89 Civic failed emissions question
#1
89 Civic failed emissions question
My son purchased an 89 Civic. He took it to get emissions tested today. It failed the HC PPM Idle with a 418 reading/220 limit (from what I have been reading thats pretty high). The Cat passed as well as everything else. I am a shade tree mechanic and would like some advice on what I need to do to make this pass the test. Let me know what other information you need and I will do my best to answer. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
#2
Re: 89 Civic failed emissions question
Even though most of the engines in 89-00 Civics are similar, I would repost this in the CRX/EF Civic forum right under this one on the main page. That forum is for Civics and CRXs from 88-91.
#3
DO IT ON ALL FOURS
Re: 89 Civic failed emissions question
HC = essentially unburnt fuel
If you are a shade tree mechanic then you should know the basics. Pull the plugs and check them out - inspect the cap and rotor - when was the last time the oil was changed - does it burn oil - did you get it fully warmed at highway speeds before you tested... Plenty of stuff to get you started.
If you are a shade tree mechanic then you should know the basics. Pull the plugs and check them out - inspect the cap and rotor - when was the last time the oil was changed - does it burn oil - did you get it fully warmed at highway speeds before you tested... Plenty of stuff to get you started.
#4
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Re: 89 Civic failed emissions question
Replace the O2 sensor and change the oil. Reset the ECU and get it re-tested. A rich mixture = high HC
btw, welcome noob. This is a good 1st post.
btw, welcome noob. This is a good 1st post.
#5
Re: 89 Civic failed emissions question
Appreciate the replys. Oil was recently changed...within the last month. I'm going to replace the plugs and wires as well as the O2. Will let you know what happens. Thanks again.
#6
Re: 89 Civic failed emissions question
I recently failed with an idle HC reading of 380 ppm (220 is the standard here).
What did you do and did you ever pass emissions?
Thanks.
(BTW, D16A6 engine in a '89 CRX Si)
What did you do and did you ever pass emissions?
Thanks.
(BTW, D16A6 engine in a '89 CRX Si)
#7
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Re: 89 Civic failed emissions question
What octane fuel did you run?
You want to run the LOWEST octane you can without detonating.
This helps for a more complete burn of fuel.
Make sure you have a strong ignition.
At the least change out the spark plugs.
Verify your that that the distributor cap and rotor are in great shape.
Have the plug wires tested or replace with quality wires.
Make 100% sure your timing is set correctly.
O2 sensor (even if just lazy and not completely dead) would fail worse IMO, but if you are up to spending the money then maybe change it.
You want to run the LOWEST octane you can without detonating.
This helps for a more complete burn of fuel.
Make sure you have a strong ignition.
At the least change out the spark plugs.
Verify your that that the distributor cap and rotor are in great shape.
Have the plug wires tested or replace with quality wires.
Make 100% sure your timing is set correctly.
O2 sensor (even if just lazy and not completely dead) would fail worse IMO, but if you are up to spending the money then maybe change it.
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#9
Re: 89 Civic failed emissions question
I was running 87 octane.
Based on reading here, I plan on:
1. new spark plugs and test the spark plug wires
2. new distributor cap & rotor
3. check the timing
4. change the oil to 10W-30
5. new air filter (possibly run no air filter during the test)
6. keep the catalytic converter as hot as possible before testing
If I still fail, possibly a new oxygen sensor & possibly a new cat... Or clean the injectors?
Based on reading here, I plan on:
1. new spark plugs and test the spark plug wires
2. new distributor cap & rotor
3. check the timing
4. change the oil to 10W-30
5. new air filter (possibly run no air filter during the test)
6. keep the catalytic converter as hot as possible before testing
If I still fail, possibly a new oxygen sensor & possibly a new cat... Or clean the injectors?
#10
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