Newbie, 1.6na jetta( mpg help)

[Greaser]

I just purchased my first vw diesel, I really enjoy it. I have read alot about 45-50+mpg but am not seeing that. I live in the mountains in southern WV and only seem to be getting around 35mpg. Car is a 1985 Jetta non turbo with 94k and the 5spd. The previous owner said the injectors had been rebuilt but I noticed one is sweating aroun the body. I run Valvoline full syn 10-30. Also my driving speed is usually around 70.
Any help would be greatly appreciated, I drive about 60 miles one way to where I work so it gets alot of miles put on it.

[ajt3nc]

I used to live near White Sulphur Springs.
I just went to a yard sale and bought a set of 4 new injectors and put them in the 86.
WOW.
NO Smoke and so much quiter.
If you see leakage, replace them.
Informal 3 day tests, about 10% increase in mileage.
Rebuild them with Jack's parts. They will pay for themselves.

[coke]

Make sure your tires have 35 psi and the wheels are free turning, no resistance, such as slightly engaged rear brakes, etc.

[Vincent Waldon]

I just purchased my first vw diesel, I really enjoy it. I have read alot about 45-50+mpg but am not seeing that. I live in the mountains in southern WV and only seem to be getting around 35mpg. Car is a 1985 Jetta non turbo with 94k and the 5spd. The previous owner said the injectors had been rebuilt but I noticed one is sweating aroun the body. I run Valvoline full syn 10-30. Also my driving speed is usually around 70.
Any help would be greatly appreciated, I drive about 60 miles one way to where I work so it gets alot of miles put on it.

Don't forget that you will not get great mileage in the winter... somewhere between 10-15% less at a minimum according to most people's experience.

Winter diesel has less energy, tires/bearings have much more rolling resistance, tranny/engine has more friction, etc etc etc.

Having said that:

- fresh injectors properly set at the right popping pressure
- timing correctly set
- internal pump pressure calibrated (lots of threads here on that subject)
- careful check for tight bearings, dragging brakes, etc
- newer tires with lots of air (older tires have more rolling resistance)
- backing off from 70 mph (the car has more wind resistance at 70 than 60... exponentially)

are things you can do to maximize your mileage.

[Greaser]

thanks for the info. I have already checked everything you have suggested with the exception of the pump pressure, timing and the injectors. The previous owner said the injectors were rebuilt but there is one leaking sligtly around the body. I really appreciate the help though.

[520davidb]

I noticed a slow drop in MPG but I needed a head gasket so I went and replaced the gasket and fuel lines but after the rebuild I still noticed a drop in MPG. I was disappointed in that. I wasn't until I had to fill it with diesel over b99 that I noticed the smell of diesel around the car. Ends up my Injection pump was leaking and I never noticed it until the diesel fill.

A drip anywhere can vastly reduce mileage due to the pressure of the fuel system, which can cause quite a lot of fuel to come out under driving conditions. Mine was practically spraying when it idled.