Failed Smog in CA: need help s/ 88 16v

[76Rocco@earthlink.net (Curt)]

Dave, Have the O2 Sensor tested, as you stated that your uncomfortable
operating a multimeter either find a friend who will test it or have a shop
do this, then check for any vacuum leaks, and finally have the fuel mixture
adjusted, you will then know if this is pass or fail! (by the way your test
was a Pre-test and this doesn't get forwarded to DMV as a fail) Your 2500
RPM results for anyone following this was- @ 2500 RPM HC-0008, CO-0.00%,
CO2-14.6, O2-20.7 this shows the Cat Conv. is at least working, here is a
couple of tricks for you to kick around if all else fails, one is are you
running a cooler thermostat and fan switch? if you've switched to a cooler
one this can affect emissions, if so you may opt to swap back to stock just
long enough to pass? also test shows 6BTDC which is degrees before top dead
center, smog test only permits +3 or -3 from factory settings, so if 6 is
what it calls for it can be adjusted down to 3 degrees which will bring the
HC level slightly lower but won't help CO levels( just remember to bump back
up after test for performance increase), also check for vacuum leaks as this
could cause the O2 sensor to give signal to computer causing it to richen it
up. Usually a bad O2 sensor gets Lazy before it's dead and I've seen some
(Bosch) with high mileage have the shield on the tip fall off (Not Bosch's
fault! I personally have had more failures with generics, so if you need a
new one Go with Bosch!) and cause erratic output not to mention this ruins
Cat. Conv. due to tip contacting and breaking part of the Cat internally.
Good Luck and let me know how the above components tested and if you pass.
Later....
----- Original Message -----
From: "dave t" <pearl16v@yahoo.com>
To: "Curt" <76Rocco@earthlink.net>
Sent: Wednesday, August 07, 2002 5:03 PM
Subject: Re: Failed Smog in CA: need help s/ 88 16v


> attached is a copy of the smog inspection. I've
> replaced the Catalytic converter a little over a year
> ago so that might not be the cause. I'm not very good
> at measuring levels with a multimeter so that may be
> out of my skill level. but i'd appreciate if you could
> take a look at these test results.
>
> --- Curt <76Rocco@earthlink.net> wrote:
> > You could be looking at a number of causes but in
> > hopes of narrowing it down
> > let's start off like this, your CO% & HC's are too
> > high at idle and with
> > those numbers HC's should fall when CO is adjusted
> > down (Leaned out), so
> > first of all clean your Air Filter, then check O2
> > Sensor Operation and
> > connections, then adjust CO level but this requires
> > Exhaust Anylizer-@ a
> > Shop(To be Accurate) or a volt meter-@
> > Home-Performed by Self (Can get
> > Close- E-mail me for proceedure) but with a 462PPM
> > and 4.78%CO this leads me
> > to beleive the Cat Converter may be faulty, best way
> > to test this is with a
> > laser temp gun (Got any Gas RC Car freinds? or a
> > Hobby Shop with a helpful
> > employee wiling to test it in the parking lot?)
> > these are possible things
> > to look at, hardest part is setting the fuel mixture
> > without an Exhaust
> > Anylizer, also the rest of the readings form the
> > test would be helpful, like
> > CO2- This is a by-product of combustion and
> > indicates how efficient fuel is
> > being burnt, also the O2% readings can be helpful
> > with diagnosis, so please
> > forward or even scan the Vehicle Inspection Report
> > to me, my best guess is
> > it's been running rich and has coated the Cat Conv.
> > causing it to be weak,
> > Don't replace Anything that is not needed! Remember
> > you still have Re-Test
> > Fees to come up with and a 30% chance of having the
> > computer (DMV) pick you
> > to have to take it to a Test Only facility (Yeah
> > this happened to me over a
> > flippin' gas cap, resulted in Full payment needed at
> > Test Only Center so now
> > I just go directly there) Hope this was some help,
> > if more help is needed
> > E-mail me...Curt
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "dave t" <pearl16v@yahoo.com>
> > To: <scirocco-l@scirocco.org>
> > Sent: Wednesday, August 07, 2002 1:55 PM
> > Subject: Failed Smog in CA: need help s/ 88 16v
> >
> >
> > > I failed smog and would like some tips on how to
> > get
> > > my baby to pass. The problem is w/ the idle
> > emissions.
> > > I failed both HC PPM (462) and CO% (4.78) with
> > > terrible scores. I have a hunting idle that's
> > always
> > > been there since I've owned this car which will be
> > > 2yrs in september. I don't understand how i passed
> > > 2yrs ago and fail now when really nothing's
> > changed. I
> > > alway use 91 octane if thats any consolation.
> > >
> > > Things that I plan on doing:
> > > - replace sparkplugs
> > > - clean out the air filter (k&n, no not sure if
> > i'm
> > > better off leaving it dirty)
> > > - use a fuel additive to clean fuel system
> > > - pay someone to set the idle and fuel mixture
> > > - replace the O2 sensor
> > > - clean the idle stablizer w/ some Gumout
> > >
> > > Any comments/suggestions?
> > >
> > > I'm in san jose.
> > >
> > > __________________________________________________
> > > Do You Yahoo!?
> > > Yahoo! Health - Feel better, live better
> > > http://health.yahoo.com
> > >
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > Scirocco-l mailing list
> > > Scirocco-l@scirocco.org
> > > http://neubayern.net/mailman/listinfo/scirocco-l
> >
>
>
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Yahoo! Health - Feel better, live better
> http://health.yahoo.com