Emissions - HC's a bit high!

[Dennis Garven]

Unfortunately Wisconsin has strict emissions control standards, but need to know if any Gracious SHO owners have had problems with the HC's being high? My 94 with approx. 109K "Luv The Car" has received 2 new Oxygen sensors and a new EGR valve. The NOx limit was a bit high but pulling the Spout connector lowered the count and it passed in that category, however the HC''s are still high (1.9 as the limit is .08) Any hints on how to lower the HC counts.


Appreciate any assistance!

 

[Mike Kopstain]

Glad you found the forum Dennis. I'm sure someone here will have experience with your particular problem.

 

[wood_e]

Maybe you have a bad cat converter?

I don't have to worry about emissions. Good old minnesota....

 

[TYSHO]

Spray a can of B12 through the throttle body, maybe 2. Next, get some STP complete fuel system cleaner and put it in the gas with a fresh full tank. Then go back and try again with the spout disconnected. Are you even sure you had the spout disconnected, the correct connector? I've had problems with my HC's and the above helped pass.

Do you have the CE light come on still? Maybe the flow lines/jets for the EGR system are clogged up. shrug

<small>[ August 06, 2003, 10:07 PM: Message edited by: TYSHO ]</small>

 

[Rob94]

Are the plugs and wires original? What condition are they in? How is the air filter? HC is simply unburned fuel. Before you blame the catalytic converters, I'd start with simpler, CHEAPER possible solutions first.

 

[sdpatt]

I'm on the same approach as Rob94. There is unburned fuel getting to the exhaust system. That can only be created by incomplete combustion. Either a spark misfire or extremely rich mixture is happening. Have you checked the electronic engine control (EEC) codes? Learn how with tht links at the bottom of my signature. That is a huge diagnostic tool to help keep your car running at its best.

 

[Mels]

My understanding of the impact of octane level on combustion, from this and other more mechanical-oriented sites led me to run my tank as low as I dared, then put in just enough of the lowest octane fuel to get me to, through and from emissions testing.

My Connecticut SHO brothers can attest to how tight our emissions testing program was, and the low-octane trick worked fine for me every time, with a number of older vehicles.

This, of course considering you've checked out the rest of your system as mentioned above, may make the difference for you too and is a heck of a lot cheaper than replacing components that may still be OK.

Just my personal experience. Good luck!

 

[Doug Waschenko]

What you are describing is a typical scenario of the cats dying.

 

[shojuan]

Looking for cheap fixes is fine but when it comes down to you just needing to get that car smogged then just get some new cats. It'll pass.

 

[DigDeez]

....and where can you purchase cats for the cheapeat price?

 

[DigDeez]

I received a code saying my spout connector was missing, but still failed the emissions test. Does any one have a pics of the spout connector and its' location?