88 Failed AZ emissions testing

[Warlock1]

So my car failed the test and I am hoping someone can explain why. These are the results.
HC 1.43 standard is 1.60
CO 4.91 standard is 15.00
NOX 2.86 standard is 2.50

They gave me a list of things that could be wrong, but what I am looking for is an explanation of what the numbers are telling me. Is it rich or lean and why.

The engine was rebuilt about 1000 mikes ago, but it had a cps issue where it wouldn't start sometimes. I just switched out the cps and that is all good now. I did the cop mod so wires are new. AFPR has been installed. Factory dp cat is still there but no idea what shape it is in. It idles right at 650 and has the "Supra miss" at idle, but runs pretty good.

Thanks all,

 

[jetjock]

IM240 eh? And people think California is tough. Anyway, check the EGR. Might also want to check if a little lean (use the stock O2 sensor) and if hot. Likely EGR though. That or the reduction bed is getting tired.

 

[Warlock1]

EGR system tested fine. I'll have to test the O2 sensor later this week, but I did check fuel pressure and it was showing about 23 PSI with the vacuum line attached. So I adjusted it to around 33. The RPMs came up to 700 verses the 650 it was at but it still runs good. That is the frustrating part this turd runs good, now if I can just get it to pass. I think I may try and hit the echeck place this coming weekend and try it again.

 

[jetjock]

Uh, that you say it tested fine doesn't mean it's working. And why would you adjust fuel pressure from correct to incorrect? You're just making things worse.

 

[Warlock1]

Ok so let me elaborate, I tested each component of the EGR system and according to the TSRM each component tested fine. and at the end I hit the EGR with vacuum per the instructions and the car almost died. So am I to assume I still have a problem? How do you tell if it's working?

And thanks JJ for pointing out my error. I was reading the GE specs. Ok so I will set it for around 26 since that is the middle.

I also noticed that it kooks like there has been a test pipe put in the exhaust right around the passengers door area. Was this where a cat was? I still have the cat on the down pipe, the resonator and the muffler.

 

[jetjock]

So you're missing the main cat? Lmao. A minor detail...

 

[Warlock1]

I honestly couldn't remember if these things had two cats or not. My last two had HKS Super dragers and 3 inch down pipes and that was about 10-12 years ago. So what is the hot ticket for cats? Does anyone make a bolt in or should I just get a magnaflow and have it welded in?

 

[mrdmill4]

You are way to rich. A cat is not going to clean up that much CO .Adjust fuel pressure to factory specs. If this is a 7mge you can adjust the airflow meter after you replace the O2 use a nippendenso. If 7mgte replace O2.

 

[Warlock1]

What are you basing your comments on? My CO readings were less than a third of the standard. What is a reading on a good running engine?
I failed in the Nox area which I think is a lean condition.
I will probably replace the O2 sensor anyway since the engine is new, but I also need to pick up a cat since I am missing the main one as pointed out above.

 

[jetjock]

Sigh. You're not rich. If you were the NOx would be suppressed. Maybe he thinks the CO is in % which is typical for the ASM test.

 

[supraguy@aol]

Listen to JJ.
And put in a cat. I used one of these in my exhaust and it cleaned up my numbers.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-Thunderbo...Parts_Accessories&hash=item20cc2a1957&vxp=mtr

 

[Warlock1]

I ordered one from summit and it should be here tomorrow. I'll change the oil and filter and have the cat put on Saturday morning and then I'll swing back over to the testing place and try again.

 

[supraguy@aol]

Welcome to saturday.
Did you get it tested?

 

[jetjock]

Those little catalysts may solve the problem but aren't called "one pass cats" for nothing. Because a cat's ability is all about surface area and more area means more wash coat containing the precious metals cats really are a case of getting what you pay for.

 

[Warlock1]

I never got a chance to get over to the muffler shop. The glass guy showed up to put the new windshield in and that kinda threw a wrench in the plans. I also didn't realize the muffler shop closed at noon on Saturday. I have Monday off of work so I am going to take the car up and get the cat put on and then retest. I'm sure it'll pass I reset the FP to 26 and that dropped the idle right to 650 warm and it idles smooth. We shall see.

 

[supraguy@aol]

Those little catalysts may solve the problem but aren't called "one pass cats" for nothing. Because a cat's ability is all about surface area and more area means more wash coat containing the precious metals cats really are a case of getting what you pay for.

Well, i suppose thats completely true, but the core of mine didn't seem much smaller than the larger random technology cat it replaced. It just didn't possess the oval casing of the former unit. Plus i wanted a metal substrate rather than ceramic, because allegedly, they last a good deal longer. But then again, i only briefly studied this, and only have enough info to be dangerous.

 

[Warlock1]

Just got back and the new numbers are
HC - .75 on a 1.60 standard
CO - 5.22 on a 15.00 standard
NOX - 1.03 on a 2.50 standard

Adjusted fp to 26 and had a new Magnaflow cat installed.

 

[jetjock]

Good deal. Keep the engine in fuel control, don't burn oil and don't poison the converter with coolant. Do those things and it should last. In addition keep the EGR in working order so the NOx stays down.