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Carbon Monoxide Listed on the VIR as CO. Carbon Monoxide is formed when incomplete combustion occurs. Normally, CO2 would be produced during conmbustion, but if there is too much fuel (or not enough air) there are not enough Oxygen molecules to complete the “oxidation” of the Carbon.
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Carbon MonoxideListed on the VIR asCO Carbon Monoxide is formed when incomplete combustion occurs. Normally, CO2 would be produced during conmbustion, but if there is too much fuel (or not enough air) there are not enough Oxygen molecules to complete the “oxidation” of the Carbon. High levels of CO are a clear indication of a rich mixture. Besides causing pollution, inhaled CO can be fatal over even a short period of time in sufficient density.
Causes of high CO High CO is always caused by a rich mixture, but the root cause may be any of the following: • Air intake restrictions • Unmetered fuel entering the engine (contaminated crankcase – saturated EVAP canister) • Carbuetor malfunctions • Air Injection system malfunction • Oxygen sensor faults • Exhaust leaks before the upstream Oxygen sensor • High fuel pressure, leaking injectors or leaking fuel pressure regulator. • Catalytic Converter operation
Carbon DioxideListed on the VIR asCO2 • Of the 5 gases measured only HC, CO and NOX are considered pollutants. CO2 is considered to be a “greenhouse gas”. • CO2 is used as a combustion efficiency indicator. • Normal tailpipe CO2 levels range from 13-17% • CO2 & CO should always be moving in opposite directions. • If CO is high then CO2 should be low. • If CO2 is high then CO should be low.