• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

Please Help My Car is Running Rich at idle.

  • Thread starter Thread starter daryl_db
  • Start date Start date Nov 7, 2007
D

daryl_db

New Member
Jul 12, 2007
13
0
0
Nov 7, 2007
#1
  • Nov 7, 2007
  • #1
I have been having this problem for the last couple of weeks. My 93 lx is running really rich at idle. I have tried to pull the codes but everything looks fine. I have also replaced the o2 sensors about 1500 miles ago. I am currently running 24lb injectors with a matching C&L tube. Please point me in the right direction. I am running out of ideas.

Thanks for your help.
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
34
129
Nov 7, 2007
#2
  • Nov 7, 2007
  • #2
So have you actually retrieved codes? I ask because the various systems adapt and 'cover' eachother pretty well.

Have you cleaned the MAF wires recently?

Did it run better before (with 24's and your current intake)?

Good luck.
 
D

daryl_db

New Member
Jul 12, 2007
13
0
0
Nov 7, 2007
#3
  • Nov 7, 2007
  • #3
The only code that I got was 11 and according to the manual it means the system is good. I cleaned the MAF this past weekend. When i bought the car it had 30lb injectors installed and shortly after i downgraded to 24lbs. It has ran really well for about 3 weeks then the richness came to play.
 

bloopbloob

Member
Sep 27, 2006
578
4
16
Alberta
Nov 8, 2007
#4
  • Nov 8, 2007
  • #4
have you done anything to cause this change? any new mods??? my c&l causes some problems until i clock it just right....
 

leroy93lx

Member
Jun 24, 2007
29
2
9
Indiana
Nov 8, 2007
#5
  • Nov 8, 2007
  • #5
Do you have an adjustable fuel regulator? How much fuel pressure are you running and have you pulled a plug to see what they look like?
 
F

Fox8950

Member
Jun 29, 2007
247
2
18
Nov 8, 2007
#6
  • Nov 8, 2007
  • #6
I am having the same problem at the moment with my car, not to hi-jack the thread or anything but can an exhaust leak at the header flange cause it to run rich? (I'm thinking this is my problem)
 
D

daryl_db

New Member
Jul 12, 2007
13
0
0
Nov 8, 2007
#7
  • Nov 8, 2007
  • #7
bloopbloob said:
have you done anything to cause this change? any new mods??? my c&l causes some problems until i clock it just right....
Click to expand...

No I haven’t done anything to cause this change. No new mods. The only thing that has happened is the colder weather in my area for the last couple of weeks.


leroy93lx said:
Do you have an adjustable fuel regulator? How much fuel pressure are you running and have you pulled a plug to see what they look like?
Click to expand...

No, I do not have an adjustable fuel regulator. The last time I checked I was pulling 39psi at idle with the vacuum pulled. The plugs look fine. They don’t look excessively rich. But then again I didn’t let the car idle for a long time before I checked them.
 

PUNISHER RACING

Active Member
Aug 27, 2007
1,124
0
36
FORD CITY, PA.
Nov 8, 2007
#8
  • Nov 8, 2007
  • #8
If plugs look o.k what is leading you to believe it running rich
 
D

daryl_db

New Member
Jul 12, 2007
13
0
0
Nov 8, 2007
#9
  • Nov 8, 2007
  • #9
PUNISHER RACING said:
If plugs look o.k what is leading you to believe it running rich
Click to expand...

The fact that it smells like raw fuel coming out of the exhaust. The car runs great except at idle.
 

PUNISHER RACING

Active Member
Aug 27, 2007
1,124
0
36
FORD CITY, PA.
Nov 8, 2007
#10
  • Nov 8, 2007
  • #10
Does it idle fine? It could be a small vac. leak starting, You could try to re-clock your C&L there always a pain in the arse, what thermostat you running the change in temp could cause it to richen up. I would let it idle a bit and check all your plugs maybe you have an injector hanging up a bit. just some stuff to try!!
 
D

daryl_db

New Member
Jul 12, 2007
13
0
0
Nov 8, 2007
#11
  • Nov 8, 2007
  • #11
PUNISHER RACING said:
Does it idle fine? It could be a small vac. leak starting, You could try to re-clock your C&L there always a pain in the arse, what thermostat you running the change in temp could cause it to richen up. I would let it idle a bit and check all your plugs maybe you have an injector hanging up a bit. just some stuff to try!!
Click to expand...


It idles fine. I have noticed the when i come to a stop it will hang at 1000-1200 for a second or 2 and go down to about 800 rpm.

If i were to clock the C&L should i rotate the sensor toward the fender or toward the alternator?

I am currently running a 180 degree stat. I did notice this morning that the temp gauge was only 1/4 up from the cold position. I think i am going to change the stat out this weekend to a 192 degree.

I thought that it could be a vaccuum leak so i changed most of the plastic lines to flex vaccuum line.
 

PUNISHER RACING

Active Member
Aug 27, 2007
1,124
0
36
FORD CITY, PA.
Nov 8, 2007
#12
  • Nov 8, 2007
  • #12
The C&L can go either way thats the finicky thing about them, I would go for the195 stat and go over all your intake bolts to while your at it. Just rule some things out also give your idle air motor a good cleaning that usually cures your hanging idle problem.
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
34
129
Nov 8, 2007
#13
  • Nov 8, 2007
  • #13
I'd want to see AF ratios or exhaust content before assuming something went wrong. A lack of cats and changes in the weather can create a stinky exhaust. And a leak in the EVAP system lines can cause a fuel smell at idle.

I only mention this so you don't have tunnel vision and drive yourself nuts.

Good luck.
 

dls322

Member
Apr 4, 2005
149
0
16
Mt. Penn, PA
Nov 8, 2007
#14
  • Nov 8, 2007
  • #14
MAP sensor....could be the problem. Will make the car run extemely rich, double check all your vacuum lines, you'd be amazed the difference a vacuum leak will make.
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
34
129
Nov 8, 2007
#15
  • Nov 8, 2007
  • #15
dls322 said:
MAP sensor....could be the problem. Will make the car run extemely rich, double check all your vacuum lines, you'd be amazed the difference a vacuum leak will make.
Click to expand...

He has a 93, ergo no MAP sensor. If it was SD, you had a great idea.
 

PUNISHER RACING

Active Member
Aug 27, 2007
1,124
0
36
FORD CITY, PA.
Nov 8, 2007
#16
  • Nov 8, 2007
  • #16
Hissin can you adjust that crystal ball down a bit my computer room looks like a lighthouse....(ha ha lol)
 

Flavadave4

Active Member
Nov 28, 2003
1,044
21
49
Utica, NY
Nov 9, 2007
#17
  • Nov 9, 2007
  • #17
PUNISHER RACING said:
Hissin can you adjust that crystal ball down a bit my computer room looks like a lighthouse....(ha ha lol)
Click to expand...

All this time I thought it was a LED spot light
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

W
Engine My engine dies after running 10 to 15 minutes under high heat.
  • Wylieone
  • Jun 21, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
7
Views
187
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jun 22, 2026
Mustang5L5
J
Engine Running like crap :(
  • justadude07
  • Sep 27, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
8
Views
354
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Oct 19, 2025
DadLife0724
G
Idle surging after warm up
  • GALLY3309
  • Jun 10, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
1
Views
127
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jun 10, 2026
Noobz347
2
Running very very rich
  • 2esoteric
  • Oct 31, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
4
Views
352
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Oct 31, 2025
Noobz347
S
Fuel ‘88 GT Runs Rich Cold — Fixes Itself When I Unplug Sensors (ECT, MAF, O2, etc.)
  • Sufarry
  • Nov 6, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
12
Views
867
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Nov 9, 2025
Mustang5L5
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?