R3mR 2.7 TD Sudden high fuel consumption

[macabethiel]

I have a 1995/6 Terrano R3mR (R50 platform) 2.7 TDi Auto with factory intercooler. I have owned the vehicle for about 18 months and it has always returned 19-23 mpg on local journey work reaching 27-28 mpg on long runs. The last two tank fulls have dipped to 9 mpg for no obvious reason. No extra smoke, performance has remained the same.

I do not know where to start with diesel engines as I have always serviced my own petrol cars for the last 40 years. Can someone tell me where to start? If anyone knows a reliable garage that specialises in this type of vehicle I would consider paying rather than DIY.

I have ruled out Diesel theft.

I live in Derby .

 

[extreme-4x4]

you have a fuel leak then id say..... check your fuel lines from the tank to engine . and inside engine bay. my pug just had a seal go and as it was always wet it didnt show up on the floor .... only notice when i left it running outside on a dry day buckets full :doh

 

[macabethiel]

Checked all fuel lines - bone dry no fuel stains on driveway. No tell tale smell either.

 

[extreme-4x4]

could be leaking only when running , leave it running on the drive for a while.

also check your tank filler hose could be rotten and leaking while you corner or something

 

[macabethiel]

Well after diagnostic check by local 4 x 4 import specialist that only cost me £25.00 they found no faults with the engine management fuel system and guess what the fuel consumption has returned to normal.

I now suspect that I was paying for air when I filled up with £55 worth of fuel !

 

[lacroupade]

Interesting, but if its only done it on that one tank of fuel, you know one garage you won't be going back to....as a matter of interest was it a national or a supermarket?

 

[ocelot]

My fuel consumption went down as well, unexplained at the time, however, I changed to another fuel station and its back to normal........

 

[macabethiel]

It was a local Shell Independent Station.

 

[briggie]

It was a local Shell Independent Station.

all ok now mate ? :thumb2

 

[macabethiel]

Yep filled up four times since and mpg back to 23 mpg on local work as per handbook for the urban cycle on r3mR Auto 2.7 TD managed 27 mpg on a long run to Chester to visit my daughter.

 

[ocelot]

It was a local Shell Independent Station.

ditto......................................