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Would running lean save fuel?
I know that an air fuel ratio of 14.7:1 is in stoichiomitry, obviously running rich burns more fuel, and running lean reduces performance. But what if a car ran at 15.5 or 16:1 air to fuel ratio at all times, except when cold, under heavy load or at full throttle? I would think it would get better mileage, at the cost of worse throttle response and higher temps. Why is the air to fuel ratio so rich while cruising? Could the engine not do the same amount of work with a leaner air to fuel ratio, or would fuel consumption increase? Thanks, this always confused me.
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