so how do I tell if im running rich or lean? I noticed the other day that if i smell my exhaust, it smells like gas.

thanks

steven

so how do I tell if im running rich or lean? I noticed the other day that if i smell my exhaust, it smells like gas.

thanks

steven


Hello Steven,

Pull out your spark plugs and look at them.
Go to this website:
http://www.bullittarchive.com/Maintenance/Reading_Spark_Plugs/

Or another like it and compare you spark plugs to theirs.

A lean condition would have the spark plug have a whitish color on the tip of it or the tip will be damaged from detonation.

A rich running engine would have carbon build up on the spark plug.

Thanks Kevin. I will have to check that out as soon as I can get some tools. I'm at school, and dont have my tools with me.

Steven

You can tell rich and lean by the smell and by how the engine runs too. I'd describe it, but I'm kind of at a loss as to how. Rich running engines smell...like they're running rich. :rolleyes: The easiest way is to check the plugs, though.

if i had to guess, i would say my car is running rich from the smell. but i will do the spark plug trick soon.