fuel problem

[midnight buffalo]

hi all
i have a 1988 ford transit minibus with a 2.0 pinto engine
i,m only getting 10mpg and i was wondering how you would go about setting the carb up to get more mpg is this possible
and have you ant tips?
the van has only done 76,000 from new.

[Retrohowla]

Ive always found a darn good service always improves mpg, new plugs, cap, leads, oil, oil filter AND air filter has resulted in dramatically improved mpg for me in the past

[diesel210271]

Setting up a carb on a pinto should be straightforward enough. For rule of thumb (and this applies to most carb'd engines, screw in the idle screw 2 turns, then when idling (faster than normal - 2k+ rpm), turn the mixture screw back (anti clockwise) until the engine starts to vibrate more than usual. Then turn the mixture screw 1/2 turn clockwise and reduce the idle speed screw (back to normal idle). This is all presuming that the jets and needle are in good condition.
The best and most accurate method though is run the vehicle on a gas analyser and use the readings to adjust manually to meet (or better) the emissions levels for MOT.
Pinto engines run better in Sierra's and cortina's though.
Why not consider converting the vehicle to a good Turbo'd Diesel.

Afterthought: look at fuel delivery. Are you getting enough pressure? Fuel filters (Mind there is one in the tank usually that is overlooked), Fuel pump - is the diaphragm leaking and loosing pressure, and is the engine breathing air well (air filter). A full and proper service (not one of those fast fit places oil and filter changes service).
Does the engine sound rattly? badly adjusted tappets can affect both fuel / air flow and exhaust venting.

Hope some of this helps.

[midnight buffalo]

cheers mate i,ll give that a try

i am going to change tthe engine to a diesel when i can find a low milage one
the petrol engine thats in it is the 205 and only done 76,000 from new i have most of the old mot papers with it and she runs perfect with no rattles or knocks realy smooth