Engine running noticeably flat and rich?

[pauljames90]

Over the last few weeks i've noticed my car feeling as though something wasn't quite right, not feeling as eager as it used too, the exhaust tone sounds flat (cobra back box and y-pipe), and excessive amounts of black soot on the tail pipe.

 

Strangely the car drives fine, no knocking or strange noises just seems flat and lacking in power somewhat.

 

I initially suspected it might be a dirty maf but cleaning this hasn't really improved anything so contemplated replacing it to see if it was faulty.

 

Any ideas of what could be causing these issues?

[Tricky-Ricky]

It will either be a faulty lambda sensor, or a faulty ECU coolant temp sensor, both of which will cause a default rich mixture, but you should be seeing a fault code.

[Dicky]

Can't help I'm afraid but Tricky Ricky's advice seams sensible.

 

Can you post the cause when you get it sorted because it can help other none technical members in the future. I'm thinking that a location on the forum where faults and causes suffered by members can be posted could be valuable?

[pauljames90]

Thanks for the reply, and well my mates got an OBD reader so I'll get that connected up and see if it throws any faults up.