What could low O2 levels in the exhaust suggest?

Low oxygen (O2) levels in the exhaust typically indicate that the combustion process is not receiving enough air to mix with the fuel, leading to a rich air-fuel mixture. This means there is more fuel than is necessary for the amount of oxygen available for combustion. When the mixture is rich, there is insufficient oxygen in the exhaust because a larger portion of the fuel is being burned with limited oxygen, resulting in uncombusted hydrocarbons and other emissions that contribute to lower O2 readings.

In terms of engine performance, a rich mixture can lead to a range of issues, including increased fuel consumption, poor engine performance, and potential damage to engine components over time if the condition persists. Monitoring O2 levels helps technicians diagnose the air-fuel mixture condition and make necessary adjustments to optimize performance and emissions.

Thus, low O2 levels strongly correlate with a rich mixture, making that response the most accurate interpretation of the situation.