86WS6

iTrader: (1)

Our 86 WS6 is all original, with 29,800 miles on her clock. She runs well in normal driving and the check engine light never comes on. Stop and go, or on the highway, no problems. There is a station in town that sells ethanol free fuel, and thier premium is 93 octaine. The engine does not like E-10 and will set a O2 sensor code when that s*** is run in it. The strange problem that we have is a check engine light and a strong gas smell when we drive in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, such as driving from Cherokee NC to Clingman's Dome. The car is climbing steady in altitude from 1700 feet above sea level to 6400 feet above sea level. About half way up the light comes on, and when the car is stopped is smells so strong of gas that one would think there was a leak. I have checked it from bumper to bumper, and there is no leak. As soon as we trun around and decend the mountain, the light clears and the smell goes away. I have not checked to codes to see what is stored. That is the next thing on my to-do list. Any ideas? Thanks in advance,
Charles

T/Aperformance

It kind of sounds like since the O2 level thins out the higher you get up from see level that the car ends up running rich ,

NufNuffZ28

iTrader: (10)

Check the code first and let us know what it is.

86WS6

iTrader: (1)

Should have a little time Saturday to check the codes. Maybe a slightly messed up O2 sensor? The other thing I forgot to mention is that the temp stays right at 210 when it is going up hill. Is it possible that the computer is dumping fuel into the engine in an attempt to keep it cool? I run it in second gear climbing the mountain because the speed limit is 25 to 35 MPH. The car has a 195 degree t-stat, recent HD three flue copper radiator, a hidden aftermarket fan switch with HD relays, and twin OE style fans that switch on at 195F, or with the AC. The car runs a constant 195 F all the time except when climbing grades. Those temp readings are from a temporary aftermarket gauge, because everyone says don't trust the factory gauge. My 82 LG4 will run all day in the mountains with the AC on and never break 200F. The mechanical fan on the older car seems to do a better job with air flow then the electric fans do on the 86.