205 STDT Diesel Fuel Consumption

Right I'm back............
I'm still only getting 42mpg, I've replaced the air filter, taken it
for a blast with injector cleaner in (hardly any smoke)....
My front brakes seemed to be not releasing properly from the discs, as
with my wheels jacked up they only turned 1 or 2 revs once spinned,
I've had the front brakes overhauled and now they turn for 2 or 3 revs
once spinned but still seem to be binding slightly....
The mechanic said that sometimes the calipers can destort on diesels
which can effect the braking efficiency..... the front wheels should
spin freely, shouldn't they??
Anyone else had the same problem?
As always, any help much appreciated

 

I've got a 205 turbo diesel and over the past 5 years have averaged 49
mpg in fast driving (in a hilly area) and traffic - no long motorway
cruises. To test for binding brakes, lever the pads apart with a
screwdriver until they don't touch, then try. (And pump the pedal to get
them back BEFORE driving off!)
Suggestions for you:
1. Check front wheel tracking.
2. Check the spray pattern of the injectors.
3. Check that there are no leaks of air *into* the rubber pipe behind
the engine that connects the metal fuel pipe to the pump. A tiny air
leak will reduce the maximum pump pressure and spoil the spray pattern
as well as a worn injector would.
3. Check pump timing.
4. Replace fuel filter.
5. Are the handbrake cables sticking & keeping the rear brakes applied?
This can be intermittent, I've found.

HTH, Dave