Failed smog at idle...(UPDATED...PASSED)
 

I went to get the car smogged and it passed at 2500 rpms but was running too rich at idle.

Since then I replaced:
-spark plugs
-air filter
-coolant temp sensor


I want it to pass next time so I'm wondering what else I should replace.

O2 sensor, new cat, move to AZ ??

A few CA "failed emissions" posts may help.

My car needs major CA smog help - Rennlist Discussion Forums

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-944-turbo-turbo-s/756142-new-cat-options-pass-ca-emissions.html


Failed CA smog... - Rennlist Discussion Forums

Failed CA smog--high CO/HC - Rennlist Discussion Forums

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-924-944-968-technical-forum/758241-no-problem-emissions-fail.html

..just a few of many.

You might see a pattern.

Sorry, not much help.

GL
J_AZ

More than anything, the new air filter is likely to help.

You might dump in a can of octane raiser stuff next time. That supposedly makes it burn cleaner. Also make sure it's well warmed up (20-30 minutes of freeway driving immediately before testing).

I always red-line it in 2nd and 3rd a couple times as well, to clean all the crap out. I don't know if it actually helps, but still it's a lot of fun...

Post up your numbers / results as they could mean different things.

Still have the stock cat?

CA sucks huh ;)

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1383544436.jpg

I also replaced the AOS seals and some various hoses under the intake.

And yes I believe it's still the stock cat

What is the deal on this ethanol thing?

bumpppppp

It burns a lot cleaner. So the higher the ratio of ethanol to gas, the less emissions.

Looks like they failed you on the fuel cap integrity test?

Do you have an aftermarket cap? Get an OEM one.. you failed both tests pretty badly lol. Cat could be suspect

I passed a month or so ago but failed the first time on HC. Here is what I did to pass (and barely pass...).

1st Test - HC Max-132 Meas-164

Swapped in stock chips (in place of Weltmeister DME KLR chips), replaced O2 Sensor, drove around for 20 minutes before test and let the car idle while waiting for test.

2nd Test - HC Max-132 Meas-132

Just passed... barely!

Spoke to the smog tech at length who believes to get any better results on HC will most likely mean a new Cat for my car.

So, my advice to you is to swap the O2 sensor and/or new Catalytic Converter.

Yea the fuel cap was OEM but didn't pass. I bought another one from pelican.

The HC wasn't too far off so I'm hoping it will pass with all the stuff I changed and the help of some denatured alcohol.

Anyone have any good links for cheap cats/02 sensors in case things don't go as planned?

I got the universal heated Bosch O2 for like $40 off eBay...

A cat is going to be at least a few hundred dollars plus installation

A new cat can really hide a lot.

I don't know what did it. All the parts I changed or the gallon of denatured alcohol I put in my gas tank but she passed!!! :D

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1383894061.jpg

Congrats, when I lived in CA it seemed I was always on the edge of my seat when it was time for smog testing.

Wow... and passed very easily. Can you list the items you changed for documentation purposes? Also where did you get the alcohol? And did you add that to a full tank of gas or less?

I listed the items earlier in this post. They were all pretty shot. The coolant temp sensor was soo corroded that it snapped in half when i was removing it.

As far as the denatured alcohol...
-Run gas tank down to where the gas light comes on
-Pour in a gallon of denatured alcohol (bought it from home depot $15)
-Drive it hard for about 15 mins or so to mix the denatured alcohol with the other gas
-If it idles weird, add a little more 87 octane gas till its back to normal
-Time it so you can just drive straight into the shop and start the test