And now all of the sudden I can post "having" just fine.. <sigh>

 

?

 

I think you have the right idea on not having the mech do the MAF and the O2 sensors right away (although I don't know how he quoted you only $800 for new O2s and a MAF sensor, that is super cheap) Although, I doubt the items he is servicing are going to fix your problem. Give it a tank of gas after your service, but I imagine you are going to be posting back here still looking for an answer. Then you can do MAF and O2. Also, don't pay that guy to do it, the MAF is a piece of cake, it sits right on top of the engine inline with the hose going to the airbox. The O2s will be more work, but I'm sure you can handle it, there are a few decent DIY guides to help you.

 

It is very easy to drop these cars down to 16mpg, but driving conservatively you should get at least 18 even around city, Try cleaning your mass air sensor before replacing it, check your tbb, clean your throttle body, and get that service done, maybe run some fuel system cleaner. The reason i say clean your MAF is that I noticed you had a KN drop in filter, these filters have oil that could be caking on the sensor which is only a few inches back in the intake plumbing,, good luck

 

Oh, forgot to mention. Pick up a can of 44K, its a fuel system cleaner made by BG. Yes, it's expensive ($20 or more) but it works very well. IMO, if you put anything else (besides gas) in your gas tank, it's prolly a waste of money. If you're on a budget, you can pick up a can of Seafoam which is decent, but 44K is still the king.

 

Ok.. I did the service.. oil filter, spark plugs, cleaned fuel injectors, oil change, timing belt, thermostat, water pump, valve cover gasket, put in a bottle of 44K.. We'll see if there is any improvement.. i'll post back here in a couple of days..

The mechanic pissed me off though.. Took out my brand new K&N air filter and replaced it with a stock one (and of course charged me for the new filter).. When I asked him about it, it was his opinion that the stock filter was better..

So I went home and put my K&N back in..

How difficult is it to clean the sensor? Keep in mind I have little to no experience and have limited tools at my disposal..

 

yeah it is not to hard just take your time with the MAF, as for the o2 vast is the cheapest place to get them and you can do that also with some friends. Be lucky that you dont have my friends 67 gto that gets 5 mpg hahaha but sounds sooo nice.

 

you can dip your MAS in the highest concentrate alcohol you can find. (93% at walmart i think) Then blow dry. Takes a minute. If it is caked with oil, I mean. Don't do it too often because alcohol can eat aluminum after extended exposure.

 

16mpg? Welcome to my world! And that's on a good week...

 

Yes.. well your S4 is not a B5..:P