Well round 3 with the smog on this monster. Everything failed before, This car had sat for 4 years has over 100k miles on it, after tracing all the millions of vac lines, figured out major issues, and a ton of other things. So today after 2 months of messing with this, had a pre test done aced stage one but stage 2 NOX super high and that is the only issue everything else was fine oh except timing was retarded by 1.8 degrees. That we took care of.

So typically with my old cars this tends to be an EGR valve or the CAT is truly dead. Any input would be so greatly appreciated.

Thanks
chrise

 

i have had this issue with my 81 civic. The mechanic left two vac lines unplugged from what I believe has something to do with emissions. I can't find where it was unplugged from but the line has a lot of suction in it. It just makes lots of hissing sounds when it runs.

I'll probably say the cat is too old in your case if you have everything plugged in.

 

LOL well I love a challenge, and this one is a challenge no doubt. Still have no clue, it could be a vac line, ugghhhh. But got another extension and I guess will keep digging at it. Was really hoping some one had some ideas. Even though it is old, it is a good solid car. Would hate to send it to the crusher. It is very funny going in for smog checks and the looks on the techs faces like hmm really. Thanks for your response. Guess time for soap on every vac line. yippie

 

I feel your pain..... as said, unplug vacuum line... you are running too lean or non working EGR.

The 82 is a bit different than the 86, but the system is simpler on your model.

I ran with a vacuum gauge tapped to the wiper to monitor the EGR vacuum system and that was working....

In my case the smog tech recommended a new cat... $400.... plus the extras.... That did not work... the NO went even higher. THe O2 sensor did not change anything.

When you reach $500 with recommended parts from a certified smog tech... you can apply for a waiver from the CARB, until the next smog check in 2 years....

Later I found a loose intake manifold hose between the engine and the firewall while I was replacing the alternator, after spraying wd40 or brake cleaner.

Put the car on blocks, choke the wheels and put the parking brake on, let it idle and spray all the hoses from the underside, I got an instant high idle... fixed it... and even got more power.... I have not done a pre test... waiting for December.... or earlier... if I need to put more money into other parts.