new falcon owner needs info

[Dick A Mckinley]

I recently bought a 1963 falcon station wagon with a 170 the car is in good shape and i am really enjoying it. The only issue at this point is the gas mileage, i was expecting 18-20 with this small of an engine however i am only getting 14-16 and sometime much worse is this normal? Any ideas of what i should be getting? Any ideas on how to get better mileage? Any advice would be appreciated. PD

[cometcougar]

I'd be interested in hearing some thoughts on this topic too, as I am experiencing similarly disappointing mileage. My guess is that my carb needs some adjusting/rebuilding, but I've not worked with mine much yet since buying it, so any ideas you have that would point me (us) in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.

[new_falcon_owner]

i get about 25 or 26mpg roughly, your wagon is HEAVY compared to mine though (62 2dr sedan, 200cid 3 speed auto). make sure its timed up, carb is set properly (no pinging under heavy load), tire pressure is even, ebrake isnt sticking, exhaust isnt stuffed or rotten or alot of bends, proper thrmostat and rad cap) over heating, under heating is the worse culprit) fuel filter isnt plugged, pvc valve is clean, air cleaner is good, list goes on....

first off id give a thorou tune-up (plugs,points,condensor, air filter,fuel filter, oil change, rad flush, adjust carb to best vaccumm), check brakes arent dragging, tire pressure. might be worth 5 or 6 more mpg if done right. but your wagon is heavy for such a small motor.

happy motoring

[Luva65wagon]

I get 25 or better in most cases. 65 Wagon with a 200 and 4 speed.

How does it run? Has it seen a tune-up lately? Automatic or manual? Brakes releasing all the way? Good tires? Inflated properly? Good compression? Lot's of things to consider...

[Sedanman]

I think a lot of it has to do with gearing - a lot of the early cars had 3.5 rear gears and a 2 speed automatic, so freeway mileage is not good because the engine's revving so much, and around town is not good because you only have two gears. Having said that, the "rebuilt" 200 in my '64 with a C-4 get's about 14mpg. With the original 170 and three on the tree, it averaged about 18mpg and got 21 mpg one time on a trip.

From what my dad has said, his 2v 289 Mustang with a 3 speed manual got about that mileage too. I've heard of some of the Ford Six guys with modified and well tuned 200's getting mid-upper 20's with a 5 speed, but many others geting in the mid teens like myself. Lastly, the log intake on our engines does not breath very well

[Dick A Mckinley]

Thanks a bunch i appreciate you time. Some of what you suggested i have done some is on my list to do. Some i haven't considered or thought of so Thanks again, i will keep you up to date on if it improves or not. I'm sure i will be back. PD