An engine with a vacuum leak will have what effect on exhaust emissions?

An engine with a vacuum leak introduces additional air into the intake system, which can disrupt the mixture of air and fuel. This leads to a leaner air-fuel mixture, meaning that there is more oxygen in the mixture relative to the fuel. As a result, more oxygen is present in the exhaust gases, which would explain the higher-than-normal levels of O2 that are produced when the engine is operating with a vacuum leak.

A lean air-fuel mixture can also affect the combustion process, often leading to incomplete combustion of fuel. While this can influence other exhaust emissions like hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide, the key effect in this scenario is the increased oxygen content in the exhaust. Understanding this relationship is crucial for diagnosing engine performance issues and ensuring compliance with emission standards.