A few months ago, I posted a thread ago my 1990 CRX that failed the Oregon DEQ exam. I got a bunch of good advice from you guys and I think I followed pretty much all of it.

I put in new plugs, new wires, changed the oil, replaced the catalytic converter, and adjusted the timing.

I went to the exam yesterday and failed once again. The guy at the testing center said that I should drive the car some more and "break in" the new catalytic converter. Is there any truth to this? What else should I do to make sure I pass this smog test? The car runs great, and has no other problems. In fact, 5 months ago I drove it across the country with no problems and even got 54 MPG.

When the mechanic replaced the cat, he said that the old one was completely inoperative. I'm wondering if I really do have to break it in?

 

Would help to know what you are failing over... New o2 sensor?

 

Also, the problem area is the Hydro Carbons. I running about 120 HC over where it should be.

 

Same O2 sensor, just a new cat.

 

swap the o2 out just so u could eliminate that possibility and make sure that u drive ur car for a good while b4 u take it in...in fact, i drove my car for an hour to my uncle at honda dealer to smog...then my uncle(honda smog tech) let it idle while he took a cigarette break then came back, did the timing and passed wit flying colors..b4 this test, i was a gross polluter at 3 different smog check station..it took me 2 months 2 pass smog and to think of my uncles help..hope this helps...

 

If you have an aftermarkt performance header that has two 02 sensor bungs, make sure the 02 sensor is hooked up on the lower downpipe, not on the single runner of the header !
If its not on the downpipe, tt will not get hot enough because it will only read 1 cylinder !

When I did my initial smog test on my crx it failed, but the shop recommended to swap the 02 sensor location on the header and it passed with flying colors !


Initial test FAIL:


New relocated 02 sensor: PASS

 

Well, the car is completely stock so I don't have a aftermarket header or anything. The car seems like it isn't getting hot enough at all. The temp gauge never goes more that a third of the way up. I'm going to swap out the O2 sensor and try it again tomorrow.

 

Replace your thermostat. That will make your car run rich if it's not getting warm ! Too much fuel ! Change the thermostat too. Cheap and easy.

report back to us.

 

Ok, so if you think if I just replace the thermostat I will be a lot better off? Offhand, do you know how much a thermostat costs?

 

Damn, I just found a thermostat for as low as $9. I think I'll start with a thermostat and an O2 sensor. Hopefully these quick fixes will make me good go.

 

A thermostat costs around $10 bux. It will help your cause for sure. Thermostats need replacing every 6 years or so.

You should also do a test with a full gas tank.

Let us know the numbers.

 

I knew that $9 was too good to be true.

http://www.importpartswholesale.com/...hermostat.html

So, that isn't what i need?

 

damn, I meant to type $10 bux lol

 

Whew, that sounds a lot better. How difficult is it to change out the thermostat?

 

Replacing the thermostat is one of the easiest, cheapest, and most efficient ways
to increase fuel economy.
Stock thermostats, which generally open at around 170 degrees, are a compromise
between performance and fuel economy.
If you're treating your engine kindly you can get away with installing a 195 degree
thermostat in order to push your fuel economy up ever so slightly.
Since most radiator fans will not turn on until a 210+ degree condition is reached,
you should be fine under normal conditions.

Purpose: A hotter engine runs more efficiently.
By increasing the coolant temperature a few degrees we can improve
the efficiency of the engine very slightly, which gives better gas mileage.

Time: 30 minutes

Tools:
- Socket Wrench with 10mm socket
- Pliers

Supplies:
- 195 Degree Thermostat
- New thermostat Gasket
- Coolant to replace that which you spilled

1. Take a look at your engine compartment. Find the thermostat housing.
It's in the middle of this picture, with the big hose going to it: (red arrows)



2. Get your pliers on the big clamp, move it off, and take off the big hose going to the thermostat:



3. Take the one side of the housing off (two 10mm bolts) and expose the thermostat.



4. Yank the old thermostat out with some pliers. Now you realize where all the spilled coolant will come from!



5. Put the new gasket on the new thermostat.



6. Put the thermostat back in and replace the housing. Tighten it down not to much, but just enough. (refer to shop manual for torque specs)



7. Look at your completed work.Check coolant level and top up as necessary.

 

Damn man, it doesn't get any better than that! Thanks, man!

 

Yes, there is a lot of truth to that.
Brand new cats need some use before they start lighting up correctly.
I do not know how many miles to recommend to start a new cat off, but a couple hundred would be my guess.

Also, when you take the smog test, drive it for a good 30 miles to get it very warmed up.
Do NOT turn the car off - let it idle and stay warm.
Try to get them to test it ASAP so it's still nice and warm.

 

Thanks. I'm gonna drive the hell out of it and replace both the thermostat and the O2 sensor and then try again next Wednesday. I will post updates of my success then (i hope).

 

Good Luck man

The day Smog tests hit louisiana is the day I might have to get rid of my car (or drive illegally <--sounds alot better).

 

Oh and also make sure that little valve is on the up side it has to be on the up side... The little pin you will see it...