QuestionI have a 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 2.0L non-turbo, fuel injection car. The problem is that there are visible smoke with pungent smell coming out of the tail pipe. There seems to be more smoke if I am in a traffic jam where the vehicle is stopped and ran at low speeds.
Previously, I have done the following to this car:
- Changed PCV valve
- Checked and change some hoses
- Put in fuel injector cleaner, carburetor cleaner into the gas tank
- Took out the throttle body and clean (with carburetor cleaner) the throttle plate, air by-pass thoroughly
- Measured the IAC motor, and it is within specification
- Measured the TPS sensor, and it is within specification, and it moves smoothly between fully on and fully off.
- Changed new set of spark plugs
- Changed new set of spark plug (distributor) wires
- The timing belt has been changed about 2 years ago.
Any suggestion as to what may be the problem(s), and what to check ?
Thank you very much,
Rookie.
AnswerRookie,
Black smoke usually indicates you're running rich; too much fuel is being used. Eclipses are known to run a little rich from the factory, but black smoke indicates too much fuel is not being burned off during combustion.
The most common causes of your problem is a faulty oxygen sensor and/or a faulty catalytic converter. If you have a service manual for your car, there should be a procedure to check oxygen sensor. If your O2 sensor is fouled, you'll need a new one. If a new O2 sensor does not fix your problem, you'll want to look into getting a new catalytic converter. If your state does not require emmisions inspections on your vehicle, you may want to hold off on a new cat. convert. until you are ready to replace your entire exhaust. It would be easier.
Good luck!
