Renault Clio 1 Petrol (1991 - 1998) - 98 1.2 Very high fuel consumption

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Fri 9 Oct 2009 09:28
98 1.2 Very high fuel consumption - red graham
Filled the tank to full done around 30-40 miles and when i looked at the fuel gauge it was on three quarter full. Whent and refilled and it took 12.15L to take it to full again .
Cannot see any leaks anywere or smell of petrol. I have had no problemslike this befor please can any one help.
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Fri 9 Oct 2009 21:13
98 1.2 Very high fuel consumption - sandy56
start with the basics- were you driving differently? on the motorway at higher speed than normal?
Sure you filled it to the top? did it read full? I have seen gauges move around and then settle down.
any obvious smoke from the exhaust in the mirror? any petrol smells under the bonnet?
leaks around the ignition system? puddles under the car?
if it was filled correctly and you did use that much fuel thentake it to a good garage and ask to do a check on the ignitiion system and fuelling system and tell them why.
Get a price before they start work.
If it was serviced recently take it back to the garage and complain.

I use BOSCH approved garage for such work but there are alternatives.
You cant leave it like that as apart from the cost you wont be doing the engine any good with such a rich mixture.
good luck

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Fri 9 Oct 2009 21:34
98 1.2 Very high fuel consumption - dieselbob
This level of MPG is beyond any normal engine fault, binding brake etc. I would check for leaks from fuel tank or return pipe. It could i suppose be petrol pump shutting off before tank is full on your first fill up. Top it up again and recheck MPG over similar distance after ruling out obvious leakage.
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Sat 10 Oct 2009 10:59
98 1.2 Very high fuel consumption - RichardW
This short test is not enogh to know if there is really a problem - you need to run a full tank through and see what that gives. However, Renaults of this vintage are prone to coolant temp sensor failure - does the exhaust still smell like it's running on choke when it's warmed up? If the consumption is still looking high, I'd be tempted just to change the CTS - it's cheap and easy.
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