ok, guys I failed emissions testing today and I really don't understand how because my car is running perfect with about 62k miles on the clock but anyways, my hydrocarbons were 1.38 and the standard is 0.8 and my carbon monoxide level was 18.7 and the standard is 15.0. What do these readings mean is wrong with my engine and what do you guys think I should do to correct this?

 

Make sure you are running a 195 stat. Your test readings indicate a rich mixture...

 

Are you sure your cat is all there and that no previous owner had it hollowed out?

 

I'm almost positive the cat is in working order because the stock exhaust was all still on the car when I bought it with stock welds. As far as the stat goes I'm not positive on that one but it seems to be 195. Every single thing on this car was stock when I bought it. That's why I don't get those readings I would've thought that with the stock fuel pressure and everything along with a cat-back and open element it would be running a little lean rather than rich? I don't know what to do with it now, any input please?

 

id checkt he cat anyway... After a while, the cat either possibly dies because of other issues with the motor or just plain cruds up. Either of these two will cause emmisions failure. Mine was dead in my s-10 for years untill i put a new cpi injector in and then it came back to life. Id probably give it a good tune up if you havnt yet and go with a new o2 sensor and replace the cat and see where that gets you.

 

Yeah I suppose I'll have to do that, but I really didn't want to drop money into it now because I have my new engine in my garage and I need all the money I can get to use on it. I actually just got a tune up like a month ago with new plugs, wires, and I think they put a new cap and rotor in and they also just resealed the valve covers because of gasket leaks. Is there any way I could fix this without dropping money into it or should I buy a Catco 3" and use that on the new engine, and if I do buy that will I pass then?

 

I would try a O2 sensor first. Thats just my opinion.

 

I don't know if timing has anything to do with it, but you may want to check it and make sure it's at 0*. Also, make sure your running the highest octane available-you may want to try an additive as well just to help pass emmisions

 

High octane and make sure engine is very warm before going to inspection station. If you just startup and drive straight there the cat may have not warmed up enough to make a good test.

 

I had been running the car for about 30 minutes prior to the test and the guage was reading about 220* and the fans kicked on and all. Now I get 2 more chances to pass this, do you guys honestly think that just using high octane gas will make me pass (I was running 87) because I don't want to fail again and be left with only one more chance?

 

You may also want to swap out the O2 Sensor just to be safe.

 

Bron,

I am in the Chicagoland Northwest suburbs and have been working on passing with my Crossfire Vette. My problem isn't the CO but the HC. I get spikes on decel. Think I have figured it out. If you flunked the test, they must have given you graphs on the HC/CO/and CO2. Are you above standards across the board or is it OK at a cruise. If you want to scan in the graphs, maybe I can help. It also helps if you can burn your own chips.