Just wondering where to start. I need to get this thing to pass asap. I have pretty much replaced everything, guy at the smog place said I may need a new cat. I thought id see if you guys have any ideas to get me to pass. It only failed at idle with 242 the ave is 29 and the max is 120.

 

What cat is on there now?

What exactly is "everything"?

 

I have the stock cat on there and it is about 3 years old I got it from kragen. I replaced Plugs, wires, cap, rotor, rebuilt dist, cleaned injectors individually, Redid all gaskets, tested all sensors, replaced egr solenoid, cat back exaust (dynomax), Headers (edelbrocks). and it also has a fresh set of heads on it(stock tpi heads). I also replaced teh ignition module and the coil no more than 2 years ago. cant think of much else to do. unless it may need another cat. any way to test the cat???

 

I just passed my CA smog. Here are the things I did to make sure I passed:

Make sure you have a hot thermostat in the engine. Mine passed with a 180 degree, but came with a 195. It will not pass with a 170 or 160, it will stay in open loop and run too rich. Make sure it is really good and hot before they test it.

Go to any major auto parts store and buy the CRC "guaranteed to pass emissions test formula". It's about $7. My '87 would not pass without it, and has the original cat with 200,000 miles on it. Run it around for about half the tank of fuel, and use premium. Then test it again HOT.

Best of luck

Troy

So Cal

 

I think I have a 170 stat in there I will change that and give her a try. thanks alot for the info. How do I know when MY car goes into closed loop???

 

heres all the smog #s incase it helps

rpm co2 o2 hcmax hc meas. co max co meas
idle 789 11.7 3.9 120 242 1.00 .85
2500 11.4 4.9 140 28 1.00 .21

 

No mention of O2 sensor. Did you change that when you installed the headers? If not, do it now.

The ECM goes into closed loop at 110 degrees F, according to the CTS, not the gage. I don't know how you tested the CTS, but if it isn't giving the right info to the ECM, that'll mess with its head as well. Auto Xray should be able to tell you what the ECM's seeing, both CTS and open/closed loop.

A cat from Kragen isn't stock. Stock replacement perhaps. But if only 3 years old, it shouldn't be bad - unless there was a problem in the past with misfiring or oil consumption that may have ruined it. Since your cruise #'s are so low, I doubt that's the problem.

What's your TPS reading?

 

Tps is a good .54 exactally where it should be. I have replaced the o2 sensor in the last year as well as the coolant temp sensor. I have diagnostic software at my parents house but I dont know when ill be able to make it back there. replaced the IAT sensor as well. any other Ideas.

 

Get a "before and after" test done on the cat at a shop. They drill a small hole before and after the cat and put sensors inside to test the change in emissions.

 

how much does that cost???

 

PCV?

 

I think I may have figured it out. I remember putting in a 170 stat when my car was overheating due to a bad radiator. I replaced the radiator and just bought the 195 stat and a new o2 sensor this should do It for my smog as well as a IAC adjustment, 775 Idle is too high right?? higher or lower idle gonna make more emmisions?? any other little things to replace? and by the way the PCV is very new less than 5k on it.