Dear Tom and Ray:

I have a 1989 Ford Ranger with a 2.3 liter engine and a five-speed manual transmission. I used to get between 23 and 29 miles to the gallon. However, in the space of less than a month, the mileage has dropped to between 16 and 18 mpg. My mechanic has checked all of the basics -- timing, plugs, filters, electronics -- and everything appears to be fine. Any ideas on where else to look? -- Steve

Tom: Check the thermostat, Steve. Ford thermostats are notorious for failing, and that would definitely explain your drop in mileage.

Ray: If the thermostat is not closing, the engine will never get up to operating temperature. And if it's running cool, it'll be running inefficiently and your mileage will suffer.

Tom: I don't know why Ford thermostats keep failing, but it's almost a joke at the shop. Some guy comes in with a Ford and he wants new tires. We write up the work order as "new tires and a thermostat." A woman brings a Ford in for an oil change. We write down "oil change and a thermostat."

Ray: Some guy in a Ford stopped to ask directions the other day, and we changed his thermostat, too.

What's the best way to warm up your engine in the morning? Find out by ordering Tom and Ray's pamphlet "Ten Ways You May Be Ruining Your Car Without Even Knowing It!" To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

© 1999 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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