What does excessive HC in vehicle exhaust mean?
1 Answers
Excessive HC (Hydrocarbon) in vehicle exhaust indicates incomplete combustion of gasoline, which may be caused by poor atomization or, in severe cases, issues with the oxygen sensor or the failure of the three-way catalytic converter in the emission system. The reasons for excessive HC include the following: Incomplete engine combustion: Many factors related to engine combustion can contribute, such as the cleanliness of the fuel, the atomization condition of the fuel injector, fuel pressure, engine compression ratio, cylinder wall quenching effect, faults in the ignition system (including spark plugs, ignition wires, and high-voltage coils), and reduced cylinder pressure due to cylinder wear. Decreased purification capability: Faults in the intake system, such as an overly rich air-fuel mixture, can also lead to excessive HC. The fuel evaporation system and the crankcase ventilation system play crucial roles in controlling HC levels.