Low MPG in '91 DX

[Scott479]

I have a '91 with 145,000, my dad has a '90 with 75,000. He get 38+ I get 28 mpg.

My plugs and leads, ignitor, fuel and air filter are new, where should I look next for the gas hog? I recall having a vacuum gauge will help in isolating some parts failures in fuel delivery?

[ChrisS]

Some of the gas mileage depends on how (smooth easy stops and starts, jackrabbit stops and starts) and where (stop&go city, highway) you drive.

Things to check:
-timing to spec
-plugs gapped correctly
-valve clearances correct
-how's the fuel/air mixture (lean or rich; black tail pipe can mean too rich)

[Scott479]

Timing/gaps are good, will check the tailpipe soot. The valves I don't know about right now.