alil2cul4u

Hey guys,

I just bought a 1995 Honda Civic LX (non vtech).. The previous owner did not need emissions, but I do. I went to have emissions done today and got bad news, it failed! My HC ppm(Hydro Carbon?!?) readings at 25 were 155 and GA allows 147, My CO was 1.67 and Georgia allows 0.82. At 15 my HC ppm was 111 allowed is 152, My CO was 1.28 allowed is 0.85...

I took it to my friends mechanic and he told me to have the catalytic converter replaced and have it retested, well I called an exhaust shop and they told me with those readings to have a mechanic look at it first because he doesn't think it is the catalytic converter, so I came here..

Do any of you know with those readings what could be going on? A new cat will cost me $140 if I buy direct fit magnaflow from autozone, and 179 if I have a local exhaust shop do it... However, I do not want to put $140 dollars into it to find out that is not my problem!

dlstech

I don't really know the what the readings mean but is the check engine light on? Are there any codes?

alil2cul4u

sorry forgot that, no CEL and no codes.. The CEL does work because it comes on when the ignition is turned on.. I don't know if this matters or not but the RPM gauge doesnt work, and it is an auto trans!

dpetro1

sounds like its time for a full tune-up. make sure your ignition timing is set correctly too

your state's emissions website has some info on what to do if your car fails
http://www.cleanairforce.com/docs/1995andolder.pdf

jesus jimenez

i'm going thru the same problem with my 93 hatch. There are some post with info on emissions just type (i e 95 civic high HC ) and it should give you some info on what can be causing this.

JDM_teh_WIN!!

Although you have no CEL this could be a cause of your problem. Which is cheaper CAT vs EGR. Not sure.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exhaust_gas_recirculation

dlstech

It might still have codes stored, did you check?

alil2cul4u

I tried, however wwhen I went out there i found that I have an EK service connector instead of an EG service Connector. So i tried anyway and jumping it caused my CEL to turn on steady and my SRS light to flash whithout pause!

jbpnoman

That means everything is working as intended, and you have no codes stored, which is good.

Plugs, wires, cap, and rotor. Replace them, then verify your ignition timing is set correctly. If you don't have a service manual, get one - It will be your best friend in working on your car. You're only barely above the max threshold, so a quick tune up should get you in passing range.

alil2cul4u

Thanks for all of the replies guys, I changed my plugs and went to restest.. My Hydrocarbon lowered from 155 to 46 allowed is 147 on the 25 test and 111 to 45 with 152 allowed on the 50 test.. My CO went from 1.67 to 0.55 with 0.82 allowed on the 25 and from 1.28 to 0.69 with 0.85 allowed on the 50 test!