Have you had your vehicle a while and the mileage has dropped, or has it always been this low?

I would check the odo with a GPS if you have/can borrow one.

Also check to see if any brakes (including parking) are dragging.

Get your tires up to near max pressure, or as high as your spine will allow.

If you had an oil analysis done, you could see if you have some fuel dilution which may indicate a leaking injector (don't let 240Joe know you wasted money on an oil analysis though ).

Drive like there is an egg between your foot and the pedals!


Tim

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2009 VW TDI Jetta Sportwagon 172k miles (rear-ended harder than Elton John on 8/4/13. Total loss)

1991 Volvo 240 142k miles (T-boned by a stop sign runner. Total loss)

Always been this low since buying the car. I'll have to check brakes, thanks. Tires are already maximally inflated. Oil analysis, is another option to explore... as is checking the odo... I drive like "a little old man."

Thanks,
Rino

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1979 240D, W123, 105K miles, stick, white w/ tan interior.

These are older engines that deserve a tuneup. Many have not been done for almost forever. Basic tuneup includes valve clearance check, amount of timing chain stretch present as it affects injector pump and cam timing and the injector timing itself.
If the above items do not increase milage then perhaps an injector check is in order.
Even if it does not land up increasing milage you have the peace of mind your engine is not going to self destruct. The archives have many good guides to follow as well. Plus deisel giants helpful suggestions. Plus the help available on site. Hundreds if not thousands of these cars owners have done it before.

Oh yeah, I forgot about the valve. Try adjusting them. That might help.

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Definitely an anomaly with your mileage... my 240 D mileage has ranged from 28 -32 mpg since 1982. It is usually on the lower range when traveling the hills, city streets and during the winter. Open Highway mileage normally around 30 (or perhaps a little lower in the winter).

Suggest changing the air filter more frequently and adjusting the valves and injector timing. Also consider checking and if necessary, changing the timing chain + tensioner + guide rails.

Perhaps you have a leaky fuel line or return hose??

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Bama1


2008 SLK 280, Firemist Red - "Hurricane"
2001 F150 Lariat 4x4, Black on Black - "Badboy"
1982 240D 4 speed survivor -"Pearl" - Donated to Vietnam Veterans
1962 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 -"Gertrude"

1954 model original owner - ~2.5M
Gray softtop/solid exterior/modified chassis