running rich?

masterchafed · 06-10-2007, 11:21 PM

i dont know if this means my saturn is running rich but whenever i rev the engine it "paints" the ground outside of the tail pipe in a deep black soot. I was told that means it is running rich, but I have no clue. perhaps i will post a video or pictures.

Any ideas on how to fix it? new O2 sensor? something wrong with the fuel injectors? spark plugs? lol. any help would be greatly appriciated.

also my car is a 1995 Saturn SL with a 1.9L SOHC engine. thanks again.

Killer Kopec · 06-10-2007, 11:42 PM

its generally know that saturns run rich...

not much you can do.

do you have anything done to it?

masterchafed · 06-11-2007, 12:52 AM

the only thing i have done is replaced the spark plugs.

even though saturns are known for running rich, it still shouldnt be coating the ground with black soot (leftover gas?). any suggestions?

**Ssicarman** · 06-11-2007, 01:07 AM

Check the the PCM coolant temp sensor and connector. If there is any corrosion in the contector repalce it and the temp sensor. No corrosion remove the sensor and check the tip (if the palstic one) for any sign of cracking.
If you know you don't have the brass tipped one in the engine just get a new brass tipped one and repalce the sensor. It is more than likely cracked or sending skewed info the the PCM.
The sensor is the lower middle two wired connector one on the back of the head. The single wire one is for the gauge.

masterchafed · 06-11-2007, 03:05 AM

thanks for the info, i began to look around after you recommended that, and it could explain the running rich problem, my idleing problems, my decrease in mpg, everything. i will get it replaced asap (couldnt hurt even if it isnt the problem) cheers. is there anywhere online i can buy it? or do I have to find a saturn dealership? thanks.

**Ssicarman** · 06-11-2007, 03:30 AM

Saturn will have for sure. After market part stores should or at least will be able to get. Saturn would be about the only/best palce to get the connector if needed.