My s2k is running rich, indicated by the buildup of carbon on the exhaust tips, not the tailpipe. The tips are pretty much covered in black carbon. No engine light so, either it is only running rich slightly (within honda parameters) or a sensor is not functioning (not likely considering there are several different sensors that would detect rich running conditions). Any ideas to make the car run less rich or an actual procedure that will set the original specs on mixing the fuel?

-thanks

 

well if it's running a little rich, i say leave it. rich is safe

 

how often would have to clean the tips to get rid of the build up? there will always be some. Is the OEM catalyst still on?

 

alternatively do some mods (intake, exhaust) - they tend to lean a car out

 

Some run rich. Alot of guys lean them out with a tune. You will need some type of piggy back management unless you want to go hondata or stand alone.

 

Running rich isnt always safe...

 

You cannot judge how rich or lean a car is runny based solely on how much black crap is on an exhaust tip! There could be a number of reasons why excess buildup could be occurring. The #1 reason is probably burning oil, not running rich.

The 00-01 do run richer then any other S, and this can be remedied but running an 02-03 ECU. Also as Francesco recommended, you can lean out your setup and maximize power by having you car tuned. You would need some sort of engine management system to do this. DO NOT try and tune it/lean it out on your own unless you have a wideband and know what you are doing.

 

do you have a catalytic converter? When I had a exhaust when I was all motor, I would always have to wipe down the rear bumper...

 

yes i have the original cat. considered burning oil as a source of the black buildup and ran the car in vtec for a period of time since the 01 models burn a lot of oil in vtec, and felt the tips afterwards. not exactly proof, but did not feel any slippery material at all on the inside or outside of the exhaust tips. also, burnt oil is easier to get off than burnt gasoline. best solution seems to be tuning or getting a newer ecu. no easy way.....

 

Being in vtec should have no change on the amount of oil burned. The engine temperature is probably what would make it burn oil at higher rpm. But the vtec has nothing to do with anything that could burn oil. If you want a real answer, go to a dyno and verify the afr's... dirty tips is in no way an accurate measure.

 

I have no cat an I have to wipe down rear bumper too.is it bad for the paint??

Btw to someone else,you DO burn more oil when you are in vtec.

 

I dont think its bad for the paint, I have some friends that have to wipe their bumpers down every now and then and the paint in that spot isnt bad. If you can see smoke coming out while in Vtec, I don't think that is good..

 

What kind of oil do you use???

 

 

Running rich will wipe out your cylinder walls.