Damned emissions !! I did everything !!!

[standas]

I have stock 90' Civic with 190.000 on it. It is not burning oil. Not smoking.
I started with:
HC: 552.32 (should be 220max)
CO: 8.79% (should be 1.20%max)

What I did (I wanted to fix it without cheating):
new oil + power cleaning of fuel system from Jiffy Lube (today before test and 60 miles run), new spark plugs, new O2 sensor, new cat converter, new air filter, got checked error codes and timing from Honda dealer (They said it's OK), new main relay. All together over $500.
I did run car for 60 miles before last testing + best gas (93).
Where I'm today:
HC: 350.20
CO: 3.50%

Ihave no idea what to do next... Only problem could be - still burning rest of cleaner from Jiffy Lube ?!. My pipe is black - is mixture too rich ???

How works that thing with alcohol in gas tank ??? How much of what alcohol ??? Thank's for advice !!!!!!!!!

[cot]

there's some stuff they sell at auto parts stores thats supposed to help you pass smog, maybe its similar to what the alcohol does, no idea

but you fill your tank, add it to the system, run out the entire tank of gas, refill , run for a little, then smog. you have to get it all out of your system before smogging, or it supposedly will actually be WORSE than before, because it's cleaning gunk out of the system

i've heard it actually can help, maybe it's worth a shot, just make sure you follow the directions

[Bradbh]

Put the car in base timing mode. Let the car run 15 mins before the test.

[standas]

Originally Posted by cot

there's some stuff they sell at auto parts stores thats supposed to help you pass smog, maybe its similar to what the alcohol does, no idea

but you fill your tank, add it to the system, run out the entire tank of gas, refill , run for a little, then smog. you have to get it all out of your system before smogging, or it supposedly will actually be WORSE than before, because it's cleaning gunk out of the system

i've heard it actually can help, maybe it's worth a shot, just make sure you follow the directions

To tell the truth - I didn't run out entire tank with cleaner- only 3/4 and refill and did test (that was in directions on bottle). So maybe that's it... I'll wait this tank and I'll try testing after that again. Thank's

[cot]

Well, if that's what the bottle said, then maybe its ok, but I have heard you need to get it pretty damn close to empty to get it to work.

But its hard to say, good luck. smog sucks

[johnb16a2]

Damn man that sucks!

I agree that you should run through a few tank fulls of octane recommended gas (87?)to clear that cleaner. Use whatever octane gas the manual recommends, using higher octane gas than is recommended can cause higher emissions (unless you have some internal mods).

Also a week before the test unhook your negative battery terminal for a minute (this will clear any codes and reset your computer), most ecus' "learn" and adapt to your driving style (not familiar with Honda ecus' of this vintage). Drive as gently as possible with as few wide open throttle runs as possible, and try a retest. GL

[BullShifter]

Try replacing your PCV valve.

To reset the ECU, you would remove the Hazard fuse(under-hood fuse box) for 10-15seonds when the egnie is off, after its warmed(cooling fan comes on, then shuts off) Then re-install the fuse & start the engine, do NOT press the gas pedal, let the cooling fan come on the off - now your ecu is reset.

This also should be done when making modifications. Intake, header, exhaust, etc . . .

[johnb16a2]

Didn't think of that one, but how would the PCV valve affect emissions?

I thought it was to keep moisture and other gases from building up in the crankcase. (Am I close?)

[BullShifter]

The PCV valve prevents blow-by gasses from escaping, gets reburnt instead of going out the tail pipe. A simple test would be to remove your PCV valve, visually inspect it & shake it. Does it look like shit & not rattle? Replace it - nice cheap fix.

That would be the first thing to try, it could also be something in the EGR or EVAP system - http://www.binghamtonlife.com/manual..._emissions.htm - all the information you should need can be found at the bottom of that page - starting with 11-132 Emission Control System Troubleshooting Guide and all the rest below it.

Also check the PCV valve hose.

[996 pilot]

Maybe you should take it to another shop. My 88 LX was 1225 HC and I changed the cat and it passed fine, around 101 HC. I did not even change the oil, but that only helps with CO and I live in California. Did they run it on a dyno? Hell I have a 95 Impala and it passed with 9 HC and I only drove it 2000 miles last year. Just leave it running while you are waiting to have it smogged. Car shouldn't have an EGR valve but if it does then check that. I was told some of them do. If worst came to worst you could drill some holes in you exhaust pipe which would dilute the reading but hope the smog guy doesn't hear them. Good luck.

[91civicDXdude]

or you could just move to missouri where we can do whatever we want to our cars because there is no smog

[Magik Si]

Man...I'm glad I live in Canada...we don't have ANY thing to do with "smog"...when I listen to you guys it makes me cringe.

When we go to get saftied, they check our glass (windows aren't impairing vision), they check all lights are working, emerg. brake...they check the exhaust for hole...check body for holes...and take off one front tire to chekc brakes and suspension...$17...15min...done.

Good luck man...I wish I knew what to tell you to do.

Jason