ok my first question is what kind of solvent do i use to clean my crank filter?

the second is what could be the reason my truck is using up more gas than it should, 318, 5 speed, about 150000 on it, new plugs.

 

Not sure what you mean by "crank filter" unless you mean the PCV, in which case you replace it.

For MPG's, what are you getting? 12-14 is pretty good for that truck. Make sure your tires are properly inflated, air filter good, and keep your foot out of it as much as possible.
Synthetic lube in the gearbox and differentials will help some too.
I have a line on an '85 parts truck if you need anything.

 

do you think it could be my cat too, its stock from what i know, everything in or on the truck is stock. i just got the truck not even a month ago.and the crank filter is the crank case breather filter, that little crome breather on the right valve cover. p.s. i get about 10 mpg if that, its bad.

 

I don't think those breathers are too much $$, NAPA, carquest, etc., have 'em.

When my cat plugged, the truck would not accelerate at all. The only way to get up to35 mph (max speed) was to let it idle in drive, touch the throttle and it died.
Really 10 in the cold winter weather isn't too bad, they all lose a few mpg's in the winter, due to anti icing fuel additives. Whats your tire pressure?

 

1) im getting like 9 and shes only a 2 wheel (but i prolly need a tuneup)

2) do you have emissions? if it passed them then the cat may not be the issue
if youre worried about the cat and you dont have emissions pull it off (or new one is only like 60 on ebay, which is cheap peace of
mind)

3) if youre worried do the usual checks of air filter, oil, and like racer9 says tires. ive been thinkin about getting a block heater but winters just ending!

 

Fuel filter and o2 sensor are two items that can cause poor economy without obviously effecting the running and not setting off a light.
Plus the usual tuneup stuff,tire pressure,warmup time,heavy foot.

 

see ive often wondered about o2 sensor and the check engine light...i figured it would set the light off....ive got 160,000 kilomtersb (100,000miles)and no light. i was gonna go ahead and change the o2 sensor anyhow but the cheapest i can find it locally is 90 bucks, so i figured if no light then no change...
i guess ill just suck it up and change it

 

im not sure what my tire pressure is, but i just got new tires put on so im sure the pressure is fine. i was thinkin it might be my cat cuz when i rev it up a little or let it coast in a gear the exhaust pops like crazy. im taking it real easy on the truck cuz of the milage on the engine, so im not to much of a lead foot. i dont put anti-icing additives inwith the gas,so it cant be that. iwanted tosee what the main reason i could be gettin bad mpg before i just go and replace my cat, im a little low on cash, like most people. what do you guys think wouldbe best todo first to try and improve my mpg?

thanks guys

-Russ

 

Check that tire pressure!!!!! Never assume someone else has done a job thoroughly or properly. They might have it at 22psi to give a good ride. Put it at 35psi for easier rolling. If the cat was plugged it wouldn't let anything through, including backfires. If you're really worried about it just pull the pipe apart and ram a bar through it and clean it out. Wear some type of nose and eye protection.
Oh yeah, the oil companies add the anti icing agents, so you have them whether you want them or not.
What fuel are you using? Kwik Fill and Country Fair seem to always give me trouble, I like Shell or Marathon.
One other little bit of advice I learned the hard way.
ALWAYS fix/replace the cheap, easy stuff first.

 

If you open up your cat(not that cat,the catalatic converter),only open a hole the size of your exhaust pipe,not the whole internal.