Running Rich.... Question

[DKREDT]

I was thinking. I know... scary thought. It seems like my car has always run on the rich side. I have fixed a cracked header. Is it possible that the ignition system is weak somewhere and the spark is not strong enough to properly ignite the fuel? The wires are "newer" and plugs are new obviously. Any way to test the coil pack etc?

Thanks,

Joel

[CallMeMud]

How are you monitoring rich?

[DKREDT]

Originally posted by CallMeMud
How are you monitoring rich?

Last two sets of plugs have been pretty carboned up. Under low boost acceleration I see black puffs out tail pipes. Car seems to be "choking" on itself.

[Ormand]

You need a scan tool, or you're flying blind. It sounds like its rich, but fixing it without a scan tool will be pure trial and error, and risky, too. First thing would be to set the IAC and TPS, to make sure that the car is right at idle, and near idle. That is not risky, and you can set the IAC and the TPS without a scan tool. Check fuel pressure, you didn't mention what that was, if it's more than 45, hose off, lower it. But lowering fuel pressure is the part that gets risky without a scan tool. Easy to get too lean, too much knock, too much KABOOM!!

[DKREDT]

IAC and TPS are set properly with turbo link. Car has TTA "237" regulator and Thrasher 92 chip. I know the Thrasher is a rich chip, but my issues go beyond the chip.