925benjie Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 Had to get the '92 ES 300 to smog test station yesterday and failed the test. Had no problems during the prior years passing but not this time. It passed the visual inspection and functional check except the emission test. The HC (ppm) and the NO (ppm) was above max. but below gp(gross polluter). However, the CO (%) was way higher than the gross polluter allowable limit. I warmed up the car for about 30 mins. prior to taking it to the station. Any suggestioms or DIY info i can do before taking it back for a retest would be much appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George_Jetson Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 When was the last tuneup done? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
925benjie Posted November 15, 2009 Author Share Posted November 15, 2009 When was the last tuneup done? About a year ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George_Jetson Posted November 16, 2009 Share Posted November 16, 2009 Ok, how many miles ago was that? I know in some spots of the country, people put a lot of miles on their cars. Things to look for (besides the obvious tuneup things ) are the PCV valve, also clean the airflow meter. These cars use a mechanical vane flowmeter. Buildup around the vane will cause all sorts of mixture problems. Also how many total miles do you have on the car? It could very well be time to change the O2 sensors. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stcist2 Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 CO, Carbon Monoxide “HIGH” Air /fuel mixture too rich Air entering exhaust before 02 sensor Air filter restricted Air induction system restricted ; after accident Air injection system injecting air upstream of 02 sensor Crankcase breather filter plugged ECT sensor voltage too high for actual engine temperature Engine oil fuel saturated SHOULD BE 500 PPM OR LESS Evaporative canister fuel saturated Exhaust system restricted Fuel injector leaking Fuel pressure regulator manifold vacuum hose plugged Fuel pressure too high MAF sensor signal too high for amount of air actually entering system MAP sensor vacuum hose leaking MAP sensor voltage signal to PCM too high for actual engine load M/C solenoid disconnected on feedback carburetor 02 sensor lean biased 02 sensor not functioning 02 sensor voltage too low PCV valve plugged PCV vent in air cleaner plugged power valve leaking TPS sensor voltage signal to PCM too high for actual engine load. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
925benjie Posted November 18, 2009 Author Share Posted November 18, 2009 Ok, how many miles ago was that? I know in some spots of the country, people put a lot of miles on their cars. Things to look for (besides the obvious tuneup things ) are the PCV valve, also clean the airflow meter. These cars use a mechanical vane flowmeter. Buildup around the vane will cause all sorts of mixture problems. Also how many total miles do you have on the car? It could very well be time to change the O2 sensors. Did oil and filter change, spark plugs and belt with about 169K miles. It now has 179K. Anyway, I will follow your suggestions and maybe take it further all the way to the intake manifold if that would make a difference. I got time this coming weekend. Thanks "George'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George_Jetson Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 If the O2 sensors are original, it would be a good time to replace them. Also check the fuel pressure regulator. If the diaphragm inside the regulator starts to tear, it will allow un-metered fuel into the engine. Also check all your vac hoses, especially the ones to the regulator. After that I would check the coolant temp sensor. Keep in mind that the ECM uses it's own coolant temp sensor, so do not assume that a working gauge in the dash means that the coolant temp sensor is good. A couple cans of fuel injection cleaner would not hurt either. Of course there are other things, but list will get you started. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
925benjie Posted November 28, 2009 Author Share Posted November 28, 2009 Just posting an update. Followed all recommendations suggested by GH and took it further. Removed from air intake,throttle body,valve cover to intake manifold. Replaced all the gaskets, some hoses that i broke, spark plugs,oxygen sensors,pcv and air filter. Did a lot of cleaning due to the amount of dirt built up on most of the parts involved particularly the throttle body,egr valve,idle control valve and the intake manifold. Put them all back together with no excess parts which was good. Anyway, what a difference. The car runs so much smoother and power. Hopefully, it would pass the retest this weekend. I will cross my finger until then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
camlex Posted November 28, 2009 Share Posted November 28, 2009 I would put premium gas and run atleast 30 minit before go to inspection. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
925benjie Posted December 6, 2009 Author Share Posted December 6, 2009 Finally went to the smog station for the retest. I waited another week to burn most of the fuel in the tank since i added a can of fuel system formula and also did an oil and filter change. Went to the gas station and put three-quarter tank full of premium unleaded and drove it for at least 30 minutes until the temp. gauge is at the normal operating temp. and went straight to the smog station. The smog tech took it in right away and within 15 mins. came back with a passing grade. He even asked me what i did with the car because the emission test showed so much improvement from the previous one. I told him i owe it the the guys on the club who gave me some pointers. Now, on to the next project, replacing the cv boots. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George_Jetson Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 I'm to hear that we could help, I'm sure that you saved a lot doing it yourself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
925benjie Posted December 8, 2009 Author Share Posted December 8, 2009 I'm to hear that we could help, I'm sure that you saved a lot doing it yourself. You bet! Many thanks for the suggestions,G.J.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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