Running Lean
1st Gear Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 285
From: Henderson/Las Vegas
I wouldn't expect the filter to be causing a lean condition. An extremely dirty air filter would act like a choke, restricting air flow into the engine. Less air in the air/fuel mix = more fuel = rich. But then I would expect the sensors to be compensating somewhat, or maybe over compensating? Have you checked the air filter yet? I would have checked that before messing with the oxy sensor or fuel pump, especially since it's a free and easy check. You could have sucked up a neighbor's cat for all you know! 
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January 2010 ROTM Winner
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 18,306
From: The 'Burbs of Chicago
Yeah, I see that now. When you mentioned the o2 sensors and mass air flow sensor, it got me thinking more in the lines of the intake. Still would be a good idea to look at the air filter, if it hasn't been checked yet.
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January 2010 ROTM Winner
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Posts: 18,306
From: The 'Burbs of Chicago
OK, let's try this one again. Technically, if the fuel filter was clogged, you would be having a "starvation" problem. I gotta tell you though, unless you have a lot of crud in your gas tank, and the pick-up sock on the fuel pump is torn, I would really be surprised if the fuel filter is the issue. I've replaced filters before, with more than 100k miles on it, and it still gravity fed gas very freely through it (I like to test them out of curiousity). That's "normal" conditions for a filter. Abnormal would be with a rusty crusty tank (inside) or one where the car has been sitting for many years where the gas turns to varnish and slime. It takes a lot of crap in a filter to restrict flow to be detrimental to the operation of the engine. It can happen, but under normal circumstances, not very often. Maybe a neighbor's cat crawled into your gas tank?
Overdrive Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,042
From: IL
What codes do you have?
I have the same general issue 3.8L '02, System Too Lean Bank 1 & 2 SES Codes P0171 & P0174 -- I'm still not sure what is wrong, new plugs, wires, and injector and coil pack still haven't fixed it. The coil pack made it go away for a while...
I have the same general issue 3.8L '02, System Too Lean Bank 1 & 2 SES Codes P0171 & P0174 -- I'm still not sure what is wrong, new plugs, wires, and injector and coil pack still haven't fixed it. The coil pack made it go away for a while...
Ive had my car (2002 Camero 3.8l V6 coupe) for about a month now Ive put 500miles during the time Ive had it on top of the 60k it already had. My check Engine Soon light came on a while back when i was doing well over 70 so I take it to Brake Max and i drop a new O2 sensor in it for $200 the lights gone and the codes have been wiped from the computer. An hr later i take it up to 90 this time light comes back on. So on a return trip i discover that when i hit 79 I start running lean and my engine temperature gauge is reporting 30 under what the engine really is. I am referred to my local Chevy dealer to check my catalytic converter and it turns out that its fine (105$) so now I'm left with a fuel pump which is running 10psi under what its supposed to. The pump is ($1200) to repair and i have to do some more testing on a temperature gauge.
Anyone one else have this problem with the engine running lean?
My friend told me that a car will suck all of the money out of your bank but man he needs to put more emphasis on that statement.
Anyone one else have this problem with the engine running lean?
My friend told me that a car will suck all of the money out of your bank but man he needs to put more emphasis on that statement.
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