'91 Integra smells rich

"Art M" wrote in news:etODh.44717$ snipped-for-privacy@newsfe16.phx:

Your description is hopelessly vague.

What was the exact numeric EGR code? Do you clear the code then it comes back?

Does your nose double as an emissions sensor? How do you know whether you're "running rich" or whether you've got raw gas dumping out the tailpipe?

Further questions: Age of ignition components? Gereral condition of engine? Compression? Gas mileage?

Questions, questions...

I smell a ton more gas in my garage after I boosted the Teg

Your description is hopelessly vague.

What was the exact numeric EGR code? Do you clear the code then it comes back?

Does your nose double as an emissions sensor? How do you know whether you're "running rich" or whether you've got raw gas dumping out the tailpipe?

Further questions: Age of ignition components? Gereral condition of engine? Compression? Gas mileage?

Questions, questions...

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(Haven't been able to do email for a while...)

It's code 12 for the EGR. (I hooked up a vacuum gauge to the line to the EGR and it doesn't show vacuum even when the car is warmed up and throttle is applied, following the Mitty pump's instructions. I see now in the Haynes manual that it says to jumper the solenoid for the test. Haven't tried that. Applying vacuum to the valve will stall the engine) I haven't gotten around to fixing it. I have reset and it has shown up again. Occasionally the engine light comes on (but hasn't in a while) and the only code is 12.

I never claimed my nose was an emissions sensor, but it's all I have to go on. I also NEVER claimed that it was running rich, just that it smelled LIKE it was running rich. Emissions testing is not required here to pass inspection.

I gave the biggies as to the engine condition as far as the new head gasket. Also new plugs, rotor button and cap, battery, pcv valve, cleaned the breather box, cleaned the valves and seats of carbon as well as the piston heads and chamber. Can't remember when I changed the plug wires, but I don't think they're that old. Haven't checked compression since doing the head gasket (my brother is going to bring the tester soon), but based on the engine's performance I don't think there is a problem with that.

I wasn't looking for a diagnosis based on my brief account. Just wanted to know what to start checking.

--Art

also--I've only filled this car up a few times in the last year so I can't really say much about gas mileage. Fuel filter is only 5000 miles old. Also adjusted the valves. Only one (exhaust) valve was way off and tapping. Sounds good now.

"Art M" wrote in news:eIFGh.17158$ snipped-for-privacy@newsfe14.phx:

Wrong instructions. Engine should be at idle for the test. You should NOT see vacuum from the control solenoid at idle.

If there is NO vacuum at idle, you then apply vacuum directly to the EGR valve, applying 8" of vacuum. Valve should hold the vacuum and the idle should drop and become rough, or even stall.

Good! That's what you want!

If you have no symptoms other than the code 12, the problem is probably that the EGR valve is carboned up and is not opening properly so as to satisfy the ECU. If it were sticking open, you'd have driveability problems.

I'm assuming that "smells rich" means you can smell raw gas out the tailpipe.

If you have raw gas out the tailpipe, this indicates a simple problem with poor combustion. The usual cause of poor combustion is poor spark. The usual cause of poor spark is secondary ignition components that are worn or leaking current, the coil usually being the main culprit.

It sounds like your plug wires are either very old or aftermarket, both very bad things. I base this on the fact that you do not know how old they are. OEM wires have the year of manufacture printed on them. They should be replaced every five years. The plugs should be replaced every two, maximum.

Ignition system neglect will cause eventual weakness in the coil, leading to a weak spark even after replacement of other components. In this case the coil must be replaced. There is a good chance your coil has become weak.

I think your problem is nothing more than general neglect and the use of aftermarket ignition parts.