my EM1 Is running rich.

[JDM EM1]

Hey guys, i couldnt find an answer to my problem when i searched this topic.
B16A2.
Bolt on mods, injen CAI.
Vision 2 1/4 headers, xforce hi-flow cat, skunk 2 catback exhaust.
Ive always had a problem with carbon build up on my rear bar from just 2 days of driving to work. Fuel efficiency is pretty bad aswell. About 300-350kms on a full tank.

I have changed the spark plugs, fuel filter, cleaned the air filter but still no luck. I checked the spark plugs a week after i installed them and it was already foul, very black and full of carbon.
So i decided to change the o2 sensor and reset the ecu. (Got the car to normal operating temp, turned it off, pulled the ECU and back up fuse out for 15mins, then put the fuse back in and started the car again for 15 mins. Turned it off then started it again)

Its still running rich now, i ordered a new set of leads because im pretty sure the ones on my car are still the same ones from factory and has never been changed. Hopefully it fixes my problem. Im sick of wiping my rear bar everyday after work lol.

If anyone has suggestions on what the problem could be and how to fix it,
it would be greatly appreciated. Or if anyone has the same problem/experience as i am having now.
Im just hoping i dont need to change a map sensor which i know are very expensive.
Im pretty pedantic about my car and have taken care of it, but i do give it a good rev out every now and then to clean out the exhaust.

Thanks in advance guys. :thumbsup:

[carayan]

if you're not throwing a CEL, get it tuned.

[JDM EM1]

Nope no code.
Awesome, i was about to say, ill probably need an ECU + tune.

Thanks carayan.

[dorikin]

Or not.

The ECU operates in two modes.
During closed loop your fuel trim is based on o2 sensor output and the ECU trying to balance the a/f ratio to stoic mixture
Under open loop (when you're cleaning out your exhaust) it uses outputs from the MAP x RPM

would also check IAT and ect sensors

[JDM EM1]

How do i check them?

Also if i refit the standard air intake will it fix the problem?

[JDM EM1]

And where are they located?

Cheers dorikin

[ECU-MAN]

ECT


http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/showthread.php?67460-DIY-PGMFI-Diagnostics-Code-6-ECT




IAT


http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/showthread.php?67515-DIY-PGMFI-Diagnostics-Code-10-IAT

[JDM EM1]

Thanks i will give it a try.

[JDM EM1]

But what if im not getting a code?
I have no check engine light on.

[ECU-MAN]

where is your IAT mounted ?


you want to make sure your ECT is reading the correct temp tot he ECU.

[JDM EM1]

IAT is mounted on the intake pipe of my injen CAI.

[mugen_ctr]

Another cause, If u have a stuffed thermostat that can also cause ur vehicle to continuously run in cold loop, because the car is never holding temp

[amant02]

Why hasnt anyone told him about the common issues of having black smoke coming out the exhaust.

Do a compression check, my money is on the piston rings.

Also check on the PCV and stem seals to see how their condition is like.

I've had the same problem before OP in my previous em1. Piston rings and stem seals are the usually where to look 1st. I wouldn't bother with the sensors at all, cos if its a sensor you will get an engine light.

[ECU-MAN]

Why hasnt anyone told him about the common issues of having black smoke coming out the exhaust.

Do a compression check, my money is on the piston rings.

Also check on the PCV and stem seals to see how their condition is like.

I've had the same problem before OP in my previous em1. Piston rings and stem seals are the usually where to look 1st. I wouldn't bother with the sensors at all, cos if its a sensor you will get an engine light.


do you know the difference for the cause of black, blue and white smoke ? all have a different cause. Rings do not cause black smoke.


faulty sensors do not always trip the MIL. The ECU will only report a code if the sensor is out of its parameters. If you have a sensor giving false readings within its parameters the ECU will interpret that as a running value and meter the injectors to suit.

[amant02]

I see that would make sense. If the sensor was giving incorrect readings.

I've had black smoke problem in my past 2 em1's. Hone and Rings has solved for me on my 1st one. Other one had a fooked up PCV and replacing that fixed it.

Both engines had some what worn stem seals too. Which i replaced as easy to do and cost peanuts.

[JDM EM1]

Im not burning oil. Im sure of it.
Plus as ecu man said blue smoke is burning oil, not black smoke.

ECU MAN
Testing IAT voltage test
Step 1
I am getting 4.7V KOEO
Step 2
4.7V
Step 3
2.8
:/

ECT seems fine aswell.

PCV is free. Not stuck.thats normal right? Its a spring loaded valve?

Where do i go from here?
Im going to try and fit the standard airbox back on tomorrow and see how i go from there.
Also changing ignition leads tomorrow.

Thanks guys.

[ECU-MAN]

IAT voltages are relevant to temperature, there is a chart in the workshop manual. When you changed your PO2 did you use a new genuine PO2 or second hand or aftermarket ?


See how you go with the stock air box, also look for any air intake leaks or vacuum leaks.

[JDM EM1]

I bought an aftermarket O2 sensor brand new.
Okay i installed the new leads and standard air intake.
I also reset the computer.
Ill let you know how i go in a week.
Cheers ECU MAN.

[ECU-MAN]

It would not hurt to test the PO2 with a lambda tester if you can.

[JDM EM1]

Also just did the ECU test and no codes came up.

[JDM EM1]

So i full tanked my car and ive got about a 1/4 of a tank left and ive only done 300kms :/
Keeping in mind i only travel about 30 kms a day for work. A little bit of stop and go driving but mainly cruising at about 60-70km/h.

I changed the ECT aswell (second hand) but its still the same.
A tiny amount of black soot on my rear bar and the tip of my exhaust after just a 20 minute drive.
I am also not burning any oil.
Any more suggestions on what it could be?

[Jasemas]

Did you calculate fuel left from the gauge?
If so, that is an unreliable indicator

[JDM EM1]

I'm sure the next qtr of a tank will only get me another 100kms, thats pushing it.

[blackboykit]

I think that's normal buddy..
I run a full tank of 98 .. it only last me 330~380 depends how I drive..
I ain't driving hard at all... and I use it to get to work about 25kms per day..
so I think u're ok

[JDM EM1]

Sweet yeah i think its okay aswell.
I had already done 370kms with less than a quarter left on the gauge. So i put a full tank in again.
It showed 29 litres on the petrol station pump meter when it stopped, so im assuming i still had about 11 litres left.

EM1's are a 40L tank is this correct?

But im still getting some black carbon on my rear bar :(
just a tiny amount, when i swipe my finger on the rear bar, its just annoying thats all hahah.
Maybe its a white car kind of problem LOL

Thanks guys

[amant02]

No its not... I've owned 2 EM1's. I avged 350KM per tank was i was hitting Vtec every 2nd corner.

Normally got approx 500KM per tank.

[JDM EM1]

Okay
Highway driving aswell?

When you fill up how many litres did it say on the pump meter?

I was assuming i was okay because i still had 11 litres left and had already done 370kms?

Thanks

[amant02]

Yeh Mixed of all sorts.

I work 24 hours and drive all sorts of roads. Minimum 50KM per a day.

From memory it was approx $50-$60 per tank which got me 500KM+ per tank if driven civil.

[JDM EM1]

Okay.

I just checked my spark plugs and they are still fouled with carbon.
:(
Ill probably change my thermostat.

Will scanners be able to see what is causing the problem?

Thanks

[JDM EM1]

Where would you guys recommend to go?
For a scan, to see if its running rich and what would most likely be causing the problem.

[grifty]

I scan tool would not be able to pickup what's causing the problem unless you have a check engine light.

Have you tried running some Subaru upper engine cleaner through the motor yet?

[dorikin]

Also check valve clearance

[hmetro24]

How long you had the car, was it like that before ? when did the problem occurred?
Try to use Fuel injectors cleaner.

[amant02]

I have a feeling Crayan maybe on the money with this one.