Barely Passed VA Sniffer - What to Check for Next Time

[spyne]

I live in Northern VA and we have to pass a sniffer test for emissions every two years. Put the 5.0 through the inspection yesterday and barely passed. The allowable HC reading (Hydrocarbon?) is 55 at 15 mph and 60 at 25 mph. My HC reading was 55 at 15 mph and 60 at 25 mph, so I just slipped by. All of the other readings were comfortably within the allowable ranges.

The car has new plugs, wires, distributor cap, air filter and rotor. I also made sure it was good and wrned up before going in. I'm sure the next time around I'm not going to be able to pass the test and was wondering what I should be looking at to improve the numbers.

 

[RacEoHolic330]

make sure your timing is at 10 degrees.

 

[WilwoodFiveO]

where in Northern VA do you live, I'm in Vienna. When I have to pass am I going to gave to make below those same numbers?

 

[iskwezm]

i just had my truck smogged,no cat(hollowed out) and it failed,but it passed last time,anyhoo,i replaced the cat and it cut down the HC's about 80%.

How old are your cats??Do you have cats???

 

[spyne]

where in Northern VA do you live, I'm in Vienna. When I have to pass am I going to gave to make below those same numbers?

I'm in Fairfax, just up Rt 123 from you. You'll have to make the same numbers.

 

[spyne]

i just had my truck smogged,no cat(hollowed out) and it failed,but it passed last time,anyhoo,i replaced the cat and it cut down the HC's about 80%.

How old are your cats??Do you have cats???

I have cats and would be willing to bet they're the originals. Might be time for some low restriction cats.

 

[onefstsnake]

Yup I had the same thing happen. Im in Dumfries, VA

First time I failed... Over twice the limit.

Had the timing adjusted and made sure the car was hot and it cut the readings down by more than half.

 

[DmnStr8]

Try running some seafoam, I've been told it helps.

 

[jrichker]

How to pass emissions testing:

1.) Make sure all the emissions gear the car was made with is present and connected up properly. That includes a working smog pump and cats.

2.) Make sure that you have fresh tune up with spark plugs, plug wires, cap, rotor, fuel & air filters. An oil & filter change is a good idea while you are at it.

3.) Dump the codes and see what the computer says is wrong…

Here's the link to dump the computer codes with only a jumper wire or paper clip and the check engine light, or test light or voltmeter. I’ve used it for years, and it works great.

See http://www.troublecodes.net/Ford/
OR
See http://www.mustangworks.com/article...c-iv_codes.html

IF your car is an 86-88 stang, you'll have to use the test lamp or voltmeter method. There is no functional check engine light on the 86-88's except possibly the Cali Mass Air cars.

Codes have different answers if the engine is running from the answers that it has when the engine isn't running. It helps a lot to know if you had the engine running when you ran the test.

Trouble codes are either 2 digit or 3 digit, there are no cars that use both 2 digit codes and 3 digit codes.

For those who are intimidated by all the wires & connections, see http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16153 for what a typical hand scanner looks like. Normal retail price is about $30 or so at AutoZone or Walmart.

Or for a nicer scanner see http://www.midwayautosupply.com/det...iption.asp?3829 – It has a 3 digit LCD display so that you don’t have to count flashes or beeps.. Cost is $33.

4.) Post the codes and get help to fix them. Don’t try to pass with codes not fixed. Clearing the computer just temporarily removes them from memory, it doesn’t fix the problem that caused the code to be set.

5.) Be sure to do the testing on a hot engine. Drive for 15-20 minutes prior to taking the test to get operating temps up into the normal range. Do not shut off the engine while waiting for your turn on the test machine. An engine up to full operating temperature puts out fewer emissions.