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Failed Smog - Any Clue in the Numbers?



 
 
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  #1  
Old May 11th 07, 08:26 PM posted to rec.autos.tech
Blake
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 10
Default Failed Smog - Any Clue in the Numbers?

My car failed the California smog check today. I talked with three mechanics
in town about my repair options, and all three tell me I need to buy the
diagnostic package and see where we go from there.

I suppose it's to their credit that they decline to offer a firm diagnosis
on the basis of the smog numbers, but I would have more confidance in a
mechanic who could tell me the most likely cause of the failure. I have to
beleave that the emission test results themselves tell a big part of the
story. Maybe I'm off base here, but I need to make a fix-it or junk-it
descision. That descision might be easier to make before spending that first
$100.

The car is an '89 Daihatsu Charade 1.0L with 250K on it (100K since new
rings and 40K since new catalytic converter). It has new
plugs/wires/distributor cap and rotor, but no adjustments have been made
since the last smog check two years ago.

There is an unusual symptom that mey be related. Lately there has been a
problem with the idle speed dipping too low after suddenly removing load,
often leading to stalling at stop signs. This is mostly a problem on warm
days and after the engine is hot from long freeway runs. The idle speed
quickly comes back and it idles fine after that.

My emission numbers a

15 MPH Test
2068 RPM
CO2 14.2%
O2 0.6%
HC 41 PPM (147 Test Limit)
CO 0.70% (0.88 Test Limit)
NO 986 PPM (889 Test Limit)

25 MPH Test
2247 RPM
CO2 14.6%
O2 0.2%
HC 27 PPM (122 Test Limit)
CO 0.53% (0.78 Test Limit)
NO 1147 PPM (829 Test Limit)


If anyone can offer some insight into these numbers, I would appreciate
hearing. Thanks.


  #2  
Old May 11th 07, 09:11 PM posted to rec.autos.tech
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Failed Smog - Any Clue in the Numbers?


"Blake" > wrote in message news:JO6dnTeeUeD-
> My emission numbers a
>
> 15 MPH Test
> 2068 RPM
> CO2 14.2%
> O2 0.6%
> HC 41 PPM (147 Test Limit)
> CO 0.70% (0.88 Test Limit)
> NO 986 PPM (889 Test Limit)
>
> 25 MPH Test
> 2247 RPM
> CO2 14.6%
> O2 0.2%
> HC 27 PPM (122 Test Limit)
> CO 0.53% (0.78 Test Limit)
> NO 1147 PPM (829 Test Limit)
>
>
> If anyone can offer some insight into these numbers, I would appreciate
> hearing. Thanks.


Unless I have missed the boat totally, everything looks okay except your
oxides of nitrogen
numbers.

High NO should indicate excessive temperature in the combustion chamber,
which -generically-
can come from several sources...failure of the EGR system, lean operating
conditions, spark
timing off, or other things that would result in high combustion
temperatures. Lots of things
can affect this.

Maybe somebody knows more about the specific Daihatsu unit.




  #3  
Old May 11th 07, 11:00 PM posted to rec.autos.tech
Blake
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Posts: 10
Default Failed Smog - Any Clue in the Numbers?

Thanks for the tips. This was very helpful.

After reading them, I did some checking. The bottom line (so far) is that
the engine idles normally with the EGR valve removed and a big gaping hole
in the intake. I suppose it must be plugged with carbon.

I can see a couple of knock-out plugs on the EGR passages on the intake
plenum. I guess I'll knock them out and see how much carbon I can clean out.
Beyond that, is there anything else? Any magic solvent that cleans out the
carbon from those hard-to-reach places?





> wrote in message
. ..
>


> High NO should indicate excessive temperature in the combustion chamber,
> which -generically-
> can come from several sources...failure of the EGR system, lean operating
> conditions, spark
> timing off, or other things that would result in high combustion
> temperatures. Lots of things
> can affect this.



  #4  
Old May 12th 07, 02:32 AM posted to rec.autos.tech
Steve W.
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 237
Default Failed Smog - Any Clue in the Numbers?

Blake wrote:
> Thanks for the tips. This was very helpful.
>
> After reading them, I did some checking. The bottom line (so far) is that
> the engine idles normally with the EGR valve removed and a big gaping hole
> in the intake. I suppose it must be plugged with carbon.
>
> I can see a couple of knock-out plugs on the EGR passages on the intake
> plenum. I guess I'll knock them out and see how much carbon I can clean out.
> Beyond that, is there anything else? Any magic solvent that cleans out the
> carbon from those hard-to-reach places?
>
>
>



Well there is a way to remove some of the carbon BUT if the passage is
blocked it probably won't remove it all.

Hit a GM dealer OR a GOOD parts store and grab a bottle of GM Top Engine
Cleaner (liquid not the spray can version), the proper amount of the
correct oil for your vehicle and a good filter.

If you live in a crowded area go visit an open area or do this at night.
It WILL generate a LOT of smoke and whatever the exhaust is pointed at
is going to get REALLY crappy. DON'T do this procedure INDOORS.

Then run the engine till it hits operating temperature and shut it off.

Disconnect the air intake hose from the intake manifold IF it is after
the MAF sensor, if not find a vacuum line and disconnect it. (power
brake booster line works pretty good on most vehicles)
On your engine you can also pour a small amount into the EGR passage.

Start engine. It may run crappy but don't worry about it.

Slowly pour half the bottle of cleaner into the intake connection. Keep
the engine running while you do this. If you need to use a vacuum line
just stick it into the bottle halfway and let the engine suck it up.

Now dump the remaining half bottle into the intake connector. If your
using the power brake line just use a funnel and dump it in quick.

This should shut the engine down,(if you used a small vacuum line shut
it off). Allow the engine to sit and the cleaner to soak for 15 minutes
or so.

Reconnect the air intake or the vacuum line. If this is a newer vehicle
you will likely set a code or two doing this.

Start it back up and watch the cloud of smoke form... Then jump in and
take it for a spirited drive to blow out as much crud as it can. Just be
prepared for people to yell that your vehicle is on fire! Did I mention
that this stuff makes a LOT of smoke?!

As soon as you get back change your now VERY dirty oil and filter.



--
Steve W.
Near Cooperstown, New York
NRA Member
Pacifism - The theory that if they'd fed
Jeffrey Dahmer enough human flesh,
he'd have become a vegan.
 




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