A/F mix on F23A1

[BenjiBoy650]

You know I was just thinking, my car gets bad fuel economy and has high emissions, plus it has hesitation problems sometimes. Might this be due to a rich A/F mixture? I notice it's slow to warm up in comparison to my dad's '97 Camry 4 cylinder, but when I turn on the heater, the temp drops really fast. How hard would it be to find out or even adjust if necessary the A/F mixture on a '99 F23A1 5-speed sedan?

[Inspector1]

Benji,
Have you checked your Thermostat operation..... It may only be a t-stat stuck open and not allowing engine to operate at proper temp and that can create all the symptoms you are describing...

Just a thought
I1:)

[BenjiBoy650]

Is there an easy way to check that? Also, just curious how would it make gas mileage worse?

[Inspector1]

With engine cold remove radiator cap and start up watch for water circulation thru radiator.... if you have it when cold t-stat is stuck open... if you don't have circulation start but when temp comes up then t-stat should be ok.... You would have to put thermometer in radiator to check for exact opening temp or if you have access to infrared thermometer you could check at t-stat housing or on hoses.....

Lean A/F <air to fuel Rich A/F = more fuel added = higher fuel consumption...

Usually a/f mix should not change unless carbon buildup...... Carbon clean would definitely help situation also .......
especially if engine temp has been running lower than normal creating more carbon deposits..

Hope this helps
I1:)


Think of running with choke on... Gas trimmer/lawn mower same principle but computer controlled on car...

[BenjiBoy650]

I was thinking of getting the carbon cleaned out of the engine but it's so expensive at the Honda dealer that I'd rather just pay for the extra gas. I'll go check the thermostat ASAP but it's bad weather here now :)

[Inspector1]

Carbon clean -- Sea foam -- $ 7 per can Napa Car Quest
Warm up engine .. Remove pcv vac line or brake booster line pour slowly into line with engine running..... Helps to have someone hold idle up while adding....... put about 1/2 to 3/4 of can in and let off idle, usually engine will die but shut off let sit for 10-20 minutes..... then start up and drive until smoke clears......
Do not do inside or neighbors will call Fire Dept...... and don't drive around cops ------ it REALLY smokes for about 5 min after procedure...... but it works....been using for about 8-10 years
Check out this link for more users
http://www.v6performance.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4782&forumid=64

I1:)

[BenjiBoy650]

Wow thanks a lot. Is there an easily accessible vacuum line though? Can't just pour it in through the intake? Also, this wouldn't help the carbon buildup in the TB would it? And do I have to do an oil change?

[Inspector1]

Not sure on I4 motor vacuum hoses.. Pcv looks like might be fairly easy....
Oil change ?? Personal pref.. I never have...
Best way to clean T-body is 3m cleaner.... Not carb cleaner. will damage sensors..... Use a old tooth brush to get caked deposits off....

I1:)

[BenjiBoy650]

I assume 3M cleaner can be found at the auto parts store too?

[Inspector1]

Yes they should have .... Just make sure its thottle body and not carb cleaner..... Also sea foam in pour bottle not the deep creep....

I1:)

[BenjiBoy650]

Hey I1 have you ever tried pouring this stuff into fuel tank or crankcase? Wouldn't that hurt the car, especially if you're pouring directly into the oil?

[Inspector1]

I have added to fuel.... but not to crankcase on my vehicle... I have used in crankcase on other peoples to remove condensation with no ill effects.... When I worked with the owner of the Seafoam company we treated about 10 I/O Boats with no harmful effects either.... It's main use in crankcase is to remove condensation... Would add after headgasket replacement w/fresh oil change to dissipate coolant residue......

Hope this helps
I1:)

[BenjiBoy650]

Helps a lot thanks. Now if I could only find a good place to do this where I could immediately start up the engien and floor it....