Hi this is my first post but have owned my hiace for sixteen years and has been a good van but has always had very bad economy witch has just got worse of time. at the moment i am lucky to get 350kms to a tank but have noticed the smell of petrol after turning it off and gets alot of pressure build up in the tank and have been told that it might have a blocked pressure valve just wondering if anyone has has simular problems. also is their any easy modifications to improve economy. ps engine is 1rz carburtor 1990 jap import (IMG:style_emoticons/default/57.gif)

YOu didn't mention how much mileage you have on the truck or if you've had major servicing done on it recently. Those things can factor in.

sorry its done 140,000 kms and i got it a 11,000, i had the head gasket done about a year ago after spliting a radiator hose and cooking it but no diferance in fuel economy after that. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/gunsmilie.gif)

Scratching my head here ...but if it's been suggested that it might be a valve that's blocked, I'd look in to that first.

Yeah im looking into the possible blocked valve it at the moment but thats only the tip of the iceburg its always had bad economy does anyone have the same engine to compare milage. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/57.gif)

HEY im from australia and im looking at buying a hiace supercustom 2wd 1989 petrol 1RZ fuel injected model just wondering if you thought the fuel injected engines were much cheaper to run than the carbie model.....

Petrol injected engines will always be cheaper to run than carbs.

Fuel is metered in exact amounts and any unused fuel is returned to the tank.

With carbs, it just squirts fuel in and hopes for the best!

Well, that's a bit of a generalisation, but you get the idea.

For the original poster, if you are experiencing poor economy, start with basic things like:

1. Correct tyre pressure
2. Clean or replace spark plugs.
3. Clean or replace the air and fuel filters.
4. Make sure your brakes are not dragging.
5. Check the front wheel alignment. Poorly aligned wheels can increase fuel consumption dramatically.

Cheers guys!!!!!!!!!!! Well if my mechanic gives it the all clear ill have it on friday!!!!!! "exited"......