Thread: Rich vs Lean

Ok so my MAF sensor has gone out and i dont have the money to replace it. With it plugged in it is running lean and trying to die when i crank it. When i unplug it it is running rich and seems to run better. My question is: I am driving down to Florida tomorrow from Georgia. Will it be better to unplug it and run rich or leave it plugged up and run lean? What are the pros/cons of each?

i would think running rich is better then lean.

I was thinking the same thing but Im no mechanic so I figured there was probably something I didnt think about so I would just ask.

Well let me put it this way, running lean might burn a hole in a piston or two. And running rich will probably only result in bad mpg. It is a tough choice you’ll have to deal with.

Go to a local salvage yard & see if you cant get a new MAF.

best bet is to let it run rich. Sure you'll get worse MPG but the worst I can see happening is you foul out a set of plugs. Running rich you could burn a hole in a piston.

un-plug it

running rich can blow out rings after a while.



run it rich, its safer for now. change the oil when you get back and get a maf.

Originally Posted by cerick08GP

Well let me put it this way, running lean might burn a hole in a piston or two. And running rich will probably only result in bad mpg. It is a tough choice you’ll have to deal with.

lol its a tough choice

Originally Posted by blowfishRus6

run it rich, its safer for now. change the oil when you get back and get a maf.

I changed the oil yesterday. Would I still need to? Why would I need to?

if you can tune your car via hptuners etc, tune it with the PE tables. no need for a silly MAF.

Originally Posted by benner

best bet is to let it run rich. Running rich you could burn a hole in a piston.

Ya lost me

Originally Posted by 02blackgpgt

I changed the oil yesterday. Would I still need to? Why would I need to?

all the unburnt fuel can wash down the cylinder walls and get in your oil.

over time it will start to cause issues. bearing failure, can wash the oil off the cylinder walls and cause the rings to scuff the walls and possible break rings. lost of compression and potentially chip pistons when/if the rings snap off.