Failed my e-test

[dguy]

	Limit [/b]	Reading [/b]
HC ppm [/b]	106	82
CO % [/b]	0.59	0.68 [/color]
NO ppm [/b]	1164	1445 [/color]

I "opted out" of sitting at the shop for another hour and spending another $140 for an in-depth diagnostic test.  Apparently however doing that also nullifies a vehicle's eligibility for the $200 repair cost limit which applies to this area at the moment.  

Whatever...  as far as I understand it, high NOx is most often caused by high combustion temperatures i.e. a malfunctioning EGR system.  Given that I overhauled the EGR system not long ago, I'm looking elsewhere.  High CO % is I think most often the result of a mixture on the rich side of the scale...

Still have to do more research, but at the moment I'm leaning toward a new O2 sensor an replacing the 18-year-old boat anchor with a relatively free-flowing, 3-way cat.

Comments?  Suggestions?

[2ML67]

From my experience with e-tests there is two possible solutions
1) as all readings were high I would replace the cat and also the O2 sensor as they are relatively cheap to buy.
2)replace antique inadequate power train with newer series II 3800 SC engine and e-tests are a breeze.
Just my opinion. Dan

[A.K.A]

2)replace antique inadequate power train with newer series II 3800 SC engine and e-tests are a breeze.
Just my opinion. Dan

lol ok do you have some to lend? lol

[dguy]

From my experience with e-tests there is two possible solutions
1) as all readings were high I would replace the cat and also the O2 sensor as they are relatively cheap to buy.

I like it when someone agrees with me.  Usually means that I'm not completely loopy.

2)replace antique inadequate power train with newer series II 3800 SC engine and e-tests are a breeze.

I hear keeping the new power train in one piece is...  challenging for certain types of drivers however.  

All in good time...  I made myself a promise when I bought the car that I wouldn't dive in to an engine swap until the 2.8 dies, or I finish the rest of the work first.  It's still up in the air as to which event will take place first.    

[Sentinel]

Gotta love Dan, anything more work than replacing a sensor, just swap the engine, I love it.

[dguy]

Ahhh nuts.  Meant to start pricing out catalytic converters while at work today, bu it can't remember what the pipe diameter is on the stock exhaust system (at the cat's inlet & outlet).

Anyone have this information handy?  I did some quick poking about online but didn't find what I was after...

[dguy]

Ahhh nuts.  Meant to start pricing out catalytic converters while at work today, bu it can't remember what the pipe diameter is on the stock exhaust system (at the cat's inlet & outlet).

Anyone have this information handy?  I did some quick poking about online but didn't find what I was after...

...I found it.  1 7/8".

[2ML67]

I still like my idea better replace that tired old 2.8 with a healthy stronger 3800SC, works for me. There might even be enough axles left out there for both of us. Dan

[BootMachine]

oh man...stupid e-tests! no way my car is going to pass!

Anyway....just pipe in some PURE oxygen into the exhaust stream to dilute the results....and hope nothing blows up!

oh..and if need be...here are some prices

NGK O2 Sensor = 88 bucks + tax
MagnaFlow High Flow Cat = 80 bucks + tax (2.0" in/out Dia. up to 3.0" in/out dia)

[Rob]

Its not that Difficult to pass the emissions as long as all your emmisions equipment is functioning. Just make sure its HOT, with a new o2, and cat, and it should pass. If my 300k Saturn that goes through a quart of oil every couple weeks can make it, it cant be that bad!!

[dguy]

Anyway....just pipe in some PURE oxygen into the exhaust stream to dilute the results....and hope nothing blows up!

Wouldn't the big green bottle, regulator, and pressure fittings be rather obvious though?  

I can't help but wonder if that's what most of these "pass your e-test in a bottle" products are that I keep seeing on shelves.  Nothing other than a highly oxygenated fuel additive.  I saw one the other day which stated that it should not be used more than four times within the same year.  

oh..and if need be...here are some prices

NGK O2 Sensor = 88 bucks + tax
MagnaFlow High Flow Cat = 80 bucks + tax (2.0" in/out Dia. up to 3.0" in/out dia)

Thanks, but a Bosch O2 Sensor from CTC is about $45, so there.  

...and a new cat is on the way up from Rodney Dickman.

After pricing out (locally) stainless steel high-flow cats, and additional s/s pipe required to make up the length, Rodney's cat is only marginally more costly, even when including the currency exchange & customs fees.

...and I don't have to frig about with measuring, welding, or having various pipes expanded to fit over others.  Cut off old cat, trim off slag, clamp new one on.  Get a wrench on the irriratingly unreachable O2 sensor while the old monster cat is out of the car too.


On a side note, I'm starting to wonder if I shouldn't have paid for the $140 diagnostic, plus the part & labour cost to have the inevitable O2 sensor replaced.  That would have put me just over $200, and I'd be eligible for that repair cost limit "conditional pass" nonsense.  Live 'n learn I guess...  

[A.K.A]

can't speak from experience (Fiero passed, others I ***cough*** just got em) but most of the "e-test" in a bottle things work. Just ask my buddy with the 340k 'teggy with so many holes in his floor and he went thru 2 bottles a week in 10w30! for those who dont know, all that is in these bottles is highly oxeginated (spl?) fuel...kinda like ethanol light if you catch my drift

[dguy]

Just ask my buddy with the 340k 'teggy with so many holes in his floor and he

Ok I'll bite.  What the heck is a 'teggy     Integra?

[BootMachine]

Just ask my buddy with the 340k 'teggy with so many holes in his floor and he

Ok I'll bite.  What the heck is a 'teggy     Integra?

Acura Integra....so yes

[BootMachine]

Anyway....just pipe in some PURE oxygen into the exhaust stream to dilute the results....and hope nothing blows up!

Wouldn't the big green bottle, regulator, and pressure fittings be rather obvious though?  

I can't help but wonder if that's what most of these "pass your e-test in a bottle" products are that I keep seeing on shelves.  Nothing other than a highly oxygenated fuel additive.  I saw one the other day which stated that it should not be used more than four times within the same year.  

oh..and if need be...here are some prices

NGK O2 Sensor = 88 bucks + tax
MagnaFlow High Flow Cat = 80 bucks + tax (2.0" in/out Dia. up to 3.0" in/out dia)

Thanks, but a Bosch O2 Sensor from CTC is about $45, so there.  

...and a new cat is on the way up from Rodney Dickman.

After pricing out (locally) stainless steel high-flow cats, and additional s/s pipe required to make up the length, Rodney's cat is only marginally more costly, even when including the currency exchange & customs fees.

...and I don't have to frig about with measuring, welding, or having various pipes expanded to fit over others.  Cut off old cat, trim off slag, clamp new one on.  Get a wrench on the irriratingly unreachable O2 sensor while the old monster cat is out of the car too.


On a side note, I'm starting to wonder if I shouldn't have paid for the $140 diagnostic, plus the part & labour cost to have the inevitable O2 sensor replaced.  That would have put me just over $200, and I'd be eligible for that repair cost limit "conditional pass" nonsense.  Live 'n learn I guess...  

For sure they would notice the HUGE tank of o2 but get it done at Canadian Tire and they would have no idea what the hell it was for!

And I'm glad to hear you can get a bosch o2 sensor for your car FOR 45 BUCKS...go domestic...stupid imports and their stupid import part prices...

FYI = I would not have made any money off you if you had of bought anyway....just want everyone to know that I'm not a sales man here...I get reasonable price on car parts and I'm just sharing the wealth!