Ok, I have an '89 2.8 5-speed that I'm trying to sell. In order to sell it in CA, it has to pass an emissions test. My car didn't pass because the #3 cylinder is low on compression, so the fuel isn't burning completely (if at all) so there is lots of unburned fuel going through the exhaust. What if I were to unplug the injector on that cylinder? Wouldn't that stop fuel from entering and therefore just push air into the exhaust? Think it might pass if I try that? I can't see why not, but maybe I'm missing something. What do you guys think?

Brandon

 

Correct me if I'm wrong,but I'm pretty sure that would make it only worse. I know from experience what our V6's are like when they are missing cylenders and it isnt pretty. They smoke alot and vibrate alot. I think the fuel that isnt being burned by that one cylendar is only going to add to your emission problems.
Sorry pal.

 

All you do is sell the car, as is. Have them sign a piece of paper stating so & keep it for awhile. Like a year!
How's the tranny?

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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

 

Is that what the mechanic told you, the low compression is the problem? What were your readouts (HC, NOx, CO2)?


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!

 

I think my readouts (I've lost them since) were high CO and high HC's. The mechanic said it was unburned fuel. I've replaced all the ignition parts (except the distributor itself) and had the injectors cleaned and that cylinder isn't firing still. I haven't done a compression check yet (don't have gauge), but that's the only thing I can think of. I think its a head gasket.

Ked85: Tranny seems fine. Grinds into 4th if you take it too quickly though. Also, I was told by DMV that there is no LEGAL way to sell a car in CA without a smog certificate. Even if its registered as non-operational. I'll give it a shot though if I can't get it smogged. I know its worth more if its smogged anyway.

BTW, if anybody wants a good builder car, let me know. The car is a stipped model (light), no radio, no a/c, no nothing. Body is straight, but it could use paint. Interior is decent. Only 106k miles. May have a leaky rear axle seal. I'll let it go cheap and may be able to assist with delivery somehow if its semi-local (near Sacramento). If you want pictures or more info, email me.

Brandon

bzollars@csus.edu

 

Ah, okay... high CO2 usually means a dirty air filter. Your mech's right about the HC's, that means combustion isn't completing.. which usually points to an ignition problem. Since you covered all that, though....

Is the fuel pump putting out too much or too little pressure? Have you done the oxy sensor? How's the cat convertor?

CA is retarted! So if I found this '89 2.8 that I wanted to work on, I couldn't buy it if it didn't have a smog certificate?? What a load of crap! Heck, what if I just needed it for parts- I still couldn't buy it? Damn.


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!