I need a mechanic!

[scottcsmith]

I know DUers are a wellspring of valuable information, so I'm hoping someone could answer a question for me. My car is not passing our state's emission's test. Specifically, my hydrocarbon emissions are too high. But I'm only off by a point and a half -- so is there any low-cost solutions to getting that number down to the passing score?

The car in question is a 1991 Chevy Camaro.

[LastTime2BeFree]

1. Fill the tank with ethanol

Then go get your sticker. Works every time.

[1a2b3c]

6. 2nd that.

[1a2b3c]

7. 2nd that.

[1a2b3c]

8. 2nd that.

[1a2b3c]

11. Ummm triple that?

[LastTime2BeFree]

14. I said ethanol in the tank - not your mug!

But whatever works is ok by me.

[whathappened]

2. if ya don't get any replys

go to ( do it yourself .com ) they will have any question you have there , there is a team of ace wrench men there

[lpbk2713]

3. Try burning ethanol before your next test.

It is not a fossil fuel.

[neuvocat]

4. You've done a tune-up, right?

I don't know much about cars but that seems to be a good problem solver most of the time.

[toddzilla]

5. save yourself the hassle ..

find an exhaust shop that will put a universal catalytic converter on, it should run you about 150 bucks, double for 2 cat cars.. it will pass immediately, and you won't spend hours trying to fix it yourself, or buying a bunch of crap that won't fix it.

[grok]

9. Hard to say....

Anything past say, 1985 uses onboard computers to monitor and adapt the enginge and timing mechanisms to produce less emissions and STILL run well. if a sensor is failing it could cause the computer to do the WRONG thing and produce MORE emissions. Here is where a mechanic comes in. You *might* want to change/check the oxygen sensor. Also, early computers were prone to fail. I've had to change several on GM cars around that age to make them pass smog OR run right. The problem of course is that I am merely guessing on your car. which i haven't seen. And guessing can be expensive(computers can cost hundreds)

The best thing to do on your own is do a tune up. plugs, cap/rotor(or clean contacts) and wiring if the car is misfiring. Changing the oil is good. clean air filters is good.

NOW, if you have some worn cylinders or pistons, you can easily burn oil, which will produce *MORE* emissions. If that's the case, a thiker oil temporarily give you better results. Also some after market oil thickeners can help dramatically. I've had good results with Slick 50. It won't last might it might get you past the smog test.

Grok

[TXvote]

10. Tips

Nasty stuff, but this works:

Oil change including filter.
Tune up will include this.
Add a bottle fuel injector cleaner solution and run a full tank of gas then fill with the highest octane you can find.

Also, sounds silly, but if you might want to clean the residue in your tailpipe. It will scew the reading if there is build up.

Peace,
Teresa
www.votervirgin.com

[ProudGerman]

12. 12 year old car

Several things need to be changed. If they already have, then scratch them off the list.

It's likely the catalytic converters on the car are factory. If so, they stopped working properly about 6-8 years ago. If you can turn a wrench with great force, you can replace them yourself. That is, if they aren't welded on. Done it myself a few times.

Tune your car up. New cap, wires, and plugs(that are properly gapped). Any applicable EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) and PCV valves should be replaced if they haven't in a loooooong time. They are usually good for a long time, but when they are no good anymore, the engine just doens't run efficiently (and therefore, not clean either)

In your air induction system, there should be something between the box holding the air filter, and your throttle body. This device measures the incoming air volume for proper fueling.(its either a MAF or a VAF) There is a small element in this device, its probably covered in crud. Plain old carb cleaner sprayed on it will clean it right up. Do not touch this element with anything.

Its an old car, probably with a ton of miles on it. How is it on oil? Do you have to add oil between oil changes? If not, you are good to go. If you do, its likely you are burning a little bit of oil, and that could mean various seals aren't what they used to be.

These suggestion might not be the ultimate in low cost, but they will save you tons later on down the road. A Haynes or Chiltons manual for your car will walk you right through all of these steps, and all can be done in an afternoon. Doing these things keeps my high mileage car passing the emissions tests with flying colors. I've even gotten comments on how clean my motor runs.


EDIT: I agree with the O2 sensor part. This can wreak havoc on your computer's ability to properly mix fuel and air in your car. If one of these has failed (if your car is OBD I, and it probably is, you only have one) you'll have a nice little Check engine light on all the time.

[scottcsmith]

13. I got the tune-up

...but they said the catalytic converter was hosed. So, it sounds like I need to get it replaced.

I've had the oil changed within the last month.

Thanks everyone. I'll post a msg. if the new catalytic converter does the trick.

[toddzilla]

15. make sure you go for the universal

otherwise you could end up paying 500 bucks or more a converter...