88stang5.0

OK i just want to know how you can tell if the car is running lean or rich? and if the tps sensor can fix this problem? thnx

VertStangGT86

If it's running rich you can smell it in the exhuast.

50fiend

And if it's bad enough you'll see black smoke.

jeep45238

roundman

the best way besides an air/fuel ratio meter is to read the spark plugs. pull at least two plugs, one from each side of the motor. with some good lighting, look at the center electrode and the ceramic insulator. if it is really black and sooty, then it's running rich. if it's white with tan color or the electrode looks burnt around the sharp edges, then it's running lean. there are charts available at auto parts stores to show you how to read the plugs plus it's usually in a good shop manual too.

bmorrisj

hmm im thinkin my car is running lean, my plugs are white/tan....i have my fuel pressure set at 46lb according to the inline gauge... new o2 sensors on my o/r xpipe installed last month.... the car sounds good...but how do i get it to not run lean....

88stang5.0

ok i will have to check the spark plugs. but how do you fix it either way rich or lean?
thnx

roundman

an adjustable fuel pressure regulator will help, raise pressure if lean, lower pressure if rich. could be you need new O2 sensors also as they are the controlling device that tells the ECU what to do as far as the fuel needs go.
BTW bmorrisj, white/tan can be normal, you really need to get your hands on a chart to see the exact coloration that idicates a true lean condition. most of the time it involves burning of the side or center electrodes on the plugs and small specks of metal on the white insulators around the center electrode.