What can i expect mpg wise for my 100,000 1.7. I have done the usual check and it is doing 26mpg or so. Is this about right or do i need to investigate further, i know they are a thirsty motor but this does seem a little low. My previous 1.7 did about 30mpg. I would be grateful for any suggestions

Last tank I did I got 200miles to £20, on straight shell 95 on a run with a 3/4 hour standstill in the middle, the tank before I got 180 to £20 of optimax, with 130 miles of that being lane driving (and not very efficient lane driving, hampshires finest, in a rally).

Has it had a service lately? Dizzy, plugs, filters and oil change?

I have changed the air filter as when i got the car it was black and clogged, it hadn't been changed for years even though the car has a fsh!. The plugs don't look to bad but i haven't had chance to gap them yet, i think i will check the history to see when oil etc was last changed it is probably due.

Check the dizzy cap and arm, 1.7's eat them quicker than 1.4's do, especially if you have halfords ones on there (pay the extra for the Volvo one, I'm a student and do ) If the air filter hadn't been done, I doubt these will have. They are a bit special to get too, but two screws are all that holds on that big black box for the fan, so take that out and you have loads of room.

Thanks for the tips will do, i changed the dizzy cap on my last 1.7 and it made quite a difference, it cost me £30 though from a local factor, (i needed one in a hurry and my nearest dealer is 25 miles away) i will see if the dealer will put one in post to me.

We had the air filter replaced last year, and it was apparently very dirty, and didn't look like it had been replaced for a very long time. There certainly seemed to be a performance increase afterwards.

How did it get dirty MJ? You'd have to drive it for that to happen

I just walked right into that one

We looked back over all the history at the time, and couldn't find reference to any new air filters :/

Looked back over history, totally pointless it is due for a oil change and pretty much everything else!. More concerning is there is no mention of a cambelt change or of the carb base mod being done, theres lots saying it needs it! it has had lots of oil changes and not alot else. Full service history really means nothing in my experience.

If you need good dizzy caps I can get them at a decent price. They come as complete kit - cap, rotor and backing plate.

They have carbon centre contacts Dai? I know Volvo 1.4 ones do, not sure if OEM 1.7 ones should. What price we talking, my dealer nearly fainted at the language I came out with when he quoted me a lil while ago...

I can't remeber for sure as i purched a few sets at the same time (I always keep stock of this kind of item). I think the kit was around £20 ish - I'll try and check tomorrow. I know they have lasted quite well - I change mine at about 10 - 15,000 as a mater of course as LPG needs a much stronger spark then petrol and realy tests the ignition system.

Yes please, where i live getting spares is a nightmare, i have one local factor to me (where i got my last cap from cap only, £30) then the nearest place is 20 miles away, normally hopeless pattern equipment, i would really appreciate it.
There should be some pictures coming soon, just need to give her a clean!

I did not get time to check the price today but will try and do it tommorow. I never relised bits like this can be hard to get.

I'll report back tomorrow evening

when I used to do my twice weekly runs to Coventry in the redline I got over 30 to the gallon , fast A road and motorway use ( up to 120mph on M6 )
servicing is the key,
oil and filter changes every 4,000 miles ,
new dizzy cap rotor arm, air filter and plugs every six months,
new leads every year, mind you I think the weber helped