Can't pass CA smog test
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: Sherman Oaks California
Can't pass CA smog test
Hi everyone,
I have a 1986 302CID Fuel injected & can't pass the California smog test!
I have lots of issues with this truck that I can't seem to solve...It's running rich ever since the fuel pump assembly in the fuel tank was replaced!
Did any of you have any experience with the Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) that is administered by the Bureau of Automotive Repair?
Basically CAP provides qualified consumers who own a vehicle that cannot pass its biennial (every other year) Smog Check inspection up to $500 in financial assistance toward emissions-related repairs.
I was told by my smog guy that it's not a good idea!
If anyone is interested in getting more info use the link below:
Bureau of Automotive Repair Consumer Assistance Program
Thanking you in advance for your input.
I have a 1986 302CID Fuel injected & can't pass the California smog test!
I have lots of issues with this truck that I can't seem to solve...It's running rich ever since the fuel pump assembly in the fuel tank was replaced!
Did any of you have any experience with the Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) that is administered by the Bureau of Automotive Repair?
Basically CAP provides qualified consumers who own a vehicle that cannot pass its biennial (every other year) Smog Check inspection up to $500 in financial assistance toward emissions-related repairs.
I was told by my smog guy that it's not a good idea!
If anyone is interested in getting more info use the link below:
Bureau of Automotive Repair Consumer Assistance Program
Thanking you in advance for your input.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: Sherman Oaks California
Thanks ctubutis & 81-F-150-Explorer for your quick responses!
Yes I did pull a code 31or 32 about a month ago I can't recall which one...but I did change the EGR vacuum regulator.
As far as the smog results I don't have them because the test was not performed I wanted to try and fix the problem and than run the test again but the hydrocarbons were way to high!
I've been trying to fix problems with this engine for a long time now & always passed the smog test but now the exhaust fume are really bad!
Thanks
Yes I did pull a code 31or 32 about a month ago I can't recall which one...but I did change the EGR vacuum regulator.
As far as the smog results I don't have them because the test was not performed I wanted to try and fix the problem and than run the test again but the hydrocarbons were way to high!
I've been trying to fix problems with this engine for a long time now & always passed the smog test but now the exhaust fume are really bad!
Thanks
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
How do you know the hydrocarbons are too high if you haven't taken it to get it tested? 
:
Telling us about codes you pulled a month ago and then tried to fix isn't telling us anything useful. Pull the codes right now. Also, when was the last tune-up including O2 sensor? Oil change? How many miles on it? How old is the cat? Any other recent repairs?
You will never be able to smell a vehicle running rich. If you smell gas, it's probably leaking. If the fumes are really bad it could be burning oil which could be seals or rings. If you suspect the fuel pressure is too high then get a fuel pressure gauge on it.
I don't know too much about CAP but I know there are pretty strict income requirements. If you make too much you're on your own.
:Telling us about codes you pulled a month ago and then tried to fix isn't telling us anything useful. Pull the codes right now. Also, when was the last tune-up including O2 sensor? Oil change? How many miles on it? How old is the cat? Any other recent repairs?
You will never be able to smell a vehicle running rich. If you smell gas, it's probably leaking. If the fumes are really bad it could be burning oil which could be seals or rings. If you suspect the fuel pressure is too high then get a fuel pressure gauge on it.
I don't know too much about CAP but I know there are pretty strict income requirements. If you make too much you're on your own.
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
I'm confused, too. 
You don't have any numbers because you didn't run a test but you wanted to fix it and run the test again but the HC count was too high.... Huh?
In any event, a high hydrocarbon count - unburned gasoline - is often caused by the ignition system not igniting as well as it should.
Could also be a failing catalytic converter (if equipped).
You don't have any numbers because you didn't run a test but you wanted to fix it and run the test again but the HC count was too high.... Huh?
In any event, a high hydrocarbon count - unburned gasoline - is often caused by the ignition system not igniting as well as it should.
Could also be a failing catalytic converter (if equipped).
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: Sherman Oaks California
Sorry for the confusion on my part!
OK let me clarify a few things!
The exhaust doesn't smell like gasoline fumes.
I was thinking of selling it so I went to have a smog ck so that if I had a buyer I would have the certificate ready, the smog guy did a pretest & told me it would not pass in the shape it was in so I didnt do the test.
As far as the codes, ignition system & maintenance;
Codes - 31 (PFE or EVP circuit below minimum voltage of 0.24 volts.)
Cat is original
Mileage; 121,000 miles
Fuel pump in the tank replaced - 4,000 miles ago
Fuel pump external replaced - 4,000 miles ago
Fuel pressure regulator replaced - 3,000 miles ago (not OEM)
Fuel pump relay - 3,000 miles ago
EGR valve position sensor replaced - 4,000 miles ago
Spark plugs replaced - 5,000 miles ago Atolite #25
Engine timing - 4,000 miles ago @ 8 degrees BTDC
TFI changed - 3,000 miles ago ( not Motorcraft)
Distributor - 4,000 miles ago
Rotor, cap & wires - 3,000 miles ago (Motorcraft)
Oxygen sensor - 5,000 miles ago
Oil changed - 1,000 miles ago
Hope this helps,
Thanks agian
OK let me clarify a few things!
The exhaust doesn't smell like gasoline fumes.
I was thinking of selling it so I went to have a smog ck so that if I had a buyer I would have the certificate ready, the smog guy did a pretest & told me it would not pass in the shape it was in so I didnt do the test.
As far as the codes, ignition system & maintenance;
Codes - 31 (PFE or EVP circuit below minimum voltage of 0.24 volts.)
Cat is original
Mileage; 121,000 miles
Fuel pump in the tank replaced - 4,000 miles ago
Fuel pump external replaced - 4,000 miles ago
Fuel pressure regulator replaced - 3,000 miles ago (not OEM)
Fuel pump relay - 3,000 miles ago
EGR valve position sensor replaced - 4,000 miles ago
Spark plugs replaced - 5,000 miles ago Atolite #25
Engine timing - 4,000 miles ago @ 8 degrees BTDC
TFI changed - 3,000 miles ago ( not Motorcraft)
Distributor - 4,000 miles ago
Rotor, cap & wires - 3,000 miles ago (Motorcraft)
Oxygen sensor - 5,000 miles ago
Oil changed - 1,000 miles ago
Hope this helps,
Thanks agian
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
Ok, both these codes are related to the EGR valve position sensor. (EVP)
Check the wiring to the EGR valve, and check the vacuum lines. Also check the PFE which is also inline with the vacuum and operates sort of like a electrical Ported vacuum switch.
Check the wiring to the EGR valve, and check the vacuum lines. Also check the PFE which is also inline with the vacuum and operates sort of like a electrical Ported vacuum switch.
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Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: Sherman Oaks California
Thank you for the quick response 81-F-150-Explorer!!!
I just rechecked the code & it is code 32 and not 31!
So its related to the EVP sensor I don't have a PFE sensor.
Besides a bad vacuum line or bad wiring can any other problem trigger this code?
I'm seriously considering retiring this BLUE HEAP with the CAP program if I qualify, I can get up to $1500.00 but at the same time I would love to solve these never ending problems I have.
My main problem for the longest time WAS a surging & hesitating that would eventually make the engine backfire than die, since I changed the internal fuel pump that problem is gone but now I get this problem with the bad smelling exhaust & not being able to pass the smog check.
It would be nice if I could take it to one of you guys & pay you to fix these problems...
Thanks allot for all your inputs!!!
I just rechecked the code & it is code 32 and not 31!
So its related to the EVP sensor I don't have a PFE sensor.
Besides a bad vacuum line or bad wiring can any other problem trigger this code?
I'm seriously considering retiring this BLUE HEAP with the CAP program if I qualify, I can get up to $1500.00 but at the same time I would love to solve these never ending problems I have.
My main problem for the longest time WAS a surging & hesitating that would eventually make the engine backfire than die, since I changed the internal fuel pump that problem is gone but now I get this problem with the bad smelling exhaust & not being able to pass the smog check.
It would be nice if I could take it to one of you guys & pay you to fix these problems...
Thanks allot for all your inputs!!!
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: Sherman Oaks California
Hi everybody,
I checked the vacuum line that goes from what looks like two solenoids that control the vacuum that go to the EGR valve & it looks OK
I don't know if this can lower the vacuum & cause a problem with the vacuum supply but when I have the heater fan on (hot or cold setting) at about 35-40 MPH the air flow would switch from coming out of the vent to the defrost as I slow down it would switch back to the vent & I hear a bit of hissing sound coming from inside the dash behind the radio cluster as if air is venting out of the lines that control the A/S heater vent system.
Thanks again
I checked the vacuum line that goes from what looks like two solenoids that control the vacuum that go to the EGR valve & it looks OK
I don't know if this can lower the vacuum & cause a problem with the vacuum supply but when I have the heater fan on (hot or cold setting) at about 35-40 MPH the air flow would switch from coming out of the vent to the defrost as I slow down it would switch back to the vent & I hear a bit of hissing sound coming from inside the dash behind the radio cluster as if air is venting out of the lines that control the A/S heater vent system.
Thanks again
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Yeah, this sounds like a vacuum leak in the HVAC control area.
I suggest removing the top dash pad, maybe the radio & glove compartment liner to get a decent view of all that stuff so you can investigate the problem.
I suggest removing the top dash pad, maybe the radio & glove compartment liner to get a decent view of all that stuff so you can investigate the problem.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 2
From: Marysville, WA
I heard about some shops in Cali that would fail your vehicle to make a buck, then have you pay them for repairs not completed, take a passing vehicle from out back and use the numbers off it to pass yours.
And if you happen to slip and deposit some $$$ into the mechanic's hand....
After having lived in Cali and having to deal with their BS system, I feel for you. All my vehicles are now out of smog except the wife's Focus, which should be good for a few more years...
Hissing is either a vacuum leak or a snake under the dash...
And if you happen to slip and deposit some $$$ into the mechanic's hand....
After having lived in Cali and having to deal with their BS system, I feel for you. All my vehicles are now out of smog except the wife's Focus, which should be good for a few more years...
Hissing is either a vacuum leak or a snake under the dash...
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: Sherman Oaks California
Just solved my mechanical problems!!!
Hi everyone,
Just wanted to update you guys about my mechanical problems...
I'm not sure if this post will be part of my thread, if not please let me know how to add this info to my thread so that other people will know about this update!
The last time my 1986 Econoline e-150 5.0 fuel injection broke down on me the fuel pump in the tank needed to be replaced, once replaced it solved my surging problems but I could not pass the CA smog check a few months ago Hydrocarbons were three times the allowable (about 275 the max is 90) the exhaust fumes smelled really bad and it was running rich all the time...
I took it to a gold shield station and they found the problems fairly quick the mechanic told me that I have a bad ground problem with the computer (ECU) the computer the van came with originally was bought from a junk yard.
These are the parts that were replaced;
1. Rebuilt computer
2. Oxygen sensor
3. EVP Sensor ( EGR Valve Position Sensor)
The van passed the smog check and the bad smelling exhaust fumes are gone finally!
Now THE BLUE HEAP has a new name THE BLUE HEAP GT.
Thanks for all your help
Just wanted to update you guys about my mechanical problems...
I'm not sure if this post will be part of my thread, if not please let me know how to add this info to my thread so that other people will know about this update!
The last time my 1986 Econoline e-150 5.0 fuel injection broke down on me the fuel pump in the tank needed to be replaced, once replaced it solved my surging problems but I could not pass the CA smog check a few months ago Hydrocarbons were three times the allowable (about 275 the max is 90) the exhaust fumes smelled really bad and it was running rich all the time...
I took it to a gold shield station and they found the problems fairly quick the mechanic told me that I have a bad ground problem with the computer (ECU) the computer the van came with originally was bought from a junk yard.
These are the parts that were replaced;
1. Rebuilt computer
2. Oxygen sensor
3. EVP Sensor ( EGR Valve Position Sensor)
The van passed the smog check and the bad smelling exhaust fumes are gone finally!
Now THE BLUE HEAP has a new name THE BLUE HEAP GT.
Thanks for all your help
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: Sherman Oaks California
Smog numbers
At the time I didn't have those numbers but now I do, I don't know if this will help you but these are the smog numbers:
HC (PPM)
15 MPH - 324
25 MPH - 75
CO (%)
15 MPH - 8.26
25 MPH - 0.06
NO
15 MPH - 63
25 MPH - 69
HC (PPM)
15 MPH - 324
25 MPH - 75
CO (%)
15 MPH - 8.26
25 MPH - 0.06
NO
15 MPH - 63
25 MPH - 69
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