michaelathome

Please see page 3 for updates!

Failed VA emissions today (01/23/2008)

This is very sad..

Just 2 years ago and aproximately 15 tanks of gas (15 tanks x 16gal x 16mpg = 3840 miles) later it comes time to do my duty and get my emissions re-done for new tags. You can see that thread HERE


02/16/06 my readings were:

Limit 15mph Limit 25mph
HC 55 18 100 20
CO 0.22 0.03 0.32 0.00
NO 720 2174 700 1745


After talking to DR he figured it was the O2 sensor forcing the car to run on WOT map and therefore lean. Sure enough DR was right it was unplugged. Plugged it back in and re-ran the car on the 23rd and on


02/23/06 my readings were:

Limit 15mph Limit 25mph
HC 55 12 100 10
CO 0.22 0.03 0.32 0.00
NO 720 228 700 389



So today I take the car in and here were the readings (01/23/2008):

Limit 15mph Limit 25mph
HC 55 239 100 296
CO 0.22 4.70 0.32 5.14
NO 720 66 700 65


So now my plan of attack is:
- replace the O2 sensor as I have no idea of its age
- check the vacume to the MAF
- re-check my plugs (Bosch coppers new 01/2006)
- send my injectors for re-build (last option as I have only 2 weks to re-test)

BTW I have done nothing to the car in the past 2 years, outside of oil changes and gasoline. Yes I have done some things like change the brake fluid, worked on some electrical stuff but haven't touched anything that was or could be related to the change in the above #'s. My guess is a dead or dying O2 sensor or a vacume leak. I'll update the thread as I find out more.




Michael

Adam Geist

Michael,

Based on your numbers, high CO, high HC and low NOx, it seems your engine is running rich. I had a similar issue last year that turned out to be a faulty O2 sensor. Testing the voltage at the O2 sensor wire at the CE panel while the engine is running will confirm if the O2 sensor is functioning properly.

A new O2 sensor resolved my rich-running issue. Also, I would also check for vacuum leaks and proper fuel pressure. From what I've learned, a faulty fuel regulator may cause high fuel pressure which may result in a rich fuel mixture.

Let us know what you find.

Adam

WICruiser

When checking for vacuum leaks also check the fuel dampers for fuel in the vacuum lines. A bad damper can put more fuel in than the O2 sensor can compensate for. Diaphrams in the fuel dampers decay with age more than miles so it just may be that the time has come.

michaelathome

Adam,

A new O2 sensor is on the way. I will check the other things this weekend when I am in there working on it.


Michael

michaelathome

This is something I have not previously read but will look into it.

As nothing has been done under the hood I kinda find it hard to believe that it would be anything other than a faulty O2 or an old leaky vacume line.

I will say though that I DID replace the ignition wires and coils so it is possible that I hit something while I was in there and if it was ready to go then I may have helped it along.

Michael

FlyingDog

Other than a vacuum leak that reduces reference pressure for the FPR, a leak would cause you to run lean.

Plugs, O2, MAF, leaking injector, leaking damper/fpr, you don't drive your car enough, get a euro with a waiver or >25 year old 928 so you never have to worry about emissions again.

Jerome Craig

Michael,

BTDT...
On 12/18/07 I was:
15MPH 25MPH
HC 55/255 100/ 274
CO .22/4.46 .32/4.58
NO 720/125 700/175

On 12/22/07 after replacing the O2 sensor (Bosch 3 wire universal)
15MPH 25MPH
HC 55/55 100/ 100
CO .22/.20 .32/.06
NO 720/15 700/217

Oh yeah.... that was on a stone cold motor

Jerome

michaelathome

Sorry Matt,

I like my S4 just as is. Well maybe a few changes.

Thanks again for offering to help me out this weekend BTW.

Food and beverage will be provided to those that wanna have an on the fly NoVa GTG to get the problem fixed

Michael

michaelathome

Wanna come over and watch the kids Jerome while we get some work done on some cars?

Michael

JPTL

Michael,
I'm feeling for you. BTDT is an understatement, as I remember your plight last go-round.
Good luck with this, and I hope that the emissions gods look favorably on you this time (hopefully last time).

FlyingDog

I'm not going to be of much use. The 24hours of Daytona coverage starts at 1 and I have 24 beers to drink.

BeerFish

Make it Sunday, I can swing by, with MY 24 beers!!

fraggle

REplacement is easy, just be careful about wire routing! if they cook you're car will be stuck.

I'm busy tomorrow, but next weekend? LEt us know if you need help. Dropping the exhaust and doing this really doesn't take long, I've done it half a dozen times for all sorts of issues.

FlyingDog

Group wrenching tomorrow?

fraggle

I'm booked today... 1/27.