failed emissions -- please help :-)

gary_g

Founding Member

Aug 1, 2002

197

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16

AZ

Oct 28, 2004

#1

• Oct 28, 2004

• #1

Hello, I just moved to Virginia which has tailpipe emissions testing (as opposed to MD where they just looked for OBD fault codes). Anyhow, I just failed emissions, and I *really* need to get my car passed ASAP so I can register it in Virginia.

Here are the emissions test results:

15 MPH: (limit/reading/result)
---------------------------------
HC ppm: 74/129/FAIL
CO %: 0.41/0.00/PASS
NO ppm: 586/582/PASS <-- that was close :-D

25 MPH: (limit/reading/result)
----------------------------------
HC ppm: 72/150/FAIL
CO %: 0.40/0.00/PASS
NO ppm: 531/648/FAIL



So there are the results.. Mod's are in my sig, any ideas on what to do? I have a 3-way diablo chip with it set on the stock tune, so the timing shouldn't be an issue. I've heard about adding rubbing alcohol to the gas, but I'm not sure if this is a good idea?

Thanks -

-g

 

gary_g

Founding Member

Aug 1, 2002

197

0

16

AZ

Oct 28, 2004

#2

• Oct 28, 2004

• #2

gary_g said:

Mod's are in my sig, any ideas on what to do?

Click to expand...

I almost forgot -- I put on a MAC catted H-pipe temporarily to help pass emissions, so the BBK o/r X wasn't installed when I failed.

-g

 

DTMach1

New Member

Jun 14, 2004

240

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Virginia Beach, VA

Oct 28, 2004

#3

• Oct 28, 2004

• #3

move down here to the beach...no emissions testing

 

B

bdcardinal

tree hugger

Jun 10, 2003

3,612

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69

santa barbara, CA

Oct 28, 2004

#4

• Oct 28, 2004

• #4

the NOx is due to a bad EGR valve. have the EGR valve tested with a vacuum gauge. whate have you done tune-up wise lately. i work for a smog ref in CA and we do a similar test on some cars. also take off the offroad pipe and that will fix the HC problem. this is a classic example as to why they dont allow Long Tubes or any midpipe but stock in CA.

EDIT: just saw about the MAC pipe. i would still say put on a stock one. a lot of the aftermarket midpipes with cats are crap and still pollute way over stock. thats why they arent allowed in CA.

 

gary_g

Founding Member

Aug 1, 2002

197

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AZ

Oct 28, 2004

#5

• Oct 28, 2004

• #5

bdcardinal said:

the NOx is due to a bad EGR valve.

Click to expand...

I replaced this about 10-15k miles ago, how long do these normally last?

bdcardinal said:

just saw about the MAC pipe. i would still say put on a stock one.

Click to expand...

I have LT's so I can't really put a stocker back on, any other ideas??

thanks

-g

 

B

bdcardinal

tree hugger

Jun 10, 2003

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santa barbara, CA

Oct 28, 2004

#6

• Oct 28, 2004

• #6

take off the LTs and run shorties. thats what we make people do at my work. they are not happy, but at least people in CA shouldnt be stupid enough to put on illegal parts and try to sneak it by the ref. anyway, its showing you are running rich. not as rich as a dead hole, what is your fuel pressure like? check the passageway for the EGR. cats dont do much for NOx, its mostly EGR.

 

gary_g

Founding Member

Aug 1, 2002

197

0

16

AZ

Oct 28, 2004

#7

• Oct 28, 2004

• #7

bdcardinal said:

take off the LTs and run shorties. thats what we make people do at my work. they are not happy, but at least people in CA shouldnt be stupid enough to put on illegal parts and try to sneak it by the ref. anyway, its showing you are running rich. not as rich as a dead hole, what is your fuel pressure like? check the passageway for the EGR. cats dont do much for NOx, its mostly EGR.

Click to expand...

I'd sooner spoon out my own eyes than go through the trouble of getting the LT's on and off again. :-D What about the gasolive addatives to help you pass... are they worth checking out? A local speed shop recommended that or also trying some dry gas.. What do you think?

 

H

HaywoodJablowme

New Member

Oct 22, 2004

11

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0

USA

Oct 28, 2004

#8

• Oct 28, 2004

• #8

Tune up, especially new spark plugs and a new air filter. Then temporarily disconnect the PCV valve (unplug it from the valve cover). Make sure the car is fully warmed up. Good luck.

 

B

bdcardinal

tree hugger

Jun 10, 2003

3,612

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santa barbara, CA

Oct 29, 2004

#9

• Oct 29, 2004

• #9

no dont disconnect PCV. if a car came in like that to my work they would fail so fast their head wouldnt have time to spin. that will creat a massive vacuum leak. i would relaly suggest doing a full tuneup. i am in an akward situation because we have the power at my work to force people to come back to us speciaicially and no other smog certificate will be accepted except one from us.

 

0

01TrueBlueCobra

New Member

Feb 16, 2004

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somewhere

Oct 29, 2004

#10

• Oct 29, 2004

• #10

Get a full tune up including the fuel filter. Change your oil too and drive your car for 30mins before you get it smogged that will give it time to reach operating temp.

 

R

rpburnette

Member

May 22, 2003

152

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Tampa, FL

Oct 29, 2004

#11

• Oct 29, 2004

• #11

If all else fails besides taking off your LT's, try taking your original cats, if you still have them, and put them on your car, but with the LT's still on. This will mean doing a little fabrication. Basically you will be making your mid-pipe. I am sure you can get this done from a good muffler shop, or any fabricator. It might cost a little money, but it is better than nothing and better than taking off your LTs. Just an idea.

 

K

kbbullitt

New Member

Jul 12, 2004

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In the Cockpit

Oct 29, 2004

#12

• Oct 29, 2004

• #12

Same thing happened to me after I got the SLP LT's installed. I ran some "Emmissions Pass" through the car and made sure that the engine was warm and I passed. Good luck.

 

Z28 KILR

Founding Member

Aug 4, 2001

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Columbus, OH

Oct 29, 2004

#13

• Oct 29, 2004

• #13

Ask the DMV about historic tags.