emissions problem

[sk8dada]

so ya, i know this topic has been covered many times, but my baby's symptoms are a little different. I have a 93 atx with high flow aftermarket exhaust. When i first took the car in to the emissions, it failed on all 3 counts and the CO readings were off the chart. after replacing the front 02 sensor and main ECU, my CO count now passes, but still H and NOx are way up. St. louis area has the most strict smog emissions right behind California. So i cant passs without solving this problem. trust me, i'm way past my waiver limit. however nox never gets any better from the first time i had my car tested. So my check engine light comes on about 5 or 10 minutess after i get going. most times it comes on after i get on the freeway and get up to speed. The trouble code that comes up is a 332, "egr flow insufficient". So after replacing the egr solenoid, dpfe sensor, having the egr valve tested, and making sure all the egr lines were clear, the check engine light still comes on, and it doesnt get any better with emissions. My only guess now is that i fried my cats when i drove my car around for 3 weeks with the CO readings off the chart (before i replaced my ecu). question... would this problem cause the code 332 and check engine light to come on? My guess is not enough back pressure to let the egr system work hence the 332 insufficient egr flow. If anyone out there has dealt with this problem or has any advice, please help. also, if it is the cats, where is the best and most affordable place to get catalytic converters? thx, -Matt

 

[Mr Anonymous]

Here are a couple of threads which will help with the 332 code:

http://www.shoforum.com/showthread.php?t=7907

http://www.shoforum.com/showthread.php?t=7542

That might help your emissions slightly, but a couple other things to consider is the condition of the spark plugs -- you may not be experiencing complete combustion; and as you mentioned the cats may not being doing their job properly. To test the cats, you can bang on them with a broomstick and see if you get any rattling (sort of like marbles in a coffee can). If you do, then your best bet would probably be to find a good used ATX y-pipe. The only aftermarket y-pipe for the ATX is over $500. You might be able to get an exhaust shop to replace yours, but it's almost guaranteed to be a butcher job because of the angles that the stock pipe enters the cats. A used pipe is almost always the cheapest and easiest option.

Another thing you might want to try is pulling the SPOUT shunt which will default the timing to 10 deg. BTDC which often helps cars just squeak under the limits.

There are some good write-ups here on the forum concerning problems just like you're having. Try searching the forum for "nox" or "hc" to see some of the tips other members have found helped them get their emissions to pass.

 

[SHOtime2511]

move to brevard county florida...u can drive a smog machine thats loud as **** and its OK no emmisions standards here and i love it!!!!!!!!!

 

[Fourcats]

Make sure your exhaust sytem is really warmed up, free of condensation and excess fuel. I take it in after I've been at highway speeds for awhile, with a few good, long hills thrown in.