Budget Exhaust Analyzer?

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Jul 23, 2025 | 02:58 PM

#16

Denzil B

Tuned

Joined: Dec 2024

Posts: 445

Likes: 94

From: Texas, near Houston

Quote:

Originally Posted by kr98664

Greetings All,

Been dreaming of a low-cost exhaust analyzer. Does such a critter exist for the home mechanic? Lots of options in the $1500+ range, but that's way too rich for my blood. Maybe $300 tops for me?

I'd like something that can discern CO and HC levels at the tailpipe. I'd like to observe any changes in emissions as I make various adjustments. My truck still has to pass emissions testing here in The People's Republic of Oregon. It would be nice to have a general idea ahead of time before testing.

I've seen various homemade air/fuel ratio meters that are based on an oxygen sensor. If I got the A/F ratio in the perfect range, would CO and HC fall into place, or is that not directly related? Also, doesn't the sampling need to place close to the engine, such as at the exhaust manifold? Ideally I'd prefer something portable that works back at the tailpipe. My truck is non-catalyst.

What about a combustion analyzer, like an HVAC guy might use on a furnace? Could something like be used for a vehicle exhaust? I've seen some of those under $200.

i have an 84 f150, but just decided to go with a wide band AFR gauge as there little i can do to make significant changes anyway. You will tune it for a ballpark 14.1 afr and expect to see it vary from 12 - 15 as you drive thru out the ranges. To some extent there is always an ebb and flow to your readings and that's not just your truck variation, but the testing machine will have its own variation that you will never tune out of your truck. Now i dont have to E check here in my county in Texas. So, i am blessed not to have to play that game.