Harley61

The car failed the latest smog check. I'm posting the numbers in hopes that someone can help me figure out what is wrong. I changed the o2 sensor today.

Trick414

I had the same problem with my 91 RS TBI. I was told Cat and EGR. Replaced the Cat, EGR Valve, O2 sensor, and EGR Solenoid and just barely passed. I also did the valve stem seals in there, although that was for the smoke on start up. I don't know if that helps at all.

So, I'm not quite sure what is still wrong with it, but it did pass.

Harley61

I just replaced the cat last year to pass that smog check.

Slick89RS

iTrader: (1)

If a cheap cat was installed and the vehicle is running rich, you could have easily burned out the cat in a year.

If you paid less than 150 it's a cheap cat. Get a hold of random technology or magna flow both have decent cats.

Did you test the e.g.r. yet?

Any engine light on?

How long did you sit and wait for your test?

Considering the tests were done at almost identical rpm's it seems like a weak cat. (Unless you waited too long before the test the cat may have cooled off too much causing the 15mph test to fail and the 25mph test to pass)

Test your cat with an infared temp gun. Drive around for a while, stop the car letting it idle and check the inlet and outlet temperatures of the cat. There should be a 150 to 300 deg. rise in outlet temperature.

Harley61

Yeah, it was a cheap cat, I think somewhere about $100 installed. I'll check out the ones you mentioned.

I haven't checked the e.g.r. That is because I have no idea how or what or...

No light on...

The test was done about 10 minutes after I got there. And I drove for about 15 minutes to get there.

I will check the cat heat as mentioned.

Thanks!

vette9190

iTrader: (2)

I had the same problem with my RS 3 years in a row. First I gave it a masive tune up and a new cat(random tech). that passed me the next year I ended up putting an ignition system(accel 300+) on it was a multistrike unit so it helped alot even gave me a boost in fuel ecomony. Like 2+ mpg. The last year I couldn't get it to pass to save my life. So I swapped to TPI and transfered the title to my dad's name and address. Of course the laws in my state chnged and now pre OBD 2 cas don't take emmisions anymore.

When was that last time you change plugs, wires, air filter, oil. I have always been told to change the oil the night before or the morning of the test and take her out on the freeway/expressway for a few right before the test. Drive her around for atleast a half hoyr before hand to make sure the car is warmed up more then enough. The hotter a car runs the lower it emmisions are.

Harley61

I am getting all the parts to do a tune-up. It's been a while since the last one. I haven't yet done a tune-up on this car, but have heard there are some tricks needed to get it done...?

Then the oil change...

Side note: My steering box is failing and I need to replace that asap. Any suggestions on that?

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

High HC is partially burnt or unburnt fuel. This is typically ignition related (spark plugs, spark plug wires, cap, or rotor - or some combination of these), or leaking exhaust valves (pretty rare these days).

High NOx is either excessively advanced ignition or EGR system not operating properly. Note I said EGR "system", not "valve". The EGR passages are often clogged on our cars, so just replacing the valve may not do anything at all.

A fresh oil change before the sniffer test is never a bad idea.

So, what's going on with your steering gear? I've never seen one fail.

Harley61

I just got a registration extension to give me time to complete all that is needed. First is the tune up, then oil change. I'll have to check out egr system.

As for the steering... I'm all over the road. When I correct left, it stays more left than center and then I have to correct right... over and over and over.... very annoying and I'm pretty sure if a cop was behind me, I'd be walking a straight line for him within moments. I replaced every bar up in the front 2 years ago, but never the steering box, which is why I suspect that. I said it's failing because it seems like it's getting worse day by day.

jv9999

iTrader: (1)

You might want to check where the intermediate shaft connects to the steering box. There's a rag joint and a coupler to the box. I've seen both fail and cause wandering steering. The rag joints tear up and the couplers strip, especially on high effort boxes with wide tires. Also, the frame can crack where the box mounts and cause it to move around.

Harley61

Ok, now I need to check all that. Anyone have pics of what I'm looking for? Is all this clearly visible from the top?

Thanks!

Trick414

Here's a thread that I did a few months ago on the rag joint replacement.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/susp...ment-gory.html

Harley61

Perfect! Thanks!

vette9190

iTrader: (2)

When you rebuilt the front end did you have it aligned by a shop?
If not that could be why its wandering like that. I had a similar sounding wandering issue with mine it turned out my toe was off on one side of the car alot and it was causing it.
good luck

Harley61

Yeah, I had it aligned right after I was done. the alignment was perfect after that. On halloween 2007, I was on my way home from Vegas and had to put some steering fluid in to fix a similar wandering problem and didn't have another problem until recently. The brakes (changed a few weeks ago) were warped and giving the whole steering setup a shaking when I would stop. The brakes are good now so no more shaking, but the wandering is there now. Not sure any of that matters, but I thought I would throw it in there since I just thought of it.

IROCZman15

iTrader: (25)

dont mean to intrude...

but what about high, really high levels of CO

i passed on the NOx and he HC levels, but my CO level was a 3.54 and the allowable % is a .86 !!!!

any ideas?

yeah teh cat is liek 6 yrs old, the car was hot, (dvove it 1.5 hrs prior) as ssoon as i pass inspection with these edelbrock headers and air tubes,, they are coming OFF for a set of Dyno Don's headers, without air tubes, so i just need to passs, to have the sticker.. NJ,

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Rich mixture. O2 sensor is a good place to start looking.

jv9999

iTrader: (1)

Leaking fuel injector(s) is another common problem. Does the exhaust smell rich at idle? How's your gas mileage?

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

True, especially if it's on the passenger side, since the O2 sensor will never see it.

IROCZman15

iTrader: (25)

gas mileage seems ok, havent done the 02 sensor in a white, hopefully that.. im not too worried abt the $, i want the car to run right..it does smell quite rich at idle