200 temp is normal for me, 220 when im stuck and just spinning the tires and smoke/steam is pouring out the hood. well should i look into the O2 first before the much cheaper PCV?

I don't think a PCV valve will kill milage that much. I would start out with O2.

I've had the best Milage during VERY humid 40ish degree temps.

yea i think that i have a similar problem. i have a A/F gague installed on my car, and sometimes it will read normal (bounce back and forth) and other times it will just stay lean. i have scanned my car and have no codes. i have about 72,XXX of the car, I think that it is time for a new O2

I have the original O2 Sensor also.. 150k.. thing is shot to hell.. and my Fuel Economy showed it.


-justin

ok how do you install a new O2, i didnt see anythign in tech info.

Simple -get the correct 02 sensor socket (for easier install) or you can use the appropriate sized regular socket, but will need to cut the wires from the old o2.
The o2 is behind the engine in the tail of the rear exhaust manifold. Not easy to get at, but easier than the rear spark plugs. Will need at least 12 inches of extensions and possibly a breaker bar for more leverage. These can be in there pretty good -especially with 160k.

On a side note -my gas mileage in my L36 was down to around 16-18mpgs for the past 2-3 weeks, but last night when I drove to Apple Valley for the MN Bonneville Club dinner at BWW'* I managed around 23 mpg with the cruise set at 80 mph on the way home -on the way there I averaged 90-95 mph behind some truck from ND and a radar detector in the windshield with a Valentine One decal on the rear window. Was nice being behind him until I turned off in St. Augusta to meet up with CSFiend in my old 1994 SLE. I bet I would have gotten closer to 27-28 if I'd had the cruise set at 7-75 the whole time going both ways. That and all the speeding up and slowing down in the traffic on 494.

#%*$ you boneville. i spent an hour trying to get a locked up O2 out at a cocked angle. cut my palm and i might have an acute case of pneumonia. the frickin O2 socket i got was good for nothing. why cant this stuff happen in the spring?