Greetings Mr Gibs
Would like to ask how we can determine if our air/fuel mix is lean or rich and if there is anything we can do to change/adjust that?
Another thing, my ride is a 98 Lancer GL and I've noticed thin white smoke from my exhaust early in the morning after I've just started the car. What could that mean? Anything I should do about it? Thanks very much and more power.
Emil
Dear Emil,
Usuually most electronic EFI systems are already preset at the factory and are equipped with sensors which make minor adjustments automatically. Finding whether you're running lean or rich can be done by using a lambda meter which measures air fuel ratio or you can also bring it to your emission testing shop, since the equipment has an air/fuel mixture measurement as well. Another way is to look at the sparkplugs, although it is not an accurate way to measure. If the color of the tip is black, that means you're running rich, too much unburned fuel. If its too white or shiny grey that means you're running lean or little fuel is being combusted, it can cause detonation which will lead to engine damage. The best color is light brownish grey, it will give you a near perfect mixture. If you have not done any modification to your engine, don't worry too much about the air/fuel mixture ratio. As for adjustment, you can have an aftermarket piggyback fuel controller installed in your ECU. You will need measuring equipment to properly tune this device though.
As for the white smoke, it is water vapor stuck overnight in your combustion chamber and tail pipe. Don't worry, that is normal.
- Gibs
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