I have a 97 ranger XLT, 2.3L and the fuel mileage has dropped to like 6mpg. I looked for leaks but found none. I normally get about 22. Any ideas?

https://www.ranger-forums.com/attach...1&d=1499873150

 

Neighborhood kid with siphon hose?

Odometer broken?


Engine should not run at 6MPG, it would be smoking out the tail pipe and Cats would be RED HOT trying to burn off the excess fuel

You don't mention any engine running issue so gasoline has to be leaving the fuel system prior to the fuel rail/injectors.

Could be the return line leaking but it runs next to the in coming line.

You can check the Fuel Pressure regulator's(FPR) vacuum hose, it can suck leaking fuel in to the engine but you should have CEL and Rich Codes, along with poor running
Return line attaches to the FPR

 

ALso look at your EVAP system. In my case, the valve was having a gross leak, allowing the engine to pull vapors in and send them out the tail pipe without actually burning them. Oddly, this didn't trip a CEL, but I couldn't get more than 200 MPG. A good clue is if the exhaust smells very gaseous when cold but goes away when warm. At least it was for my 99 3.0