86 escort failed emissions got any ideas?

[atv087]

failed nys emissions today so i didnt get my inspection. here are the readings
HC:1.19 gpm CO: 23.34 gpm NOx: 0.16 gpm
test limits HC:0.80 gpm CO: 15.00 gpm NOx: 2.00 gpm

so i failed on hydrocarbons and whatever CO is

any ideas what could cause this so i can pass inspection.

[markwb]

CO is carbon monoxide. My first thought would be catylitic converter possibly failing. Or the egr system is not functioning correctly. What did the emissions tech tell you?

[12Ounce]

I agree with Mark, it looks like you've got ten times the EGR that you need. Is the valve stuck open.. or is the vacuum control signal on all the time?

Does your model have the air pump that pumps air into the exhaust system? Is it working?

Is this a carbureted model?

[atv087]

this is carburated model. it sat for about 4 years the guys recomendation was that it needs some real good fuel system cleaner pour 2 bottles in and fill the car up with super and run the shit out of it bury the speedomiter a few times to flush some of the stuff inside the fuel lines and carb etc. then run a bottle of the pass emissions stuff and when that tank of gas is almost done get the oil changed fill up and come for inspection again.

[mightymoose_22]

You EGR valve comes off easily. It will be worth it to remove it and verify that the plunger inside opens and closes... just apply vacuum and listen for the movement. Considering the age of the car and that it sat for so long... it is very possibly stuck.
If it is stuck, you an probably use a lubricant to free it up.

[atv087]

wheres the egr located on this car?

[mightymoose_22]

You should find a metal tube that connects to your exhaust manifold or cat converter... follow that tube around to the back of the engine where it will connect to the EGR.

[12Ounce]

You can possibly do some good by opening up the carb. Carefully remove the top half ... don't loose that small tag under one screw head (if it's still there) that identifies the carb model.

Use a battery filler (turkey baster) rubber syringe to swish the gasoline around in the float bowl. Try to blast all the openings. Suck out the debris. If you remove the jets ... do it one-at-a-time so you don't get them in the wrong hole. Look out that you don't lose or damage anything.

[paqman]

I saw mention of putting a fuel system cleaner in. I agree. I had a Pontiac GrandAm once that wouldn't pass emmissions. I put a can of 44K in a full tank of gas, drove it around for about 20 minutes and she passed. I'm not a mechanic, so I'm not sure if that will solve your problem, but it might be worth a try.