New to me 2000 Tahoe, got some questions

[Mikes Tahoe]

Hey guys, just bought a new tahoe, Ive been really into jeeps for most of my life, and finally decided to get a tow rig for my offroad only jeep, as well as a roadtrip vehicle/ daily driver. so I just bought a 2000 tahoe with 113k on it.

It is the new body style with the 5.3 and my personal favorite feature, the front bench seat. I have a couple questions on this thing.

First, I bought it knowing it had a problem with the belt, something is squeeking pretty badly, thought it was the idler pulley, but replaced it and found it wasn't it. Now Im thinking alternator.

Next is fuel mileage, now don't get me wrong, Im not expecting anything great out of this thing, but out of the first few tanks I've put through it Im averaging 220 to 260 miles to a tank. Im not sure how big the tank is, but that seems like even worse mileage than it should be. (If its an 18 gallon tank, thats like 12 to 14 mpg)

Also, the acceleration while being adequate seems like something is holding it back. like the pedal is difficult to hold down.

Any ideas on any of these problems, Im thinking the alternator may be bad, and is not spinning very freely, which may be making the motor work harder. any suggestions?

 

[DarkTahoe00]

Welcome to the forum. Well I have 00 Hoe as well and try to answer your questions. First these trucks for most part have 26 gal tank on them, and the the mpg are on the average 12-15 the newer models get a little better mpg's.You could try the tension pulley as might be well. You also could check the throttle cable to see if it is binding somewhere or if it is bad,but the gas pedals at least mine are a little firm but not like hard to press or anything,GM is little different when it comes to certain things Vs others like going to a car or a small suv to full size truck or suv. Also have your alternator checked to see if its working properly. Hope this helps some.

 

[Mikes Tahoe]

I do not think I have the 26 gallon tank, If I did I would be around 10 mpg. And thats on the highway. what would be the first thing you guys would check to improve mileage a bit.

 

[DarkTahoe00]

How many gals does it take to fill from empty? You could try cleaning the Throttle Body, Sea Foaming a new fuel filter and a good quality air filter like AEM or K&N and changing your oil over to synthetic oil spark plugs and wires basically a really good tune up will help out alot.