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Car runs rich

Posted: Sat Feb 18, 2012 1:25 pm
by HunterRDF
Hi all...

Hope you can help me with my problem.
I have a 95 Z26 w/3.1L. My problem is the car runs rich. Exhaust is gray and smells like gas. The engine idles fine in park or neutral, but bogs down in gear. Engine "pops" under acceleration - sounds like mini-backfires in the engine compartment. I've replaced the TPS and ICM and I have a new O2 sensor to put on but I don't know if it'll work. I'm hoping everyone can put me on the right track.

Thanks in advance,

Hunter

Re: Car runs rich

Posted: Sat Feb 18, 2012 7:55 pm
by Barry
I had a similar problem and it was the crank sensor. It would act up mid Rpms and backfire through the intake. Also check the wires between the crank sensor and the icm

You 100% positive that you don't have a plug wire crossed up? That can do weird things on these motors

Re: Car runs rich

Posted: Sat Feb 18, 2012 9:43 pm
by HunterRDF
Barry wrote:You 100% positive that you don't have a plug wire crossed up? That can do weird things on these motors
Positive plug wires are good & not crossed. Gonna try to replace the O2 sensor tomorrow & I've got new coils coming but I'm really at a loss for what to do.

Hunter

Re: Car runs rich

Posted: Sun Feb 19, 2012 12:35 am
by Barry
If it runs crappy all the time it's not the o2. O2 sensor is only used in closed loop operation once the engine warms up a little.

Re: Car runs rich

Posted: Sun Feb 19, 2012 10:24 am
by HunterRDF
Any other suggestions then? You mentioned the crank sensor, which I find no mention of in the crappy Haynes manual(which seems to have been written for people who already know what they're doing) I've got. Like I said, I ordered new coils, & I'm sure the plugs & wires are good. If it's the injectors, I'm in trouble. Not even the slightest idea how to test/change them. I'm usually pretty good at diagnosing car problems (not so good at fixing them), but I'm really in a quandary here...

Hunter

Re: Car runs rich

Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2012 2:05 pm
by HunterRDF
It's fixed. Replaced the ignition coils & it's running fine. No idea why it would cause car to run rich but I'm not gonna argue with it...

Hunter