EDIT (UPDATE): <FONT SIZE="5">I FINALLY PASS!!</FONT> ~ page 3

<FONT SIZE="8">I FAILED!!!!!!</FONT>
This was supposedly my last legal smog till I cross into the dark side!! Anyways,

Here's a breakdown:
Where I live: CALI where there's strict EMISSIONS!!
CAR: 1995 Integra GSR
Odo: 137722 original miles
Gas: Always use Chevron

Engine/Mods:
Approx 500 miles ago, I "SeaFoame'd" my car, hoping it would help me pass smog and clean all the deposits and sludge to make sure my car is running well....
I also changed to new Mobil 1 Synthethic 10w30, new NGK BKR6E plugs, cleaned my K&N filter with the cleaner, re-oiled it, checked to make sure the pipe is clean as well, did a compression test, everything seemed right after the above was done.

NGK BKR6E plugs: gapped to 1.27-1.3 mm
Mobil 1 Syn 10w30: oil change every 3000-3300 miles
Aem CAI: (converted to SRI) With a thorougly re-cleaned (re-oiled, etc) K&N filter
Stock header mated to...
2.5" Carsound Cat: has about 10,000 miles on it
2.5" custom exhaust piping, Magnaflow exhaust, no resonator: got installed same time as the cat.
Compression tested: cylinder 1: 175, 2:175, 3:180, 4:180

So I'm thinking I should definitely passed..., well to my surprise:

Overall Test Results
Comprehensive Visual Inspection: PASS
Functional Check: PASS
Emissions Test: FAIL

<U>ASM Emission Test Results</U>
Test: 15mph
RPM: 1953
%CO2 Meas: 15.1
%O2 Meas: 0.0
HC (PPM): max-90, ave-21, meas-90
CO(%): max-0.54, ave-0.06, meas-0.28
NO (PPM): max-711, ave-150, meas-48
I pass for that run...

<FONT SIZE="6">Here's the part I failed...</FONT>
Test: 25mph
RPM: 2261
%CO2 Meas: 15.2
%O2 Meas: 0.0
HC (PPM): max-56, ave-13, <u>meas-58</u> &lt;---Missed it by 2!
CO(%): max-0.53, ave-0.05, meas-0.27
NO (PPM): max-754, ave-136, meas-38

max = maximum allowable emissions
ave = average emissions for passing vehicles
meas = amount measured

I have 30 days for a free re-test. I have until the 26 to send it to DMV....
So my car has too much Hydro Carbons...Any tips guys on how I can reduce it? I have another bottle of SeaFoam. Should I "SeaFoam" my car again? Or could the carbon deposits still being cleaned by SeaFoam be the culprit? Any advise would be appreciated...

matthew (NRg)


Modified by NightRider-gsR at 4:36 PM 6/21/2004

 

have you tried the fuel line antifreeze? was your car warmed up?

 

Excess HC's usually indicate too much unburned fuel. Is your O2 sensor plugged into the cat? A faulty reading usually results in the car running rich.

Your HC readings do seem a little high. At 2000 RPM it should be a bit lower than that. have you tried replacing the cat? maybe try replacing the ignition wires too.

 

I ran my car semi-hard on my way to the smog place. And fuel line antifreeze? Like Iso-HEET® Premium Fuel System Dryer and Antifreeze?? Are you thinking I still have water in my fuel system?

I forgot to mention I use the Chevron Techron concentrate (fuel injector cleaner)every two oil changes...

The cat is new and only 10,000 miles old. I can re-check to see if my o2 sensor is faulty. How would new ignition wires help? I was thinking, maybe NGK blue wires if I do replace it?

More input please....I'm getting desperate or just really mad.

 

Change your O2 sensor, then go run the **** out of your car (heats up the cat)so the cat can burn all of the deposits out.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by infinatenexus &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Change your O2 sensor, then go run the **** out of your car (heats up the cat)so the cat can burn all of the deposits out.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yeah, after thinking...I don't remember when I replaced my O2 sensor. So I should forget about "SeaFoaming" my car again right?...

I was advised by my cousin a while back to drive hard for at least 15 min before I visit the Smog station.

Thanks to those who replied.

 

I would forget the "sea foam" and go with the O2 sensor. If you can Auto-X it one weekend before you have it tested again.. that will definately burn everythign out of the cat.

 

Can't you just find a place that'll cheat it for you?

 

I was in a simular situation and I was told to add three bottles of HEET fuel line anti-freeze, and have a quarter tank of gas and drive the car for twenty minutes on the feeway and to keep the car running while I am waiting at the smog place to get the test done.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by davids_81 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Can't you just find a place that'll cheat it for you? </TD></TR></TABLE>\

I do have places...like for $150. But why??? When I know my car can pass legally and for much cheaper. When I do turbo my car, after I take care of all this (in less than two weeks), I can then visit those places. In the meantime, why spend all that money?

As for the advise on the HEET fuel line anti freeze....
If my car does run too rich, it would mean I have H20 condensation in my fuel system, correct? Then adding the anti-freeze would solve it?

But, Im leaning towards replacing my 02 sensor since I don't even remember the last time it was changed. Any advice where to get one? I want to stray away from the PepBoyz, AutoZone, Kragen types.... is OE the only option I have?

Thank you all!! You are making my day better.
matt (NRg)

 

i've had the same problem before....my cat was bad.

 

OEM sensors can be very expensive. I know NGK/NTK has an application for your car but i have no experience with it. It is much cheaper though. you might wanna check to see if your existing sensor is good before you shell out the dough for a new one.

edit: groupbuycenter is having a sale on them right now in case you need to buy one. http://www.groupbuycenter.com/buy.aspx?id=15568

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ingrate &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">OEM sensors can be very expensive. I know NGK/NTK has an application for your car but i have no experience with it. It is much cheaper though. you might wanna check to see if your existing sensor is good before you shell out the dough for a new one. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Im pretty sure it isn't my cat, since I just bought it 10,000 miles ago...and its a Carsound.... BUT can it go bad that quick????

As for OEM sensors, I know they are expensive as hell as I'm trying to find out other alternatives and I came across the NGK-NTK 02 sensors. I found one for $100 online, but I'm going to check local stores.

EDIT: That's a nice and very interesting groupbuy!!! Thanks for the quick link!

How do I determine if my o2 sensor is shot?

 

I offer no legit advise but I went though emissions 3 times and using HEET (3) and nothing just droped .2 and I couldn't chance it so I dumped 1.6gal. of denatured alcohol and passed like nothing 1hr later after my third run. I wouldn't recommend putting that much but at least 2L should do if not pour a lil more.
Good Luck and hope its the O2 sensor!!

 

use 87 octane and retest.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by DC_teggy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">use 87 octane and retest.</TD></TR></TABLE>

87 Octane???? Please explain how that would be a benefit....

Then I wouldn't have to shell dough for a new O2 sensor.

 

Excessive Hydrocarbon HC
-Ignition system misfiring
-Improper ignition timing
-Excessively lean or rich air/fuel ration
-Low cylinder compression
-Defective valves, guides, or lifters
-Defective rings, pistons, or cylinders
-Vacum leak
-PCV

 

Enjoy:

https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=701236

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Quitripin &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Excessive Hydrocarbon HC
-Ignition system misfiring
-Improper ignition timing
-Excessively lean or rich air/fuel ration
-Low cylinder compression
-Defective valves, guides, or lifters
-Defective rings, pistons, or cylinders
-Vacum leak
-PCV
</TD></TR></TABLE>

You listed a bunch of stuff...hmmm
My ignition is fine
Timing is 16 BTDC
Air/FUEL ??? that I'm not sure
Compression tested, 175, 175, 180, 180,
Valves are fine...might need valve adjustment...

My car is suffering from Hydro Carbons pollution. I'm about to buy a new O2 sensor and hopefull when I retest, I will pas smog. All else fails I will retard my timing.

 

I say its the cat or O2. Yes the Carsound can go bad that quick. Do a search and you'll find more than a handful of threads about Carsounds deteriorating fast.

 

this is making me skerrred...i have to smog my 94 gsr this week..........but i cant find anyone with a damn timing gun to check my timing..... keep us posted if you find out how to fix your problem.

 

I just placed an order for an NTK O2 sensor from a groubbuy for $79.99. I'm hoping my Cat didn't have premature wear.

When the O2 arrives gets here, I wont be able to install it until the weekend since the 22mm open end wrench is at my friends house.

Then I'll smog it (free retest) the next upcoming monday.

From there, I'll let you guys know how my results went.
My smog is due 26,....so right now time is a real concern.

NRg

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by NightRider-gsR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

87 Octane???? Please explain how that would be a benefit....

Then I wouldn't have to shell dough for a new O2 sensor.</TD></TR></TABLE>
simple. lower octane, cleaner burn. ISOheet will lower octane also.

pump 91 gas for the smog test if you want.

 

well here the emmissions arent as strict, but my friends grandad has a shop and does inspections, when someone fails he tells them to pour some alcohol in the gas tank about a week prior to getting inspected again, i havent tried it, but supposedly it works, its worth a shot

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by DC_teggy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">use 87 octane and retest.</TD></TR></TABLE>

running 87 will increase the combustion chamber heat making hte noX go up. wut i would do is i duno heat the cat up real good make sure its hot and do it again. or put some of that guaranteed to apss stuff it apprently cleans the engine up u already sea foamed ur car hmm. did u take out ur o2 and ur cat when u seafoamed the car... just wondering i was hearing something of seafoam f'in up o2 sensors but not too sure. yea and for wut major payne said the alcohol stuff apparnetly works it cleans up the engine my friend with his rx7 couldnt pass cali smog threw some alcohal in and passed.