I just failed my emissions test with higher than acceptable hydocarbons. Possible problems are attributed to the Catalytic converter, spark plugs, fuel mix is too rich/lean....any one else have experience with this kind of problem? I don't want to take it to my mechanic and have no idea what I'm getting into. BTW it's a '89 352i total stock and 169,000. Thanks for any help with this.
emissions help please
- Thread starter swilkins
- Start date
I think the guy who did your emissions didn't do enough to help you pass. There are a lot of things he could have done to troubleshoot the issue. I had to replace the CC on my last test but the guy was able to eliminate any other possibility before going to that. Do they have Smog Repair stations there? Go find a good one that will take care of you, not just take your money. I realize that is hard to do but once you find him stick with him. That's what I did and he's taken care of me ever since.
Steve
Steve
Here are some common causes of high hydrocarbons...
Engine was not at normal operating temperature.
Ignition system malfunction. Spark failing to occur for any reason will send unburned hydrocarbons (HC) down the exhaust pipe. Example: bad plugs, plug wires, distributor cap, rotor, coil wire, coils, etc.
An extremely lean fuel mixture that causes misfiring. Examples include disconnected, leaking or misrouted vacuum hoses, intake gasket leaks, EGR stuck open, low fuel pressure.
Over advanced timing. Insufficient spark duration.
Low compression or mechanical problems. Worn rings, burned valves, bad or misaligned timing gears.
Over rich fuel condition causing both HC and CO failures.
Contaminated, bad or restricted catalytic converter.
Look into those...
Engine was not at normal operating temperature.
Ignition system malfunction. Spark failing to occur for any reason will send unburned hydrocarbons (HC) down the exhaust pipe. Example: bad plugs, plug wires, distributor cap, rotor, coil wire, coils, etc.
An extremely lean fuel mixture that causes misfiring. Examples include disconnected, leaking or misrouted vacuum hoses, intake gasket leaks, EGR stuck open, low fuel pressure.
Over advanced timing. Insufficient spark duration.
Low compression or mechanical problems. Worn rings, burned valves, bad or misaligned timing gears.
Over rich fuel condition causing both HC and CO failures.
Contaminated, bad or restricted catalytic converter.
Look into those...
Well, they can be tested for tailpipe emissions, but there is more than just putting a probe in the tailpipe. The emissions output at 1000 rpm after running for 30 minutes is different than emissions output at 1000 rpm after running for 2 minutes. OBD1 does not allow a computer to be plugged in to read the engine output -- OBD2 does. In PA, all pre-96 (obd1) cars are tested for gas cap pressure, and visual inspection. 96 and newer is a actual emissions test.