Ok, here's the deal. I have a 98 Avenger with the stage I on it. It was running fine until about a month ago when the check engine light started coming on.

A few things I've checked:
1.Spark plugs are black as hell. Looks like I'm running super-rich. How can I take care of this? Keep in mind that my A/F is fine at WOT (about 95 at it's highest) and the EGT is at a consitent 1500 degrees.
2.I have an exhaust leak somewhere. I tightened down all the bolts on the manifold as far as they go. I didnt see a crack anywhere but I can hear the exhaust leaking. Would an exhaust leak cause a rich condition by messing with the computer somehow?

I have to get that damn check engine light off. It's so annoying.

Here is a theory:

Maybe you have a leak before the O2 sensor, which makes the O2 sensor give a false reading, therefore increasing the amount of fuel that the computer gives to the engine...???

Maybe...

JE Pistons .020 over
Eagle Rods
TotalSeal Gapless Rings
HRC Stage 2 Kit
Stage 4 Clutchmasters
Phantom grip LSD
TurboXS Hp boost controller
TurboXS Type H BOV
Greddy Turbo Timer
OBX 2.5" catback
2.5" Racecat
RRE Oil Catchcan w\o PCV
Top Fuel UDP
PT Cruiser Lifters and Rockers
Missing Link
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Tokico Illuminas
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17" Black ADR Dv-8 Rims
Clear Corners
Aluminum Gauge bezel(15+HP!!!)
White Face Gauges

Soon to come..
Black projector headlights
Front 97 Eclipse conversion
All GO, A little SHOW.....The way it should be

Do you know what code is being tripped? Yes an exhaust leak can cause the CPU to over act and make shit rich. Check your O2 sensors. That got me. Turned everything black from the inside out.

Shit is all apart. Typical...

I havent been able to get any trouble codes on it as of yet. Seems like the autoparts stores around here dont have anything I could use. I'm going to hook it up to a laptop this weekend hopefully and get some codes from it.

Could the clamp used for the hrc downpipe so that their turbo downpipe clamps to the stock downpipe leak enough to mislead the O2 sensor?

The leaking noise you are hearing is from that clampped connection. Get that thing welded! =)

_________________
Vinnie Lima
vlima@csc.com
AIM: Kiku888
1997 Chrysler Sebring "Silver XTC"
I4 420a w/ HRC Stage 2.45 w/ FMIC
14.7@97 mph@6psi
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