So i just got an 89 iroc and one thing is i need a genral list of things to check, the last owner had the entire top end rebuilt and i dont trust the guy cause the tps was at like .37 volts! and the egr (or what i think is the egr, idk like i said im a beginner) was leaking a little bit of coolant. he also had a tune up, distributer wires plugs etc.

Also theres this fluid by the smog pump..... i have no idea what it is! but i think its low, is it important? will it effect mpg? im getting horribal mpg right now.

anything else i should check? I want to get this car running perfectly again, and i cant afford the horribal mpg! i know its not gonna get great milage but 8 is ridiclous!

Thats why i need help on figuring this out, iv messed with a few thing but to no avail so far

 

Also theres this fluid by the smog pump..... i have no idea what it is! but i think its low, is it important? will it effect mpg? im getting horribal mpg right now.
What type of fluid is it? Sound like you need a good tune-up. Check timming (6* btdc), plugs, wires, Any codes? The very first thing any car owner that plans on working on their own cars needs, Is some repair manuals, G-M (ebay), haynes, chiltons.

 

Hey, that's cool. I'm a beginner, too. I'm trying to learn something different every day.

I agree that 8 MPG is terrible for even a 350 TPI doing nothing but city driving.

Assume nothing. Despite the recent "top end rebuild" (whatever that means) treat the vehicle as if it has been completely neglected since it was built. Check everything.

We can assume the "rebuild" included a valve grind, seals, head crack and porosity checks, truing (where necessary) and assembling with new gaskets. That should have included a little work on the TPI intake in the process, but many people will take shortcuts.

First, as RR suggested, check the spark plugs, plug wires, distributor cap and rotor, base timing, and check EST function. Inspect the air filter, MAF screen condition, intake duct connections, all vacuum hoses, verify correct fluid levels, scan for error codes, verify correct fuel pressure and perform a pressure leak-down test.

clean the throttle body and IAC air passages, set the throttle minimum air position, then set the TPS (in that order). There are several posts in the archives detailing the procedures.

If the engine is running right, the brakes aren't dragging, tires are correctly inflated, and you don't have 600 pounds of amp and subs in the back, the fuel mileage should be about double what you are reporting.