Exhaust Gas Analyser

The exhaust gas analyser is used to measure the amount of emissions a car is producing. It can also detect what the engines air/fuel ratio is whether it is running lean, rich or at stoicheometry (14.7 : 1). The emissions that cars produce are harmful to the environment so governments started putting laws up on how much emissions a car is allowed to emit. The exhaust gas analyser can also be used to diagnose problems on the engine.

 An example of exhaust gas measurements

Problems related to higher than normal readings:

• High HC (hydrocarbons) - May be due to a misfire
• High CO (carbon monoxide) - Could be from the engine running to rich
• High O2 (oxygen) - Means the engine is running lean, there is a misfire or there is a hole in the exhaust
• CO2 (carbon dioxide) is an indicator of how efficiently the engine is running

It is important to allow the exhaust analyser to measure the residue in the pipes and allow it to re-calibrate before inserting it in the exhaust pipe. It is also important to have a ventilation pipe securely fitted to the exhaust to prevent inhaling poisonous exhaust gasses. The analyser should be set to catalytic converter if the vehicle has one, if it is not set up properly incorrect measurements may be recorded.