ca18det: running rich or exhaust leak?

[spray2020]

is there an easy way to know if the car is leaking, causing the horrible fumes versus the car running to rich?

When it is on it smells like gas, more than normal- even at idle.

I was thinking of checking the easy things first like the plugs, injectors, coolant temperature sensor- anything else? If the car is running rich will they look pretty crappy?

[Silvia716]

running rich would mean you are getting more fuel that air it could possibly be an exaust leak but fumes dont nessicarly mean its coming from your engine b/c theres a hatch to your tank inside the car, also if you are catless theres going to be more fumes, do you have a boost gague to see if your building prusser , what supporting mods do you have ?

[Croustibat]

You ARE running rich if the car is set up correctly. Around 10:1 to 12:1 at WOT, if mapped correctly. If you still have the oem map it even goes under 9:1 at WOT. Most of the time though, a boost leak leads to running a tad richer than what is wanted, so start by checking every hose and collar, this is the most common reason to run too rich on a CA (the slightest leak often results in AFRs 2 points richer)

Exhaust leak has nothing to do with it.

If you really want to know wether you are running rich or not, there is only 1 way : get a wideband lambda sensor and gauge.

[Croustibat]

That being said, i just saw your other thread saying you have a duff turbo. Might at well get a new one (and bin that aftermarket exhaust manifold, whatever it is, it is worse than the oem one unless you go the 300+ HP route)