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Poor Fuel Consumption and Low Power

Poor fuel consumption and low power can, of course, suggest problems with the fuel or ignition systems, particularly on a low-mileage engine. On an engine with high mileage, suffering the effects of wear, low compression may be the cause.

Normal wear of the valves, piston rings, and cylinder walls decreases their ability to seal. The intake and compression of the air/fuel mixture becomes less efficient, and the engine has to work harder, using more fuel, to produce the same amount of power. Engine condition can be evaluated with a compression test. See 3.2 Diagnostic Testing.

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