91 civic wagon getting ready for third CA smog attempt. Am I reading these #'s right?
jemrx2
Band Wagon
This very clean one-owner (my wife) has been driven like a baby by her for it's 130k miles. Except for when I drive it and rev up the rpm's a lot more than her. It seems to love it. Changed timing belt last year and didn't check or set the timing to 18 BTDC. (I thought the computer did all that) Found out something new.
First tested two weeks ago and the emissions part barely squeaked in the passing range, but the timing was off of specs (18 btdc). It was at 33 deg BTDC. So it failed the test on that. So I adjusted the timing and sent it back for a free re-test and she failed at the 15mph test. Here are the results from test one to test 2:
Test 1----HC% Max 89, Average 38, Measured 88, CO% .56, .16, .32, NO 825, 424, 818.
Test 2---HC% Max 89, Average 38, Measured 167, CO% .56, .16, 1.18, NO 825, 424, 1016.
Her 25 mph tested below average in CO%, and NO and I was thinking since it's a manual transmission the dude just didn't have it in the right gear at the 15mph test. I'm changing the oil, and plugs, and pvc and what else can I do? I bought some stuff that says 'guaranteed to pass or double your money back' for $12. Should I use it? any way to see if the Cat Converter is bad? It's a great running car and should pass fine without any gimmicky stuff. Any ideas, suggestions, thanks.
First tested two weeks ago and the emissions part barely squeaked in the passing range, but the timing was off of specs (18 btdc). It was at 33 deg BTDC. So it failed the test on that. So I adjusted the timing and sent it back for a free re-test and she failed at the 15mph test. Here are the results from test one to test 2:
Test 1----HC% Max 89, Average 38, Measured 88, CO% .56, .16, .32, NO 825, 424, 818.
Test 2---HC% Max 89, Average 38, Measured 167, CO% .56, .16, 1.18, NO 825, 424, 1016.
Her 25 mph tested below average in CO%, and NO and I was thinking since it's a manual transmission the dude just didn't have it in the right gear at the 15mph test. I'm changing the oil, and plugs, and pvc and what else can I do? I bought some stuff that says 'guaranteed to pass or double your money back' for $12. Should I use it? any way to see if the Cat Converter is bad? It's a great running car and should pass fine without any gimmicky stuff. Any ideas, suggestions, thanks.
Comments
PUZzling:The timing shouldn't have changed that much after the timing belt change. Did you line up the marks when you changed the belt??? IS yours' a 2 or 4WD??? I'm wondering if u sent your CAT to a early grave due to bad install?
From your smog numbers it looks to be ........a Bad CAT and possible o2 sensor.
TIP:When buying new aftmrkt CAT:
1)OEM is the best,but TOO $$$$ llike 2-3x's.Aftmrkt CAT will do.The other reasons aftmrkt CATs are cheaper is No heat shields & shorter(less CAT material inside).
2)Only buy a C.A.R.B. certified CAT 'cuz it comes w/a 5-7 year warranty/50,000 mile.Hi flow artmrkt Non-CARB CATs only last 1 month to a year('cuz even less CAT material inside) which is why there cheaper in price too .
3)The CAT may not be a perfect fit usually requiring longer bolts/nuts.You should replace the nuts 'cuz over the years the rust eats away the metal so the nuts are actually smaller(that's why the sockets end up rounding the nuts).
Now take it that I'm in GA.
Checked timing belt (tooth to tooth kind of thing)
I ended up making sure to retard the timing (10° adjusting dizzy)
Adjusted intake and exhaust valves back to spec
Installed a new cat.
I then left my buddies house. Beat the snot out of the car on the way to the emission.
The Emission Tech was busy so I sat there idling.
I failed the pre-test.
He said let me try one thing the newer techs wont do.
He rev'd the engine. Let is sit on the rev limiter for about 1/2 a minute.
Then retried it. Passed with flying colors.
The lady behind was not impressed with the rev limiter action due to her car was covered with soot at that point.