Well..this is whats going on.

Tbuck07 · Apr 21, 2008

Alright ladies and gents..

SO I've been kinda sceptical about my car, as far as modding it, always thinking something else is wrong with it..tight on cash, etc. But just today I noticed something thats got me worried about the car.

My car does have an aftermarket fuel pump (walbro 255 LPH), and steel braided lines ran. So the car does run rich as I can smell it. I really need to put a regulator in there, because I know everytime I hit second when stomping the car it will shoot flames. However as I was in the drive up at the bank today I was mad because this old fart in front of me was taking forever, so I revved up the car and shut it off, seein ga small cloud of white smoke go by me and it smelled really weird. Not like coolant, or oil. I dont know what it is. I checked my oil, not low or anything. But I smelled the oil, it was as if the oil smelled of gasoline. Sounds stupid, I know that cant be normal though..So I'm kinda worried about my car now. Any thoughts..?
:wall:

AaRoN · Apr 21, 2008

When's the last time you cleaned your MAF?

Tbuck07 · Apr 21, 2008

Hmm..never..I dont believe.

AaRoN · Apr 21, 2008

Are you familiar with cleaning it?

Tbuck07 · Apr 22, 2008

No sir, and what does the mass airflow sensor have to do with this? I would never have guessed this

AaRoN · Apr 22, 2008

Tbuck07 said:
No sir, and what does the mass airflow sensor have to do with this? I would never have guessed this

The MAF is used to determine how much air is entering your engine. If it's dirty or faulty, you'll run rich. You're car will dump more fuel to compensate. I'd clean your MAF and then see how it runs after. Sounds to me, from what you described, that may be the problem.

To clean it, you'll need a T-20 torx security bit (you can pick one up at any hardware store for less than $2) and some Mass air flow sensor cleaner (this can be picked up at any auto parts store for around $5).
1.Remove the MAF housing from your intake.
2.Using the T-20, remove the MAF from the housing (should be 2 screws).
3.With the MAF out of the housing, CAREFULLY set it somewhere safe to be sprayed with the cleaner. Let it sit for about 10 min. to dry. The cleaner dries pretty quickly. Again, BE CAREFUL. The sensor itself is extremely fragile. If you touch it or break it, you'll have more problems to worry about.

Tbuck07 · Apr 22, 2008

Thanks aaron, ill check into that. Also, what about that big ass pump running without a regualator..couldnt that be also why I'm smelling gas in the oil? Theres nothing to regulate that pressure into the motor?

AaRoN · Apr 22, 2008

You don't have an FPR?

Tbuck07 · Apr 22, 2008

Not an aftermarket one, i meant. Its not on there

AaRoN · Apr 22, 2008

Yeah, probably should get yourself an upgraded FPR.

nyuk98gt · Apr 25, 2008

Tbuck07:

No flame intended, I am trying to understand what is under the hood of your car.

The FPR on the '97 is bolted onto the end of the fuel rail on the passenger side. Is it there on your car or has it been removed? I don't know how your car can run without a regulator. The bigger pump will flow more fuel at a given pressure than the stocker (no surprise) so the regulator needs to be in place to send the "excess" flow back to the tank (for a set pressure, say 39 psig). If the pressure at the injectors is higher than what they are designed for, then the injectors will send more fuel in for a given pulse width. At steady throttle, the PCM can adapt but the transient throttle positions (where we spend most of our time toodling around town) are going to be problematic. I don't know if the unburned fuel shortens the life of the O2 sensors or if it interferes with the readings but I bet that the MIL is going to come on with rich codes pretty soon.

Chris

Tbuck07 · Apr 26, 2008

Chris,

You didn't flame, dont worry about it. My typo, my apologies. I meant to say it does not have an aftermarket fuel regulator.

bobtsgt · Apr 26, 2008

Like said above clean that MAF first and see what happens. If you want you may want to invest in a regulator like a BBK or a Aeromotive if you plan on boosting anytime in the future. Also get a gauge for the regulator or one for the rail fitting. That way you will know where you sit at all times.

Bluesn95 · Apr 26, 2008

I don't think shooting flames is a problem. I'm guessing you don't have cats or the ones on your car are gutted. I gutted my cats and ever since then, if I shift near the rev limiter my car will shoot flames. Its kinda cool and gets the attention of the people behind you but I don't think its a problem.