LiveIt!

hey guys, my car is running very happy and smooth after fixing all vacuum leaks and restoring the lines to factory spec (no more revving idle!! ) however on maiden voyage day 2, my car threw a Code 45 on the way home, Rich exhaust. I've heard it's ok to run rich but now that I've fixed all leaks I'm wondering if this is being caused by me running 3.1 stock injectors instead of 2.8? Is running rich something I need to worry about or am I ok to enjoy my baby? Thanks guys

LiveIt!

Did some reading and looks like the injectors will cause a running rich issue at idle and the SES did pop up after sitting at a stop and taking off. Will drive more and see how she does, but still do I have anything to worry about?

OrangeBird

iTrader: (1)

Sorry My Friend , but the above statement is simply not true .....


Unfortunately , yes , yes you do ....

Running too lean , in certain instances , will destroy an engine in minutes . Running too rich is also destructive but to a lesser degree . To run too lean can heat the piston so much that it expands too much and actually becomes stuck in it's cylinder , the classic "seized" engine . To run too rich will wash the oil film off of the cylinder walls , oil that gets thrown there by "splash lubrication" from the oil exiting the pressurized connecting rod bearing at the crankshaft . If it's rich enough , washing enough oil from the cylinder walls to cause excessive friction , the piston/cylinder fit will wear (out) at an accelerated rate , every 100 miles will "feel like" 10,000 miles to the engine .

Bottom line , and I know you don't want to hear this ; You ain't done repairing it yet , and won't be till you get it running with a proper enough fuel/air ratio that the code 45 stops coming up .

I do wish I had better news for you , but , my above answer is factually correct , and , I would repair my own car if I knew it was running rich enough to pop a code 45 ....

LiveIt!

Hey OrangeBird I really appreciate your reply! I actually found the thread I saw that in, the correct statement is "it's better to run rich than lean", tho both are not good for your engine

I'm ready to take her down to the beach but I'd rather take her with no SES light especially after learning the damage I might cause. The Code 45 came and went today, would come up after a bit of driving then turn off after some more. Everything is restored to stock and she idles like a dream, unless something is failing the only thing I can think of is those 3.1 injectors. Could those be my culprit? Or is something like a failed component or altered timing more likely? I'm gonna check the plugs color tomorrow and check my timing, and trouble shoot from there. Back to square 3

LiveIt!

Looks like 2.8 injectors are 13 PPH and 3.1 injectors are 15 PPH

RBob

iTrader: (1)

According to the ECM calibration, the 3.1l injectors are 16.5 #/hr.

RBob.

LiveIt!

Reset ECM today after checking timing, checked #1 plug and it was tan with a little bit of carbon deposits, unplugged and replugged O2 sensor. Ran to store, stopped at lights, No SES the whole way! Maybe she's finally thankful to be on the road

zs&tas

Mine throws code 45 on occasion, again usually when stopped for a bit . I'm running 3.4 injectors. It's all good though I'd rather no I'm not leaning out when I made it.

LiveIt!

Thanks man, if the boneyard has another half off sale I'll grab a set of 2.8's just to have around

zs&tas

Man auto correct had me there didn't it , I meant know when I mash it .