Sctt

Hello everyone,

I bought a 1993 Del Sol S with a blown head gasket fixed that and replaced the cheap intake with an AEM so that it would pass smog regulations in SOCAL. It was already registered in California and had stickers until June. I took it to a test only center. The test results are bad.

HC (PPM): MAX=71/41 MEAS:163/168
CO (%): MAX=0.39 MEAS:0.81
NO (PPM): MAX=720/774 MEAS:2721/2735

I have VERY little money to spend and I had an inspection estimate of $90.00 which wouldn't repair anything, just tell me what is wrong and they said they couldn't grantee that the 1st repair would make it pass the smog test. They informed me that I might have to spend near $900.00 to make it pass. I was wondering if anyone else had similar problems or knew what I needed to do in order to have this pass? ANY help would be wonderful!

Thank You!

Fnix

iTrader: (1)

move out of cali

mitsuman

iTrader: (1)

no one is going to tell you why you failed just from reading your post. too many variables.

sea foam
change your cat
test again.

Former User

I think the results suggest that the cat is dead. However, there are likely other problems as well.

Provide more information by answering these questions:

How old are the ignition system components?

Is the ignition timing set to spec?

Does the engine run cold?

Is there an exhaust leak?

Any CEL codes?

Sctt

RonJ@HT:

I bought this car from a kid that doesn't know anything about it so I don't fully know about it either. I'll answer the questions the best I can.

How old are the ignition system components?
I'm not sure. I replaced the spark plugs when I put in the new gaskets.

Is the ignition timing set to spec?
I'm not sure. I had trouble adjusting the timing belt after installing the new water pump. It was off at first and sounded bad, then I followed instructions online and it seems to run smoothly.

Does the engine run cold?
Seems to run at a normal temperature.

Is there an exhaust leak?
Maybe, the car is currently slammed so it's hard to see under it. I was thinking it might need a new cat or complete exhaust?

Any CEL codes?
The CEL operates normally. I tried the paperclip trick and the CEL doesn't show any codes...just stays illuminated until I remove the paperclip.

I noticed that the ground wire on the engine block is in bad shape. I'm going to replace it. Is there a chance that would have an affect on the bad test results?

Thank You!

strategy400

My '95 sol in ca just barely passed a few months ago (the tester said it passed by 1 ppm!). Tester thought the catalyst was getting weak and I'm inclined to agree because my exhaust tends to smell like a 1971 Ford truck. Catalytic converters elements are platinum plated inside and even though the amount used is miniscule the process is expensive. $900 might not be too far off, but I'd shop around. I'm not looking forward to my next smog check.

Former User

Can you post the sheet? Are O2 levels measured?

Sctt

strategy400,
It doesn't seem to be bad enough that I can easily smell it as you have described. Before you spend that much on a catalytic converter you should check out aftermarket catalytic converters. For example a Magnaflow is $250.27 and is CA smog legal (has the C.A.R.B. tag welded on it). Here's the link: http://shop.autoanything.com/exhaust...A4168A0A0.aspx I'm not sure that's the best price or the best one to buy but it was the fastest to find. I've read from someone on here that people should buy a different aftermarket one because their Magnaflow failed within a couple of years so they couldn't pass again. It's worth doing some research. If I end up having to buy a new catalytic converter I will do the research and pass my findings onto you!
Thank You for your reply!


RonJ@HT,
I left the car and it's paperwork over at a friends house where I can work on it (not allowed to where I live). I will get the paperwork today and tell you more info ASAP.
Thank You!

strategy400

Good info I'll shop around for sure.

Sctt

RonJ@HT,
Here is the rest of the test results:
Speed: 15mph/25mph
RPM: 1635/1772
%CO2: 11.6/11.7
%O2: 3.7/3.5
I replaced the engine ground cable today because the old one looked really bad. I also bought STP's version of Sea Foam but have not added that yet.
Thank You!

Former User

This^ says you have an exhaust leak, probably near the O2 sensor.

Such a leak makes the O2 sensor think the engine is running lean. The ECU responds by dumping a lot of fuel into the cylinders to make the air-fuel ratio more rich. The net effect is that the engine runs extremely rich, which has also apparently killed the cat.

Locate and fix the exhaust leak and then replace the cat.

Sctt

RonJ@HT,
I will do that ASAP! You just saved me a lot of money!
Thank You Very Much for the info!

Sctt

Hello everyone who helped,
I purchased a new Magnaflow catalytic converter and 2inch cat-back exhaust. The car has a lot more power and passed CA emissions test.
Thank You for ALL of your help!