Emissions problem
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Thornton CO
Emissions problem
So I finally got my truck running again and I recently moved to Colorado with no knowledge of the emissions tests and regulations. Coming from California where my vehicle was exempt from smog I never really paid any mind to it.
Anyways, I scored an 86% when I first got my truck back from the mechanic and drove it around for about a week before retesting it. Still scoring rather high at about a 65%, while I'm supposed to be under 40%, one of the mechanics there told me that I might have to replace the fuel pump. I was hoping if anybody could shed some light on the subject before I spend more money than I actually need to.
I have a 1986 f250 6.9 litre v8 just in case it doesn't show up on my profile.
Thanks again guys!!!
Anyways, I scored an 86% when I first got my truck back from the mechanic and drove it around for about a week before retesting it. Still scoring rather high at about a 65%, while I'm supposed to be under 40%, one of the mechanics there told me that I might have to replace the fuel pump. I was hoping if anybody could shed some light on the subject before I spend more money than I actually need to.
I have a 1986 f250 6.9 litre v8 just in case it doesn't show up on my profile.
Thanks again guys!!!
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,958
Likes: 105
From: Houston
what is this percentage thing?
Emission tests we do here is a break down of what it failed and what the ppm should be and what the vehicle actually has.
Fuel pump I don't see causing a problem on your emissions unless its fuel injected, but if that was the case it would seem to be low on power as you have low fuel pressure.
But on a carb, that should have zero effect on emissions as the pump just keeps the bowl full.
I actually will need to know what it is failing on and what the number is to point you in a direction on what could cause it.
Emission tests we do here is a break down of what it failed and what the ppm should be and what the vehicle actually has.
Fuel pump I don't see causing a problem on your emissions unless its fuel injected, but if that was the case it would seem to be low on power as you have low fuel pressure.
But on a carb, that should have zero effect on emissions as the pump just keeps the bowl full.
I actually will need to know what it is failing on and what the number is to point you in a direction on what could cause it.
More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 510
Likes: 1
From: South Park, Colorado
I believe the diesel emissions are an opacity test. They put it under load and look at the exhaust, I do not believe they check to make sure any emissions equipment is intact - not there is any emissions equipment on an IDI anyway. I live in CO, but fortunately not in an emissions required area.
I would make sure the injectors are in good shape. Had anybody performed any mods to the engine such as turning up the fuel (sorry I am not familiar with IDI's). The engine not being in good health or messed with would make it smoke more.
I would make sure the injectors are in good shape. Had anybody performed any mods to the engine such as turning up the fuel (sorry I am not familiar with IDI's). The engine not being in good health or messed with would make it smoke more.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Thornton CO
It is an IDI engine.
It's all stock.
I went earlier today to talk to my mechanic about the issue and he wasn't very knowledgeable regarding the emissions problem.
The only thing he thought would help is if I were to put turbos in because it's not a turbod engine. He told me that since I'm at a rather high altitude my type of vehicle isn't able to breathe very well. So what do you guys think?
It's all stock.
I went earlier today to talk to my mechanic about the issue and he wasn't very knowledgeable regarding the emissions problem.
The only thing he thought would help is if I were to put turbos in because it's not a turbod engine. He told me that since I'm at a rather high altitude my type of vehicle isn't able to breathe very well. So what do you guys think?
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
I think you need to find another mechanic. I believe trucks with those engines were sold in Colorado and met emissions requirements then. So, properly set up they should be able to do it now.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,935
Likes: 4,124
From: Angier, NC
Ok what I found when I installed a Gale Banks turbo on a 86 chevy 6.2 diesel.
You needed to turn up the injection pump (add mode fuel) as you are adding more air with a turbo.
Now on the 6.2 the pumps needed rebuild at 70K-100K, mine was 100K. When done I told them I added a turbo and they said they had the specks and "turned it up". They turned up a little too much as the EGT was higher.
Just be fore I sold the truck and 1 reason why I did sell it was the state just started testing diesels and the "turned up" pump made it fail.
My point is if the pump has been rebuilt it may have been "turned up" just a little bit and no body would know it till it was tested like you had to do.
So leaning out the pump a little may be what is needed to pass.
Then again if you put a turbo you will need to "turn it up" as per the build papers and may be right back where you are now. But you will love the power it gives!
Just my .02
Dave ----
You needed to turn up the injection pump (add mode fuel) as you are adding more air with a turbo.
Now on the 6.2 the pumps needed rebuild at 70K-100K, mine was 100K. When done I told them I added a turbo and they said they had the specks and "turned it up". They turned up a little too much as the EGT was higher.
Just be fore I sold the truck and 1 reason why I did sell it was the state just started testing diesels and the "turned up" pump made it fail.
My point is if the pump has been rebuilt it may have been "turned up" just a little bit and no body would know it till it was tested like you had to do.
So leaning out the pump a little may be what is needed to pass.
Then again if you put a turbo you will need to "turn it up" as per the build papers and may be right back where you are now. But you will love the power it gives!
Just my .02
Dave ----
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More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 510
Likes: 1
From: South Park, Colorado
If the truck is in good running order and has not been "messed" with, in particular the injection pump, it should pass. As Gary mentioned, these trucks were sold in Colorado, and will pass in stock form if in good running condition.
If you want a turbo, that is fine, as these trucks are dogs at high altitudes, but make sure everything else is in good working order first. FWIW, I have driven a properly running IDI around the Denver area, it was fine. Over 9000' or so and pulling a grade with a load is another story. It will get you over the hill, but not very fast.
If you want a turbo, that is fine, as these trucks are dogs at high altitudes, but make sure everything else is in good working order first. FWIW, I have driven a properly running IDI around the Denver area, it was fine. Over 9000' or so and pulling a grade with a load is another story. It will get you over the hill, but not very fast.
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Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Thornton CO
Ok what I found when I installed a Gale Banks turbo on a 86 chevy 6.2 diesel.
You needed to turn up the injection pump (add mode fuel) as you are adding more air with a turbo.
Now on the 6.2 the pumps needed rebuild at 70K-100K, mine was 100K. When done I told them I added a turbo and they said they had the specks and "turned it up". They turned up a little too much as the EGT was higher.
Just be fore I sold the truck and 1 reason why I did sell it was the state just started testing diesels and the "turned up" pump made it fail.
My point is if the pump has been rebuilt it may have been "turned up" just a little bit and no body would know it till it was tested like you had to do.
So leaning out the pump a little may be what is needed to pass.
Then again if you put a turbo you will need to "turn it up" as per the build papers and may be right back where you are now. But you will love the power it gives!
Just my .02
Dave ----
You needed to turn up the injection pump (add mode fuel) as you are adding more air with a turbo.
Now on the 6.2 the pumps needed rebuild at 70K-100K, mine was 100K. When done I told them I added a turbo and they said they had the specks and "turned it up". They turned up a little too much as the EGT was higher.
Just be fore I sold the truck and 1 reason why I did sell it was the state just started testing diesels and the "turned up" pump made it fail.
My point is if the pump has been rebuilt it may have been "turned up" just a little bit and no body would know it till it was tested like you had to do.
So leaning out the pump a little may be what is needed to pass.
Then again if you put a turbo you will need to "turn it up" as per the build papers and may be right back where you are now. But you will love the power it gives!
Just my .02
Dave ----
So what you're saying is that I don't need to replace the fuel pump or put in a turbo?
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,510
Likes: 2,823
Did the smog inspector give you a written report telling you what the problem was?
Forget adding the turbo for now. For now you have to pass the test.
The fuel pump suggestion seems to come out of left field. With a mechanical diesel, the injector pump determines pressure and volume at the injectors. If that pump is "turned up" as described above, you get more fuel. More fuel is more power and, without more air, more smoke.
The "other" or primary fuel pump just gets fuel to the injector pump. I don't see how it would have an effect on fuel pressure at the injector tip.
Maybe that's his way of running you up to the $750 you need to spend to get a waiver.
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dmv/emissions-waiver
Is this motor burning motor oil? Any more specifics on the test results may help get a better answer.
Forget adding the turbo for now. For now you have to pass the test.
The fuel pump suggestion seems to come out of left field. With a mechanical diesel, the injector pump determines pressure and volume at the injectors. If that pump is "turned up" as described above, you get more fuel. More fuel is more power and, without more air, more smoke.
The "other" or primary fuel pump just gets fuel to the injector pump. I don't see how it would have an effect on fuel pressure at the injector tip.
Maybe that's his way of running you up to the $750 you need to spend to get a waiver.
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dmv/emissions-waiver
Is this motor burning motor oil? Any more specifics on the test results may help get a better answer.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,935
Likes: 4,124
From: Angier, NC
Not having a little more information I think just leaning out the injection pump could get you to pass the test.
That is what a turbo would do if you did not turn up the pump.
Dave - - - -
That is what a turbo would do if you did not turn up the pump.
Dave - - - -
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,958
Likes: 105
From: Houston
why not just pull a vacuum hose to introduce more air into the system?
I know one thing we did on inspections for ASMs was we used to unplug the computer wire it was a brown wire typically that would disable computer controlled timing and it would allow the engine to pass.
I know one thing we did on inspections for ASMs was we used to unplug the computer wire it was a brown wire typically that would disable computer controlled timing and it would allow the engine to pass.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,958
Likes: 105
From: Houston
I couldn't say I think it depends on the model cause Ive seen some diesels at work given they are older and some were Chevrolets but they had vacuum brakes not hydroboost. I could not say on the vacuum aspect.
Like I tell my boss over and over again, I know the basic theory of operation but I am not a diesel tech.
Like I tell my boss over and over again, I know the basic theory of operation but I am not a diesel tech.
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,510
Likes: 2,823
With some exceptions there is no throttle plate in diesels. On old mechanical injection systems the throttle simply allows more fuel. With drive by wire it's the same except the fuel increase is computer controlled. Thus you can make lots of smoke with an old one by adding lots of throttle when under load. Diesel engines are set up to gulp as much air as they can. Thus dialing back the injector pump might be an answer here but unless there is a blockage in the intake more air is not to be had without a super or turbo charger.