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Failed Emissions

TTA579

TTA579

South Bay TTA "Barn" Find
TTA579 failed for the second time.

Emissions were actually worse than the first time I had it tested. The previous numbers were 97/69.

I have some theories about what is wrong.

#1, bad gas. While the car has been filled since the tank that ate through the fuel pump coupler, it may need another tank or two before all the denatured crap is out.

#2, damaged cat. Simo provided me with an emissions history of the car indicating that it had failed in the past. A quick inspection of the catalytic converter shows that it has been replaced (welded in :( ). Whatever caused the catalytic converter to fail in the past may have happened again. I'm thinking particularly that the previous owner managed to damage it somehow driving around LA with such a low car. A slight rattling noise at around 1000 rpms on startup supports this theory.

#3, tune up. I plan on having the car serviced today with new fluids, and I have a new set of spark plugs on hand.

1 and 3 are easy to fix. Finding a trustworthy exhaust shop will not be fun.
 
A hollowed out Cat could cause that issue. These cars usually pass with ease as long as the Cat is good and make sure to get it hot. Cats only start working once they get hot, so don't take it to get tested while it is cold.
 
I feel for you guys having to pass emissions, I can barely keep my cars running never mind environmentally friendly lol
 
The research I've done says that high HC can be caused by a bad Cat. The mechanic checked and it was broken.
 
I was able to inspect the old cat. The element had been dislodged, but not removed. As they are a honeycomb structure similar to the air straightener in front of the MAF, it wasn't doing any good.
 
TTA579 said:
I was able to inspect the old cat. The element had been dislodged, but not removed. As they are a honeycomb structure similar to the air straightener in front of the MAF, it wasn't doing any good.
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What if any mods have been done? CARB rates right up there with obama in popularity :arab:
 
A good spring cleaning wont hurt (intercooler is a must) btw , don't know how the NOx reading was that low, be interesting to see if it goes up with the new cat
 
TTA579 said:
Passed (barely) with a cat, and fluid service.
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Important thing is you passed!:thumbup: I know nothing of Cali emissions, so how long is that good for? Dont have to worry about that where I live, but they do emissions tests in Ohio, county by county. Fortunately my county is exempt.
 
kymmee said:
Important thing is you passed!:thumbup: I know nothing of Cali emissions, so how long is that good for? Dont have to worry about that where I live, but they do emissions tests in Ohio, county by county. Fortunately my county is exempt.
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2 years.
 
TTA579 said:
Passed (barely) with a cat, and fluid service.
Click to expand...

Passing is all that matters. I have to go for one last emission test here in VA in April. Last time it was close. I expect to pass without too much trouble this time because since that last test, I found and fixed a problem that was making my timing jump all over the place randomly. When the next test is due in 2014, the car will be 25 years old and exempt from further testing. So things are looking up!
 
The question I have, do you have to pay for each emission test including the failed tests?:beach:
 
I am glad you passed.
But I honestly think your cat was bad because the car is not running right. High HCs are not caused by a bad cat. The car is dumping too much gas, causing the converters to burn out. That is why it was rattling. The insides were shot. You should get it running right before you clog/mess up another cat.
 
8289ta said:
I am glad you passed.
But I honestly think your cat was bad because the car is not running right. High HCs are not caused by a bad cat. The car is dumping too much gas, causing the converters to burn out. That is why it was rattling. The insides were shot. You should get it running right before you clog/mess up another cat.
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I've replaced nearly every fuel related part on the car to date. The cat was messed up before I did the overhaul, before I owned it probably. I will continue to work on the car and restore it to a good working condition.
 
TTA984 said:
The question I have, do you have to pay for each emission test including the failed tests?:beach:
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Luckily for me, no. The car was tested 3 times.

Unfortunately, California doesn't regulate the price for emissions testing, which means you can judge the income of a neighborhood by the price of a local emissions test.
 
California has two types of testing depending on where you live.

High Pollution Areas such as where TTA579 is tested in Los Angeles County.

Tested at 15 Mph and 25 Mph for HC, CO and NO.

Emissions3-2-12.jpg


Low Pollution Areas such as where TTA1490 is tested in Kern County.

Tested at Idle and 2500 RPM for HC and CO.

TTASmogCheckAugust-1.jpg
 
this really scares ME as my car is due in a few months. it just barley made it last time and as I understand it the state has made it even tighter now then it was 2 years ago.......if i have ANY troubles im gonna one mad Mother F#&*er......
 
bossbird ta said:
this really scares ME as my car is due in a few months. it just barley made it last time and as I understand it the state has made it even tighter now then it was 2 years ago.......if i have ANY troubles im gonna one mad Mother F#&*er......
Click to expand...

Everything I've read indicates that CARB is not allowed to lower the emissions requirements below those in place when the car was manufactured.

When CARB lowers limits, it's for new cars.

There were rumors that limits were reduced between '11 and '12. I can tell you that they have NOT changed.


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I am here: http://tapatalk.com/map.php?rzm43y
 
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