Dear Behram Sir,
I am from a small town in Kerala where rarely 10 % of the total car stock is FIAT/ Premier. I own a Premier Padmini of 1987. I use to take it for long drive and once I managed to drive around 400 KMs without a halt at least for a cup of tea. (Yes, certainly, that was the need for that long drive with very limited time to spare!) I remember the temperature didnot cross 80 all during the drive. It is a wonderful experience for me to take it for long drive with 4 others. In fact, my aged parents do require more leg space which is not available in my Maruti 800.
I had done a thorough welding and repainting last year spending nearly Rs 33000 for getting the RC renewed for a further period of 5 years. People around me used to make fun of my spending such a huge amount when a FIAT is available at Rs 10000!!! I am not bothered about it. Now I find that the mileage is very low. Even in my highway drive I get only 9 Kms/ L which is very low, I presume. I am planning to go for an engine reconditioning sothat I can get more fuel economy.
I shall be greatful, if you could advise me on what are the required steps to be followed to increase milage. I am prepared to spend for piston reconditioning etc. Recently after my mechanic who is a lover of vintage cars and who owns a Baleela suggested to change the carburator, I changed my Solex Crb to Pacco make one. But the desired economy is not gained. In Calicut which is around 90 Kms from my place, Kannur, a good mechanic, Mr. Marshal, is available. I propose to take my Little Gem, I have named my Premier Car as Little Gem, to him for further treatments.
In some of the postings in this site, I have come across to see that Esteem's Carborator or Mikuni's carb may be a subsitute. Shall I go for it? Please suggest. I want to keep it running at any cost but I am constrained not to compromise to fuel economy.
Regards,
Madhu.T.K |