Running RICH! Code 173

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Mar 20, 2002 | 07:41 PM

wildjon300ci

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From: Conyers

Running RICH! Code 173

My Mom's 1992 4.0 V-6 aerostar is running RICH! You can see it comeing from the tailpipe at idle, cruise, and WOT it's like a diesel with the injection pump turned ALL the way up. We've replace the thermostat (was stuck wide open not allowing the engine to warm up and thus making the computer think the engine is cold and run rich) and we replaced the coolant temp sensors. We replaced the fan due to the original one literally falling apart. The injectors have had cleaner run through them and it has new spark plugs. The spark-plug wires are about to be replaced next. Where's the spout connector on this thing? I wanna check the timing. Does this engine have a distrubitor? This stupid electronic crap hs me stumped.

Mar 21, 2002 | 08:52 AM

Mikeman

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From: PNW

Running RICH! Code 173

First on the list of suspects would be a failed fuel pressure regulator since this thing is rich all the time at all conditions. Hook up a fuel pressure gage to the fuel rail to check it (easier said than done, it's crowded in there). It should be around 40 psi. While you're at it, you might as well clean the MAF sensor. There is no distributor nor any way to change the timing. There is a coil pack that is controlled by the ignition control module.