Another failed inspection thread

[greenformula92]

So I failed inspection this morning. I haven't had a chance to look at anything yet so keep that in mind. I am going to start with checking the plugs, wires, cap, rotor, the timing, OHMing out the CTS and going from there. Here are the results from this monring.

Test: Idle, Status: Fail
Reading - Standard
HC ppm 1846 - 220
CO% 0.58 - 1.20
CO2% 10.1
O2% 6.0

Test: High Idle, Status: Pass
Reading - Standard
HC ppm 147 - 220
CO% 0.12 - 1.20
CO2% 12.2
O2% 3.3


Needless to say GTA = Fail at the moment

Suggestions are welcome

[shadowfire]

So I failed inspection this morning. I haven't had a chance to look at anything yet so keep that in mind. I am going to start with checking the plugs, wires, cap, rotor, the timing, OHMing out the CTS and going from there. Here are the results from this monring.

Test: Idle, Status: Fail
Reading - Standard
HC ppm 1846 - 220
CO% 0.58 - 1.20
CO2% 10.1
O2% 6.0

Test: High Idle, Status: Pass
Reading - Standard
HC ppm 147 - 220
CO% 0.12 - 1.20
CO2% 12.2
O2% 3.3


Needless to say GTA = Fail at the moment

Suggestions are welcome
find a place that will pass you???

[greenformula92]

or I can fix the problem

[shadowfire]

or I can fix the problem

yea true.. just saying i have this guy who just passes me ....

[greenformula92]

yeah not a good idea since i have to get on a federal installation every day and they actually look at that stuff

[shadowfire]

yeah not a good idea since i have to get on a federal installation every day and they actually look at that stuff

no its all legal you get the sticker and the test done paper read out... he just passes me ... but its all legal

[greenformula92]

Im good, I'll just fix it

[chrisfrom nj]

change the icm thats why my truck didnt pass inspection

[greenformula92]

I am goinna start with checking the plugs and stuff and work my way back to the distributor. The ICM did cross my mind. Something has to be a miss for such high numbers

[WildBillyT]

Start with the basics. Verify the condition of the ignition system.

[BonzoHansen]

what is the idle rpm?

[1320B4U]

I have to go next week....'92 bird here....cross your wings, it may get bumpy.

[greenformula92]

what is the idle rpm?

500 in drive

[The_Bishop]

Possible that the idle is too low?

The HC at low idle might be caused by a missfire, or possibly a leaky injector.

[greenformula92]

Car had injectors replaced by the PO who I know very well. I am going to reset minimum idle when I check everything else. Just for peace of mind

[greenformula92]

swapped out the plugs and CTS today. gonna go for a long ride to let the ECM re calibrate and then go back for a re-test and see if its any better

[Phoenixfire1989]

My results looked similar on my formula..bearings on my crank are bad. That idle sounds way low..

[sweetbmxrider]

I'm sorry but is one to infer that "bad" crank bearings would result in high hydrocarbon readings during an idle test? Just want to clear things up.

[The_Bishop]

Uh, no.

[greenformula92]

My results looked similar on my formula..bearings on my crank are bad. That idle sounds way low..

Idle is not way low. minimum idle on a auto TPI car is 450 in drive. stick cars have a higher idle speed to begin with. And your carbed car has the idle speed up because its a different motor entirely

[greenformula92]

Failed again. HC ppm is down to 424 on low idle. Going to change the wires and check timing and bring it back again. Didn't change the wires initially because I inspected them and they looked good but not I'm going to change them hopefully on my lunch break if I can squeeze my paw down enough to grab the plug wires from on top instead of underneath....its a long shot I know

[The_Bishop]

It's possible that throttle body is dirty or the plate is closed too far. Check that out. If it's dirty or closed too far the PCM will add timing to compensate once it maxes out the IAC, which will skew your HC readings.

Edit: Also check to see if your IAC is clogged/dirty.

[greenformula92]

I adjusted minimum idle up 100 RPM and changed the wires tonight. gonna go back in the morning, if it doesn't pass this time I am going to have to check and adjust timing

[BonzoHansen]

make sure your timing is at factory spec. that will impact low rpm emissions.

[Featherburner]

When was the oil last changed?

[greenformula92]

When was the oil last changed?

I did an oil change while I under it for the plugs on 5/26. Didn't make it back today. Going to check timing when I get home from work.

Is it ok to zip tie the wires together to keep them away from the manifold on the driver side or will that be an issue?

If the timing is in spec and if fails agin I'm going to have to change the cat

[L695speed]

If the wires are right next to each other there could be crossfire between the wires. I would use a wire clip where you just clip the wires in and they're separate and can be tied away from the exhaust. Not sure how its set up but what about the MAF sensor? Could be dirty. We had issues with our Bronco due to the MAF. You could lean it out and pass then reset the timing later on....I know plenty who've done that.

[greenformula92]

If the wires are right next to each other there could be crossfire between the wires. I would use a wire clip where you just clip the wires in and they're separate and can be tied away from the exhaust. Not sure how its set up but what about the MAF sensor? Could be dirty. We had issues with our Bronco due to the MAF. You could lean it out and pass then reset the timing later on....I know plenty who've done that.


I don't have MAF. I have MAP

[L695speed]

I don't have MAF. I have MAP

Ah Ok, I guess that idea is out then, wasn't sure when they switched to the MAF setup. Must have been LT or later that had that.

[greenformula92]

1990 switched to MAP, I have TPI

Checked timing and it is spot on 6* BTDC

[BonzoHansen]

6* with the esc lead puled is what the sticker calls for? Huh, would have thought it would be lower.

[greenformula92]

6* with the esc lead puled is what the sticker calls for? Huh, would have thought it would be lower.

Yes sir.

[The Fixer]

Yes sir.

Yah, the L69s and LB9s had 6*. Scott, I think you're thinking of the LG4s - they were set at 0*.

[greenformula92]

Well it failed again. so I came home popped the hood to let it cool off. I then I ran over to autozone to pick up a couple of things to replace because I am guessing at this point. I might add that it was running crappy today and I didn't know why....yet. so anyway I ran and got a coil because I was thinking maybe its a little weak. I also got a PCV valve just because and a new air filter just because. After I did that I was just kinda looking around and noticed that the number 7 plug wire was turned up at the plug. so i reached in and sure enough it was touching the manifold, turned it down and it is fried. I must of accidently turned it up when I ziptied the wires up and didn't realize it. lukily I have a extra couple of wires laying around for just such an occasion so after it cools down I am going to swap out that plug wire and then go back I guess monday. and if it fails again I am going to do this :banghead:

[greenformula92]

And I think I got a crappy tank of gas

[greenformula92]

I guess I am not the only one scratching my head on this haha

[greenformula92]

changed the ICM, ran the same, I also seafoamed it and it seems to running the same.

[BonzoHansen]

Yah, the L69s and LB9s had 6*. Scott, I think you're thinking of the LG4s - they were set at 0*.

yeah I just wasn't sure.

did you check for vac leaks?

[greenformula92]

yeah I just wasn't sure.

did you check for vac leaks?

yeah all the lines are good and I did the spray trick on all the manifold gaskets i could get to

[greenformula92]

Passed inspection this morning. Thanks for all the help guys

[The_Bishop]

So what fixed it?

[greenformula92]

So what fixed it?

Honestly I don't know, the only differences between the last time and it failed and this time it passed was the gas that was in it and a 1/4 can of seafoam split even between the tank and the vac line. But i looked up the inspection report just because I was curious to see what it did and ran a 208. So it passed because it has to be under 220 to pass but its still higher then what it should be so I think the cat is on its way out but since I am going to be ordering headers soon that will need to be replaced anyways

[maroman88]

congrats!

[3rdGenHardtop]

Since you passed now, it's probably moot point, but are you running a colder thermostat like a 160-170? Colder thermostat can lead to higher emissions... especially w/ a stock chip. It might not be such a problem in the summer months though. I went through 5-31-12 w/ 169k on the clock on a stock 5.7 TPI.

[greenformula92]

Negative. Stock thermo, stock chip

[1320B4U]

At least you can drive yours..still waiting my reg to come in the mail so i can get mine inspected...damn online renewal crap!

[1320B4U]

Passed this am...happy camper here.

[greenformula92]

Nice congrats