All is sorted out as I last reported to you. No codes, car is running beautifully after installing the new OEM 02 sensor. What is perplexing now is that I am only getting 26mpg with the 5-speed 1.5 liter. I can't tell you how disappointing this is, especially since I was getting 32mpg with the 1.6 liter automatic before the swap! I am having a hard time believing that this is correct though, as the car is running simply perfectly. I advanced the timing a little to squeak some more, but I don't really like coming off of the optimized settings. Therefore I have some questions:

The EX has 14 in tires and the LX (donor car) had 13 in tires. I know from my pickup truck that larger tires will make a difference, but only about a 10% speed difference if I remember correctly. Where is the pickup gear for the odometer? Will it be greatly off as a result of the swap? Could I actually be logging many more miles than I think and therefore be getting confused when calculating the mpg? I was getting between 34 and 37 before the wreck. Any help is appreciated.

Ed
Dallas, Tx

 

Drive about 10 miles on the interstate (stay in one lane the whole way) and compare your odometer to the mile posts.

I don't think that will be enough to explain the difference you're seeing though. A 65R14 tire is about the same outer diameter as 75R13 used on the DX.

 

Thanks MK. My car was pinging so I went to reset the timing but this time used a light. I had assumed that the timing was set after the engine swap. Question: With jumper in place I cannot get the white/red marks to the pointer even in full retard on distributor setting. Does that signify a tooth off? Timing belt was changed on this motor just before the accident and I recall a little pinging back then but I put in mid-grade gas until I could investigate. I guess that time is now.

Ed
Dallas, Tx

 

With the jumper in place, the CEL should light up steady when you restart the engine to set the timing. If it doesn't, the ECU isn't actually in test mode.

There are two possibilities for not being able to reach the mark-- either the timing belt is out of time, or there is no key in the crank pulley.

 

Sounds like the mechanical timing is off by a tooth.

 

Verified that the CEL was illuminated when the jumper was in place, thanks MK. Ron, I suspect that the mechanical timing is off by a tooth. I will get this squared away and report back. Hopefully, this has all to do with my poor mileage.

All the best,

Ed