: 28.38 miles to the Imperial gallon, 23.63 miles to the US gallon. As in Steve's case, it include fuel consumed whilst "tinkering" and mishaps such as a forced 60 mile run with a blown head gasket!
Lindsay Sampford

I get approx 32 33 mph on a long leisurely run (like to Wales a few weeks ago but normally about 28-29 mpg (imperial) on my local runs around the country lanes around here.
I do use the performance and a fair bit of heavy use of the throttle goes on.

My engine is a mildly tuned 1850 3 bearing and it recently showed 103bhp at the flywheel on a dyno so I am quite happy with the mpg considering all this.

Colyn
Colyn Firth

I worked out over a 2,800 mile round trip logging all the fuel gave me around 28mpg, 1800cc 3.9 diff 5 speed box
Vin Rafter

I have two restored 1600's (coupe and roadster), both completely standard and original, and on a trip to Tasmania for an MG National Meeting some years ago both cars returned over 30 mpg. We drove fairly gently (I had loaned the coupe to an elderly English couple who were our friends).
Barry Bahnisch

We need to be clear about the gallons here too.

I get an average of
11.5 litres/10km,
24.5 miles / imperial gallon,
20.5 miles / us gallon

Factoring the Supercharger and a lead foot into the equation, I can easily believe a 32 MPG for a standard 1500 driven gently in flat countryside.

On a warmed up MGB engine, I don't think you are too bad, but you will get a more informed reply on the MGB BBS or a reach in the MGB archive.

The daily driver does an average 47 miles / US gallon, (55 MPG imperial) which makes me bewildered about the apparent acceptance part of us consumers to buy cars that only do half that!
dominic clancy

I have followed Dominic and i can vouch for his lead foot,
Vin Rafter

Dominic, what's your daily driver?
Art Pearse

Art
2 litre turbo diesel Fiat Grande Punto - fast and economical, about the same size as a VW Golf.

The newest BMW1 and Ford Focus, VWs do even better, and the Ford S-Max 7 seater does just as well on a petrol / gas engine. Hence my bewilderment at the apparent inability of the NA motor manufacturers to deliver similar performance for its customers. Service Intervals / oil changes are also 20k miles or even longer

Dominic
dominic clancy

Just got back from a 600 mile round trip to Cumbria in my Mk II coupe. Driving relaxed at 55 - 60 mph. Fuel consumption 32 mpg. I would expect to get much less on normal driving.
M Hooper

Last month - during the hot weather (so better mpg) - I did 700 miles up to Cumbria and back - in my MGBGT, overdrive, 123 dizzy, P Burgess Econotune head. Motorway (65-70mph) and A-road (60 where possible) gave almost 38mpg. Overall, including Hardknott, Wrynose and Honister passes I got almost 35mpg (Imperial gallons).
Geoff Ev

Using Steve's spreadsheet over the last 3 years my average is 27.5 mpg with mixed all year round town & country driving.
Cam Cunningham

Oh - forgot to add that mine has the original 1600 engine and carbs but with K&N filters ( and Steve's stub stacks)
Cam Cunningham

Steve
I have used your fuel calculator for the last 4 years and my current average is 28.75 imperial the range varies from 22.4-34.5
my A MK2 coupe is standard 1622 with K&Ns 123 distrubutor and mild cam
Paul
P D Camp

Steve - I agree with your view about keeping a record of fuel consumption. I did this with my B over a number of years and found the mpg varied from 22 to 42 (average 29.5 for a standard 1800 GB series engine). It seemed to me a good way of keeping track of the general state of health of the engine etc.
Regards
Richard
Richard Atkinson

This thread was discussed between 22/06/2012 and 25/06/2012

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