So I finally got my car to the dealer, and they told me that I need a De-Carbon, Valve Adjustment, and a new purge control solenoid (sp?)

They said it was mainly the purge thing causing my bad mpg, does that sound right?

I was quoted 375 for...

Oil Change
Valve Adjustment
Engine De-Carbon
Replace Cap&rotor
and Replace Purge thingy

does that sound a little high or no?

 

It is high enough, but not unreasonable from a dealer. I have just paid $120 for valve adjustment.

 

you sure that purge thingy isn't the PCV valve?
If so yes that list could cause slightly lower MPG. But no dramatic change

 

The solenoid they got was the wrong one, so I have to wait a week to get that done.

They are only charging me $200 for the Valve Adjustment, Oil Change, and De-Carbon of intake and upper engine or something. Then $165 for the Solenoid when they get the right one.

 

Hmm okay well I took my car to another mechanic for a second oponion, he actually showed me what the Purge Control Solenoid was, the other mechanic told me it was getting too hot and wasnt working correctly, I drove my car for an hour and brought it back there, and it was hot, but not any hotter than it should be, i mean it has hot air coming out of it!

 

the purge control is going to get hot. if it were bad it would set a DTC.

 

Yeah I figured I would get a Check Engine Light or something. I am still unsure of why my MPG had been so bad latley, I think its just an old car and it eats up gas. I get about 20-22 and I do 80% city driving.

 

wait a minute, i maight be getting this just from context, but isnt a PCV valve some little thingy that goes on the valve cover and attaches with a short length of hose to the intake pipe (CAI or SRI or OE intake),
and the PCV costs a few bucks, and itll get me a little better gas mileage???

 

That's about the milage I am getting in similar city driving conditions. What was your milage beforehand?

 

I used to get 27-32ish, I am only getting 22ish now. I decided not to get the purge control thingy, 300ish after labor is NOT worth it. Ill live with the bad gas MPG.