grrr... emissions failure. advice?

[sinistral]

thanks, gadget...

testing was done w/ engine not running, so it makes sense these are stored codes.

— i'm gonna assume that the spout code was thrown when i disconnected to check timing, so not worried about that.

— O2 code at least makes me feel like i have a chance at passing since i've now replaced that sensor.

— the EGR code is the one that makes me a bit nervous about the re-test, but at least if i fail again i'll have a starting point (that, and the rusted cat).

thanks for the info and the link. wish me luck friday.

P.S. "galactica" looks like a fun car from your sig.

[sinistral]

P.s.

i guess i should ask how involved/expensive replacing the EGR sensor is?

[merc91]

premium is just higher octane, making it more resistant to detonation. You will do better with regular from a good quality gas supply. I will second the importance of the timing code worth investigating. Thats weird that the plugs looked lean and the code said lean... and your etesting shows rich EXHAUST. And if you were actually running lean, you would have failed NOX. Them plugs speak no lies, if they look good, your engine is pushing the correct exhaust out the ports... thats just my thinking though.

Theres allot of things that could make the engine run rich and have rich plugs, like egr or to lean reading 02 sensor... but with light tan plugs, I would bet the problem lies with them pricey little secondary HC burners in your pipes.

good luck with er, andy

[sinistral]

G'ah!

sooooo close...

i passed the HC this time, and brought the CO down from 169 to 20.2 gpm -- but the limit is 20.0!

do you think advanced timing would be good enough for a .2 bump, or do i need to look at replacing the EGR sensor?

rats.

[gadget73]

EGR affects NOx production, and is only open above idle speed anyway. If they aren't testing for NOx, the EGR doesn't matter any to you. Changing the sensor is 3 small nuts and an electrical plug. a great big "no big deal" item.

Change the air filter if you haven't already. Also make sure the engine is good and hot. I failed by a similarly small margin on my Mark VII, and it passed the next time through after doing that. Advancing the timing might help a bit, but don't get crazy with it. Just make sure its at least at stock, maybe bump it 1 or 2 degrees.

[sinistral]

Change the air filter if you haven't already. Also make sure the engine is good and hot. I failed by a similarly small margin on my Mark VII, and it passed the next time through after doing that. Advancing the timing might help a bit, but don't get crazy with it. Just make sure its at least at stock, maybe bump it 1 or 2 degrees.

that's about where my timing is now.
i drove about 30 min this time prior to get temp up.
what about pulling air filter entirely just outside the entry to the test station?

[sinistral]

update

bumped timing a couple of degrees to about 15, replaced the air cleaner and WOO HOO! passed...

third time's a charm.

thanks for the input.