1998 Buick Lesabre Sending unit replaced

1998 BUICK LESABRE
150,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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JJAAWW22
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I had the sending unit in the fuel tank and fuel filter replaced do to the sending unit leaking. Ever since the gas mileage seems to have dropped off by 5 miles per gallon. I have checked this three times since the replacement of the sending unit and the fuel filter. Each time the mileage performance has suffered. My local mechanic has no idea why! Any suggestions?
Dec 18, 2008 at 11:45 AM
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DENNYP
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How are you checking the fuel mileage? The repair should not have done anything to change the fuel economy.
Dec 23, 2008 at 4:34 PM
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JJAAWW22
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Setting the trip odometer after fill up and keeping track of the gallons put in the fuel tank.
Dec 24, 2008 at 4:58 AM
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DENNYP
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Ok, you are checking it properly. It amazes me sometimes that people don't check the fuel economy the correct way. The next step is to check the tire size on the vehicle. Compare the size to the size listed on the sticker in the driver door jam. When you open the door, it should be near the latch area of the door. (example P215/75/R15)
Also, have you noticed any excessive cranking times when starting the engine?
Dec 24, 2008 at 7:11 PM
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JJAAWW22
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My son seams to think there is some extra cranking time but I am not sure there is. The car runs fine other than the gas mileage. Could the fuel regulator be causing a problem. I know there was a recall a while back concerning the fuel regulator leaking.
Jan 8, 2009 at 12:59 PM
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DENNYP
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Yes, if it has a long crank time, the fuel pressure regulator could be the fault. Turn the key on and off a few times, then remove the rubber vacuum hose from the regulator. If you see fuel, it's bad.
Jan 9, 2009 at 11:46 AM