A bit new to this, but not to cars in general. I bit of guidance would be truly appreciated. Here’s some background (clues):
1) bought the car about 5 weeks ago with 50k miles. I have driven it 400 miles since then.
2) car came with AEM Air/Fuel failsafe gauge.
3) changed bad alternator about 2-3 weeks ago. Car has voltage gauge, and it been reading at about 13.5V ever since.
4) car has new yellow top optima battery
5) car has no cats
6) exhaust has a slight/moderate gas smell (only when running)
7) car exhibits a 2-3 second crank once in every 5–7 starts.
8) I cleaned MAF sensor about 3 weeks ago
9) cleaned and recharged air filter 3 weeks ago
10) air/fuel ratio has been consistent about 14.5 during idle.
11) car idles well at about 800 RPMs
12) I feel car is getting below average MPGs. I keep the RPMs under 2k, and I’m getting about 10-12 MPGs.
Two days ago I ran some errands. On my last leg, the check engine light turned on (code P2270). After a bit of research, I figured it was the lack of cats. I disconnected/reconnected the battery, and I have driven it maybe 40-50 miles without the light coming back.
Today I noticed my fuel/air ratio starts in the usually range upon startup. However, it starts to dip all the way to about 9.5 after a couple minutes of idling.
What can this be attributed to? Also, could I have a misfire that is contributing to the occasional slow crank times, poor MPG, and noticeable gas smell from the exhaust? I’m thinking spark plugs or coil maybe?
Thanks in advance everyone!!
1) bought the car about 5 weeks ago with 50k miles. I have driven it 400 miles since then.
2) car came with AEM Air/Fuel failsafe gauge.
3) changed bad alternator about 2-3 weeks ago. Car has voltage gauge, and it been reading at about 13.5V ever since.
4) car has new yellow top optima battery
5) car has no cats
6) exhaust has a slight/moderate gas smell (only when running)
7) car exhibits a 2-3 second crank once in every 5–7 starts.
8) I cleaned MAF sensor about 3 weeks ago
9) cleaned and recharged air filter 3 weeks ago
10) air/fuel ratio has been consistent about 14.5 during idle.
11) car idles well at about 800 RPMs
12) I feel car is getting below average MPGs. I keep the RPMs under 2k, and I’m getting about 10-12 MPGs.
Two days ago I ran some errands. On my last leg, the check engine light turned on (code P2270). After a bit of research, I figured it was the lack of cats. I disconnected/reconnected the battery, and I have driven it maybe 40-50 miles without the light coming back.
Today I noticed my fuel/air ratio starts in the usually range upon startup. However, it starts to dip all the way to about 9.5 after a couple minutes of idling.
What can this be attributed to? Also, could I have a misfire that is contributing to the occasional slow crank times, poor MPG, and noticeable gas smell from the exhaust? I’m thinking spark plugs or coil maybe?
Thanks in advance everyone!!
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