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failed emissions...

Old Oct 27, 2003 | 09:03 PM
  #1  
dbuck50's Avatar
dbuck50
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failed emissions...

I failed the Illinois emissions tests with high HC (2.11 instead of 1.6) and high CO (41.9 instead of 40.0).

Here's what has been replaced...
cat convertor (4 months old)
o2 sensor
tps
egr
evp
evr
ECTS
ACTS
plugs/wires/cap/rotor

I'm not getting any codes. No vacuum leaks that I can detect...and I've really checked.

Here's my question, I changed the Air charge sensor on the weekend and unhooked the battery to reset the computer. I hooked it all back up and drove it a few miles, then parked it until this morning when I drove it 15 minutes to the emissions test place.

Could my computer still be learning how to run? Should I have driven more than 15 minutes (city driving) to warm it up?

I was thinking of running some ethanol (1 gallon?) in the tank and getting it hot are retest it again?? any thoughts?
 
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Old Oct 27, 2003 | 09:30 PM
  #2  
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78fordman
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From: Jefferson, Iowa
Try replacing your fuel filter. Our diesel had a 18 MPG new, and had slowly went down, we replaced the fuel filter, and ran some injector cleaner through it, and it went back up to 18. I would run a can of seafoam through it, and then replace the fuel filter.
 
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Old Oct 27, 2003 | 09:59 PM
  #3  
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90f150moneypit
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From: Still under the hood in O
I would have run it at least 30 minutes. That's what I used to have to do when I lived in Cal. That cat really needs to get hot.
 
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Old Oct 27, 2003 | 10:51 PM
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c96drumm
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From: Colorado, U.S.A!
Also, you should change the oil not too long before the test. This will help the HC readings since the old oil gets contaminated by fuel, etc. Then the vapors from all that get recirculated through the engine by way of the PCV system, resulting in higher HC readings.
 
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Old Oct 28, 2003 | 01:16 AM
  #5  
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From: Ashland City, TN
I'd run it for 30 mins for sure.

can always clean the PCV valve, or replace it.
Keroseene works fine with the PCV and just blow it out with the air compressor.

can always try running better fuel in it too. Differnt gas stations have differnt additives.
That might make a difference.
Can always just run a take of 92 also, that will help clean injectors and such.
 
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Old Oct 28, 2003 | 08:42 AM
  #6  
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c96drumm
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From: Colorado, U.S.A!
You don't want the higher octane gas in there when you get it tested. It burns slower if your engine isn't designed with the higher compression to need it's anti-knock properties. This results in higher HC emissions due to unburned hydrocarbons. It will also cause carbon deposits in the cylinders.
 
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Old Oct 28, 2003 | 10:30 AM
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From: Running Springs CA
15 minutes is way too short. You may need several hours driving for the computer to fully "learn" your engine and you should always go for an emissions test after a highway run with the engine nice and hot, but not loaded up from city driving or extended idling.

I agree with the oil change tip. Also, don't fill the gas tanks. Full tanks can overload the evap system and increase HC readings.

Jim
 
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