Repair and Service Help All Repair related problems, issues, TSBs, and anything else revolving around the Repair of your Mustang

Running lean...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 3/30/13, 10:48 AM
  #1  
Mach 1 Member
Thread Starter
 
blairnr67's Avatar
 
Join Date: December 31, 2012
Posts: 1,104
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Running lean...

So my engine decides to throw two CEL lights today. Running lean in bank 1 and 2. I have LT headers and CAI with a Steeda tune. Anyone know what is going on or what I'll have to do to fix it? It's my DD, so I'm screwed if something happens.
Old 3/30/13, 11:02 AM
  #2  
Mach 1 Member
Thread Starter
 
blairnr67's Avatar
 
Join Date: December 31, 2012
Posts: 1,104
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I propped the hood and wow it was really hot under there although the cylinder heads only got up to 207 degrees. Especially just for cruising around for a few minutes at low speeds (under 45)

My air to fuel ratio is 14-14.5 at idle and up to 15,16, and 17 with small revs. When driving, it stays around 14. When I brake, it goes all the way up and pegs out at 20.

Last edited by blairnr67; 3/30/13 at 11:29 AM.
Old 3/30/13, 01:30 PM
  #3  
Bullitt Member
 
05GTJOSH's Avatar
 
Join Date: January 24, 2013
Posts: 232
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by blairnr67
I propped the hood and wow it was really hot under there although the cylinder heads only got up to 207 degrees. Especially just for cruising around for a few minutes at low speeds (under 45)

My air to fuel ratio is 14-14.5 at idle and up to 15,16, and 17 with small revs. When driving, it stays around 14. When I brake, it goes all the way up and pegs out at 20.
Its because your cai. Did you get a tune for the air intake??
Old 3/30/13, 01:33 PM
  #4  
Mach 1 Member
Thread Starter
 
blairnr67's Avatar
 
Join Date: December 31, 2012
Posts: 1,104
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The custom Steeda tune was supposed I incorporate both the CAI and headers
Old 3/30/13, 01:37 PM
  #5  
Mach 1 Member
Thread Starter
 
blairnr67's Avatar
 
Join Date: December 31, 2012
Posts: 1,104
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I set the car back to stock, and then I retuned it. No CELs yet. Still wants to to go up to 20 in the fuel/air ratio. If I put a slight bit on the gas, it won't do it. It weird.
Old 3/30/13, 01:52 PM
  #6  
Post *****
 
cdynaco's Avatar
 
Join Date: December 14, 2007
Location: State of Jefferson Mountains USA
Posts: 20,005
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Originally Posted by blairnr67
So my engine decides to throw two CEL lights today. Running lean in bank 1 and 2. I have LT headers and CAI with a Steeda tune. Anyone know what is going on or what I'll have to do to fix it? It's my DD, so I'm screwed if something happens.
O2's still connected properly with the LT's? Aren't they relocated? Could the wire have come loose?
Old 3/30/13, 02:19 PM
  #7  
Mach 1 Member
Thread Starter
 
blairnr67's Avatar
 
Join Date: December 31, 2012
Posts: 1,104
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by cdynaco

O2's still connected properly with the LT's? Aren't they relocated? Could the wire have come loose?
You know what? It could have. I went back to the shop yesterday to get my catback readjusted because it was hitting on the PH bar brace. It wasn't going off before then. I'll get up under the car and check.
Old 3/30/13, 04:13 PM
  #8  
Shelby GT350 Member
 
tj@steeda's Avatar
 
Join Date: July 16, 2011
Posts: 2,040
Received 52 Likes on 47 Posts
Did the car run properly before you took it to the shop? If the car was running properly then popped the code ... then like you said ... you may have to check the connections.

If you are still throwing the code ... then shoot me an email at tim@steeda.com so that I can let Gus know he can see what is taking place.

Best Regards,

TJ
Old 3/30/13, 05:37 PM
  #9  
Mach 1 Member
Thread Starter
 
blairnr67's Avatar
 
Join Date: December 31, 2012
Posts: 1,104
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by tj@steeda
Did the car run properly before you took it to the shop? If the car was running properly then popped the code ... then like you said ... you may have to check the connections.

If you are still throwing the code ... then shoot me an email at tim@steeda.com so that I can let Gus know he can see what is taking place.

Best Regards,

TJ
It wasn't until after. I didn't have any problems the few hundred miles I put on the car right after install
Old 3/30/13, 06:02 PM
  #10  
A Man Just Needs Some....
 
AlsCobra's Avatar
 
Join Date: April 9, 2011
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 16,852
Received 34 Likes on 30 Posts
You really need a good custom dyno tune from a reputable tuner. You just can't trust a mail order tune especially with a daily driver. It's really worth the money for reassurance that you're not harming the engine. I'm sure the guys at Steeda know what they're doing but its just not same in my opinion.

Last edited by AlsCobra; 3/30/13 at 06:03 PM.
Old 3/30/13, 06:28 PM
  #11  
Mach 1 Member
Thread Starter
 
blairnr67's Avatar
 
Join Date: December 31, 2012
Posts: 1,104
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by AlsCobra
You really need a good custom dyno tune from a reputable tuner. You just can't trust a mail order tune especially with a daily driver. It's really worth the money for reassurance that you're not harming the engine. I'm sure the guys at Steeda know what they're doing but its just not same in my opinion.
I don't really like how the car shifts with the Steeda tune. It doesn't downshift well at all. It very firm and jerks forward a little bit. I'd like to dyno it anyways, so I'll look into that.
Old 3/30/13, 07:16 PM
  #12  
Bullitt Member
 
Tron84's Avatar
 
Join Date: January 24, 2012
Location: The Garage
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
The a/f ratio pegging out on the high side under deceleration is normal
Old 3/30/13, 07:31 PM
  #13  
MJJ
Bullitt Member
 
MJJ's Avatar
 
Join Date: January 29, 2012
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I am a big fan of Steeda. That being said if I was going to tune a 5.0 I would go to either VMP or AED.
Old 3/30/13, 07:50 PM
  #14  
legacy Tms Member MEMORIAL Rest In Peace 10/06/2021
 
David Young's Avatar
 
Join Date: September 16, 2009
Location: Clinton Tennessee
Posts: 3,377
Received 125 Likes on 101 Posts
I started getting running lean codes on my V-6. It ended up being a crack in my catch can hose and fitting. Just saying...........
Old 3/31/13, 06:54 AM
  #15  
Member
 
SGM TP 14's Avatar
 
Join Date: March 13, 2013
Location: Houston
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by blairnr67
I propped the hood and wow it was really hot under there although the cylinder heads only got up to 207 degrees. Especially just for cruising around for a few minutes at low speeds (under 45)

My air to fuel ratio is 14-14.5 at idle and up to 15,16, and 17 with small revs. When driving, it stays around 14. When I brake, it goes all the way up and pegs out at 20.
Those are the same numbers that I have.. not sure about the revs.. never really noticed.
Sorry for the noob question... But what should the numbers be at idle, while just regular driving, and at WOT?
Stock car.
Thanks
Old 3/31/13, 07:42 AM
  #16  
legacy Tms Member MEMORIAL Rest In Peace 10/06/2021
 
David Young's Avatar
 
Join Date: September 16, 2009
Location: Clinton Tennessee
Posts: 3,377
Received 125 Likes on 101 Posts
I must add: My codes were bank 1 and bank 2 running lean. 99% of the time it is caused by a vaccum leak. Just saying...........
Old 3/31/13, 08:16 AM
  #17  
Mach 1 Member
Thread Starter
 
blairnr67's Avatar
 
Join Date: December 31, 2012
Posts: 1,104
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by David Young
I must add: My codes were bank 1 and bank 2 running lean. 99% of the time it is caused by a vaccum leak. Just saying...........
I look for leaks in the CAI hosing, but wasn't able to find any. I was hoping that's what it was because that's an easy fix.
Old 3/31/13, 10:44 AM
  #18  
Mach 1 Member
 
BRADGTCS's Avatar
 
Join Date: January 13, 2013
Location: Seattle Washington
Posts: 697
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Sometimes custom tune do not cover all add ons. I am a little surprised you put on after market headers. I may be wrong but I have been hearing the stock manifolds are better than any aftermarket on the current 5.0. But that is where your tune may be giving you issues. I hope you do find the problem and get it fixed. No fun to be burning up the engine on your ride. Goo luck.
Old 3/31/13, 10:46 AM
  #19  
Mach 1 Member
 
BRADGTCS's Avatar
 
Join Date: January 13, 2013
Location: Seattle Washington
Posts: 697
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Originally Posted by BRADGTCS
Sometimes custom tune do not cover all add ons. I am a little surprised you put on after market headers. I may be wrong but I have been hearing the stock manifolds are better than any aftermarket on the current 5.0. But that is where your tune may be giving you issues. I hope you do find the problem and get it fixed. No fun to be burning up the engine on your ride. Goo luck.
to clarify my statement this is Based on the v8 and may not be true on the v6.
Old 3/31/13, 11:21 AM
  #20  
Mach 1 Member
Thread Starter
 
blairnr67's Avatar
 
Join Date: December 31, 2012
Posts: 1,104
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by BRADGTCS
to clarify my statement this is Based on the v8 and may not be true on the v6.
The stock headers looked like cheap crap when I took them off. Plus, they don't give you the sound that LT headers will.


Quick Reply: Running lean...



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:28 PM.