Driving rich

[Mathizar]

Ok, i'm pretty sure my car is running rich on gas. Its white smoke coming out of the exhaust and it smells like gas. Does anyone know how to tell if it is running rich and if it is what do i have to do about it. Thanks

[superbluecivicsi]

why do you say it is running rich? white smoke occurs while driving or when starting? all exhaust fumes should smell like gas. the gasoline smelling should be a concern when you turn off the engine and you still smell it, or, while your driving and you smell it in the car.

White smoke is an indicator of running lean or just steam from the exhaust system. Black smoke is an indicator of running rich.

White spark plugs indicate lean. black indicates rich. tan/brown indicates a good mix.

If you smell gasoline, check for leakage along the lines and check the fuel components.

The best method to check mixtures is with an AF gauge on a wideband.

If you are having mixture problems on a stock vehicle, make sure your ignition timing is in specs. if that is fine, i would give the whole fuel system a check.

[Heist]

white smoke could be burning oil...

[jameskersten]

general rule of thumb.
blue = oil (pisotn rings,valve seals,etc)
white= coolant (headgasket,etc)
black=extra fuel (rich, poor tuning,etc)


there is some exceptions of course.

[Mathizar]

thanks for all the information guys. Next time i have some time i'll check everything out.

[jeffseby]

Wide band is best, but My apexi turbo timer read air/fuel ratio good enought to tell you if you are running rich or not.

[hontoy]

Originally Posted by Mathizar

Ok, i'm pretty sure my car is running rich on gas. Its white smoke coming out of the exhaust and it smells like gas. Does anyone know how to tell if it is running rich and if it is what do i have to do about it. Thanks

CHECK YOUR OXYGEN SENSOR WITH A DIGITAL VOLTMETER. CONNECT THE BLACK LEAD TO GROUND AND RED LEAD TO YOUR OXYGEN SIGNAL WIRE. RUN YOUR ENGINE AT AROUND 2000 RPM. FOR RICH FUEL MIXTURE, YOU SHOULD GET FLACTUATING VOLTAGE READING AROUND 800-900 MILIVOLTS. FOR LEAN, VOLTAGE READING SHOULD BE AROUND 450 MILIVOLTS OR LESS.