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OVER CONSUMPTION

Q I have a problem with my 1992 Mini Cooper 1.3 SPi. The fuel consumption is extremely high and achieves a maximum of 23 miles per gallon. I took the car to a local garage who plugged in their diagnostic computer and it showed that the inlet air temperature sensor and the MAP sensor were not functioning properly.

I had the inlet air temperature sensor replaced and, at the same time, found out that the vacuum pipe was connected directly from the inlet manifold to the ECU, with the purge valve connection missing. I reconnected all vacuum pipes in a working order from the inlet manifold. The standard exhaust has been replaced with a performance cat-back stainless steel side exit system. I then had my car checked again.

The mechanic put the car for the CO2 emission test and the reading was OK when the car was at idle but the reading was approx 0.8 when it was at 2-3k revs. We thought that was a bit strange because we suspected it was the catalytic converter and the lambda sensor that were malfunctioning. I knew that the cat was replaced three months ago and so I assumed that it was in a working condition. So, I moved on to concentrate on the lambda sensor. A new sensor has been fited and retested — there is