i know it is possible to make some changes to run it, but my car is running a bit rich right now, could I pit in a couple gallons of e85, run it to pass emissions, then add in ethanol free gas to dilute it after passing? My HC was too high by a few and CO just barely too high

 

Denatured alcohol. Paint store, home depot, etc. Use about a gallon to 1/4 tank.

Easier to get than E85 these days.

GD

 

I can get e85 and ethanol free pretty easily, so you think it will run ok for a few miles? I don't want to run it beyond that.

 

Should be OK for a few miles, yes. I've done he denatured alcohol trick more times than I can count.

GD

 

+1 to what GD said.

 

Fresh set of cats and functioning egr bet ya pass
let me guess, Ca?

 

Hypothetically speaking of course because no one would alter an emissions system. Would e85 burn clean enough to pass if the car let's say had a complete emissions failure as in egr is plugged cats and smog pump fell off ect

 

First, "denatured alcohol" is a broad category, but usually means that the agent added to the alcohol to make it unsafe for human consumption is methanol (poisonous). Methanol has an affinity for the lead in brass (fittings, etc.) and can also accelerate the decomposition of plastics and rubber. Ethanol is much safer in that regard.

Second, fuel sold as "E85" is not necessarily 85% ethanol. It can be up to 85%, but is frequently blended at different ratios depending on the season/temperatures. Fuel sold as "E85" in the midwest is frequently actually closer to E20 in winter months.

Third, plugged converters are not likely to be masked completely by ethanol. There are commercially available catalytic converter cleaners sold in various places, but I have no idea about their effectiveness.

Fourth, a disabled EGR could be masked by ethanol since the combustion temperature will be lower, and that can help limit NOx (oxide) production in the combustion process.

 

Many years ago when ProStreet was very poplar, I remember cars needing to pass emissions in Vancouver. A bunch of these cars were built and designed to run 100% methanol the same as my race car. They had no problems passing emissions however the exhaust fumes are formaldehyde which is a carcinogen. The fumes will burn your lungs and cause your eyes to water. The cars passed emissions but cleared out the shop from the exhaust fumes.

No you can't just change the fuel source from gasoline to methanol and expect the engine to run.

 

"The instruments don't lie - you PASSED!" That's funny.

 

Although I've never had to do it, there are a couple of things you can try to bring the emissions down.

Install a 195 thermostat. A hotter running engine will have lower emissions. Make sure the engine is hot right up to the time it gets tested.
Methanol, methyl hydrate, wood alcohol (it's all the same thing). Add some to your fuel tank. How much is required is a dice roll. I would try a liter in a tank of fuel first to see if it would pass.
New spark plugs and air filter.
If you have to, install a catalytic converter but again, for it to work properly, the exhaust needs to be hot.