Can such a simple problem really effect fuel economy?

[FirebirdHatesRice]

Over the week, I took out my SLP filters, cleaned and reoiled them. I was getting ready to drive today when I realized the weep hole on my water pump was really dripping like crazy. So I went out and bought a new water pump. Here's the thing. I used to get about 220 miles to a tank if I was lucky. As of now, I've got 220 miles on the odometer and 3/4 OF A TANK OF GAS LEFT! Could the air filter/water pump combo really have made that much of a difference?

[Die Ford V8]

i have heard of water pumps being an issue before and yes a bad filter can kill your mileage,

BTW do you think our tanks are about half full when it says 3/4 because my last 3/4 goes pretty quick

[FirebirdHatesRice]

I'd say they're easily about half full at 3/4. The last time I just tried something, I got gas right after the needle dropped below "F" (which is about 100 or so miles on my car) and it took about 8.5 gallons. Considering we've got 15.5 gallon tanks, I'd say they really should have made a better gas tank. I absolutely hate the fact that you hit the brake and the needle drops from "F" to 1/2 tank then back up again, it's just annoying more than anything.

[HeadyFirebird'00]

I hear ya. I had my water pump replaced and my gas milage increased some, but not a whopping 220 with 3/4 left. Thats incredible gas milage.

[FirebirdHatesRice]

Seems to be dropping steady now. I'm at around 235 and I'm now reading a half tank. Maybe I'm just getting worked up over nothing, I normally get 220 per tank with mostly city driving. So far, with mostly highway mileage and some city driving...I'm getting this excellent mileage. Maybe my highway economy is just alot better than city...

[Distephano]

If I remember right, the first 2/3 of my gas guage lasts nearly 300 miles. Then that last 1/3 of the guage lasts like, 50 miles, tops.

I usually get 27-30mpg, with a combo of 70% Highway and 30% city driving.

Man, its been such a long time since I've driven my car. I can't wait to get it all put back together.

[Guest]

How do you know if you pumps bad? With my luck I am sure it is like my MAF, my CAT, my Brake Rotors, my Power Steering Pump, my AC Compressor Clutch, my Horn.....ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh