What Causes Excessive Carbon Monoxide in Exhaust?
2 Answers
Reasons and solutions for excessive carbon monoxide in exhaust are as follows: 1. Oxygen sensor is dirty, requiring replacement or cleaning; 2. Three-way catalytic converter is damaged, needing repair or replacement; 3. Remove carbon deposits from the intake and exhaust systems, clean the throttle body and fuel injectors, and replace if necessary; 4. Check spark plug gap deviation and correct or replace; 5. Inspect vacuum tubes for leaks or blockages and address accordingly; 6. If coolant temperature is too high, repair the cooling fan to restore normal operation; 7. Use an OBD scanner to check if the intake pressure sensor is functioning properly.
I recently noticed that the carbon monoxide level in my car's exhaust is higher than normal, which is quite concerning. The main reason is usually that the air-fuel mixture is too rich, meaning the fuel isn't burning cleanly enough. This could be due to a clogged air filter restricting airflow, or leaking fuel injectors causing excessive fuel supply—more fuel leads to incomplete combustion and higher carbon monoxide emissions. Additionally, internal engine wear, such as worn piston rings failing to seal properly, can also reduce combustion efficiency. I checked it myself and started by cleaning the air filter to see if that would help save money. Using low-quality gasoline might also contribute to this issue, so switching to higher-octane fuel is recommended. It's important to avoid engine overheating during daily driving and perform regular maintenance to minimize problems. If you frequently notice unusual odors in the exhaust, get it checked promptly—delaying not only pollutes the environment but may also damage the catalytic converter.
