Can a Car with Over-Rich Mixture Still Run?

[LaAutumn]

A car with an over-rich mixture can still run. At idle, the engine load decreases, the throttle opening becomes smaller, and the air intake reduces. Causes of an over-rich mixture: Excessively high fuel level; Malfunctioning vacuum economizer; Clogged main air jet; Blocked air filter. The car's mixture is a combination of fuel and air, typically referring to the mixture of gasoline, diesel, and air. Solutions for an over-rich mixture: Check if the fuel level in the float chamber is too high. If the fuel level is normal, inspect whether the choke is open and if the air filter is dirty or blocked. If the fuel level is too high, adjust it. If the fuel level cannot be adjusted to the normal height, check if the needle valve is sealed and if the float is cracked.

[Cheryl]

I once encountered a car with an overly rich air-fuel mixture. It could still run for a short while, but definitely not suitable for long-distance driving. This is usually caused by issues in the fuel system, such as clogged fuel injectors or a faulty oxygen sensor, leading to excessive fuel injection and insufficient air intake. You'll feel like the throttle is unresponsive, and the engine is prone to stalling. At idle, the car shakes like a tractor. Fuel consumption also skyrockets, which is tough on the wallet. Even worse, the spark plugs can get severely carbon-fouled, and prolonged driving like this may damage internal engine components, risking a breakdown on the road. That time, I barely made it to the repair shop, where the mechanic diagnosed it as a faulty mass airflow sensor before fixing it. My advice is to stop and check as soon as you notice something wrong—don't wait for a major failure.

[VanZachary]

I've been repairing cars for over a decade. A car with a rich fuel mixture can still be driven, but it comes with significant risks. When the engine runs with an imbalanced air-fuel ratio, it emits excessive black smoke, polluting the environment and incurring hefty fines. Acceleration becomes sluggish and jerky, as if struggling through mud. Common causes include a clogged intake system or excessively high fuel pressure. First, check if the air filter is dirty, then inspect whether the throttle body has carbon buildup. Short-distance driving at low speeds might be fine, but avoid highways—otherwise, the spark plugs will quickly fail, doubling the repair costs. It's best to visit a professional shop for a diagnostic scan with a computer tool. Replacing a sensor might cost just a few dozen dollars—don't skimp on this and risk your car's health.

[RyleeLynn]

I used to drive the company's delivery vehicle and kept driving for a while even when the air-fuel mixture was too rich. The consequences were a sharp increase in fuel consumption, costing me an extra hundred bucks in gas money per month, and poisoning the catalytic converter, which led to an expensive replacement. This situation is usually caused by uncontrolled fuel pump pressure or faulty ECU signals causing erratic reports. You might notice the engine sounding muffled and noisy. Short-distance city driving is manageable, but avoid accelerating too quickly—otherwise, the tailpipe will emit black smoke, which is both choking and violates emission standards. It's recommended to get it checked and repaired as soon as possible to prevent greater losses. Also, always refuel at reputable gas stations to avoid impurity buildup that could trigger similar issues.