The more incomplete the combustion is, the more will be the proportion of pollutant elements released by the gasses of the exhaust pipe.
In order for combustion to be perfect and emissions to be at the lowest levels possible, gasoline vehicles must maintain the air / fuel mixture ratio of 14.7:1.
This is why the automotive industry has invested millions of dollars in research to develop electronic fuel ignition and injection systems to achieve and maintain this ratio.
If this is not maintained, the following problems occur:
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If the amount of fuel increases (Rich mixture)
The temperature of combustion decreases, increasing dangerously the amount of emissions of Carbon Monoxide (CO) and of unburned Hydrocarbons (HC), and polluting the environment.
If the amount of fuel decreases (Lean mixture)
The temperature of combustion increases as well as the emissions of Nitrogen oxides (NOx), polluting the environment.
Source: (*) Bosch- Motronic Technique Instructions Handbook N-987-722-425 pg. 40
Robert Bosch GmbH- Germany
Volvo Car Corporation, Sweden
Hot Rod Magazine - Petersen Automotive Group- USA. |
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