86 3.8l fuel mixture problem

[virtual_starwind]

this is a 1986 3.8l v6 that is running way too rich ( by too rich i mean, the throttle body is filled with carbon and the injectors are covered in carbon, the air filter is pitch black, and the spark plugs are covered in carbon.)

i have no idea what the cause of it is, and really need atleast some idea, its not in a ranger but i was told it is the exact same engine that i chould look at the ranger forums about it, so here i am... any suggestions would be nice.

-Virt

[2000mudder]

lots of possibilities!!! if your check engine light is on, take it and have the codes scanned for a place to start! oxygen sensors and the coolant temp sensor are the two main things that control how rich it needs to run depending on what temp is so if either are bad, it will think it's still cold and dump more fuel in it like a choke on a carb. is it idleing high?