I Failed Emissions, Where do I start?
10-01-08, 10:38 PM
#1
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I Failed Emissions, Where do I start?
I have a 1985 GS. So far to get it running I replaced the starter, coils, spark plugs, cap, rotor and wires to redo the ignition system. I rebuilt the carburetor to solve flooding problems when starting it. The first time I tried to pass emissions the radiator gave out. So I redid the cooling system by putting in a new radiator, hoses and thermostat. The second time I tried to pass emissions it completed all the tests, but failed in HC and CO readings. On HC my readings were 5.0113 when 2.5 is allowed and on CO my readings were 27.2070 out of 20 allowed. The car runs okay when idling or accelerating, but deceleration it feels like it's bogging down and often backfires. The exhaust was a hack job by the previous owner which I plan to replace, but would like to solve this first if the new exhaust is not necessary. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Jonathon
10-01-08, 10:50 PM
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Bribe the guy!
I cant help much here i have heard of charcoal canister on the exhaust the emissions pass through the unit and clean it really well.
But i cant remember who makes the darn things.
I cant help much here i have heard of charcoal canister on the exhaust the emissions pass through the unit and clean it really well.
But i cant remember who makes the darn things.
10-02-08, 03:00 AM
#3
I think it could be a vacuum leak or air pump/air control valve system malfunctioning since you are mentioning it bogging down. If you do a search there will be many threads related to trouble shooting your emissions problem. There are two on the fourth page. Here's one: https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generation-specific-1979-1985-18/ca-smog-what-causes-my-bad-smog-report-786112/
Perhaps it is your catalytic converter system clogged. If you replace them with new parts I am sure you will pass greatly.
Make sure you also change the oil+ filter and check how clean the air filter is. Also drive it around hard for about 20-30 minutes and get your engine and cats really hot and leave your car running until you finish your smog test.
good luck
Perhaps it is your catalytic converter system clogged. If you replace them with new parts I am sure you will pass greatly.
Make sure you also change the oil+ filter and check how clean the air filter is. Also drive it around hard for about 20-30 minutes and get your engine and cats really hot and leave your car running until you finish your smog test.
good luck
10-02-08, 08:31 AM
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I'll start reading those other threads when I get home. I just changed the oil and filter less then 200 miles ago and recharged my K an N air filter at the same time. Also the testing place is a half an hour drive from my house and it's all highway so that car was warmed up. Thanks Jonathon
10-09-08, 06:49 PM
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I've been reading those forms, but none of the ones I found have a similar problem or a solution. I have ordered my header from racing beat and am going to have a local shop make me a 2 1/4 custom pipe back. I'll be using a Magnaflow muffler (14815) and catalytic converter (59905). Hopefully replacing the hack job exhaust will help, but I'm not sure if there's anything else wrong. If anyone has any suggestions on the exhaust or what else to try with my emissions system I would greatly appreciated. My temporary plates have expired so until I figure this out I'm biking everywhere. Thanks
10-10-08, 04:51 AM
#6
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High CO and HC indicate not enough air is getting to the cat. Check air pump, and ACV. If you are putting headers on are you going to keep the ACV? If not, you will need to run an air pipe from your air pump back to the new Cat. Check the FMS for methods to test the air pump and ACV.
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10-10-08, 07:34 AM
#8
The cat is the key. I failed my last emissions test, I was running a cat but had all other emissions equipment removed (gross polluter). Went back the next day with 2 gallons of denatured alchol and 1/4 tank, passed with flying colors. Pulled out of the bay and right to the pump to fill up with premium.
Needless to say the guy was amazed, but now I have no more emissions test. Tree huggers beware!
Needless to say the guy was amazed, but now I have no more emissions test. Tree huggers beware!
10-10-08, 08:26 AM
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I was planning on keeping the ACV along with the rest of my emissions system when I do my exhaust system. There is no air inlet on the current cat and I don't think there will be on the new one either. Which leads me to two questions. 1. Should I have them add an air inlet to the cat if I can't find a cat with one? 2. If I don't have that system hooked up should I cap off that pipe or leave it open? Also there is one more disconnected hose out of the back of what I believe is the 2nd anti afterburner valve. I'll post a picture when I get home. Thanks
10-10-08, 11:13 AM
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I was planning on keeping the ACV along with the rest of my emissions system when I do my exhaust system. There is no air inlet on the current cat and I don't think there will be on the new one either. Which leads me to two questions. 1. Should I have them add an air inlet to the cat if I can't find a cat with one? 2. If I don't have that system hooked up should I cap off that pipe or leave it open? Also there is one more disconnected hose out of the back of what I believe is the 2nd anti afterburner valve. I'll post a picture when I get home. Thanks
the split air pipe to the cat is something of a red herring, just because its there, doesnt mean they use it all the time
10-10-08, 04:13 PM
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The cats get corroded and normally only last 100,000 or 6-7 years. That's why lot of folks here just remove the internals after a while. The metals can't only catalize so much. It's not an endless chemical reaction because of the nature of how they work in a chemical manner.
10-10-08, 05:27 PM
#12
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The cats get corroded and normally only last 100,000 or 6-7 years. That's why lot of folks here just remove the internals after a while. The metals can't only catalize so much. It's not an endless chemical reaction because of the nature of how they work in a chemical manner.
Last edited by lfd75; 10-10-08 at 05:46 PM.
10-12-08, 09:17 PM
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Actually a properly cared for cat (ie everything working, no leaded gas etc) will last a long time. My '83 still has the original emissions equipment (including cats) and 290,000 km and it just passed Aircare with (e-testing here in BC) with flying colors and no tweaking on anyone's end. BTW, in theory a catalyst can last forever (by definition a catalyst speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed) unless it is poisoned (which inactivates the catalyst and is what happens when lead is added).
10-12-08, 10:34 PM
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Does CO have an age exemption rule? Texas its 25 years and you only have to pass safety. And I just told them my car was 25 years old and they believed me.
10-14-08, 11:41 AM
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My Racing Beat Headers arrived yesterday. In the install instructions it shows the removal of the airpump and ACV is this temporary or perminate with an aftermarket exhaust? Will the rest of the emissions system work without this? Any infortmation would be very helpfull. I would normally have kept the stock exhaust, but the previous owner replaced it with a piece of junk one. Also colorado doesn't have an age out limit that I'm aware of it's just an idle test if 82 or older and the advanced test if newer then 82.
10-14-08, 02:37 PM
#16
If CO's anything like CA, you cannot use any non-approved aftermarket parts or mods prior to or in place of the cat, and all emissions-related components must be in place and functioning.
The RacingBeat website spells it out:
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news... maybe Colorado is more permissive than CA?
The RacingBeat website spells it out:
Originally Posted by http://www.racingbeat.com/emissions.htm
Can I remove my stock exhaust manifold/catalytic converter and replace them with a header/catalytic converter combination on my RX-7?
Not legally. As mentioned above, CARB or the EPA does not allow replacement or relocation of any of the stock catalytic converters. They require that all original catalytic converters be in their original positions, and replacement of multiple catalytic converters with a single non-exempt "high flow" performance unit is not allowed.
Although using a header (or downpipe) and catalytic converter combination might pass a tailpipe test at a California tailpipe emissions test, it would NOT pass the visual inspection portion of the test. Since the engine configuration of the rotary engine in the RX-7 is rather unique, it is possible that some test station technicians may not be familiar with the this layout, and they may not even notice that a header (or downpipe) and/or replacement catalytic converter has been installed.
Not legally. As mentioned above, CARB or the EPA does not allow replacement or relocation of any of the stock catalytic converters. They require that all original catalytic converters be in their original positions, and replacement of multiple catalytic converters with a single non-exempt "high flow" performance unit is not allowed.
Although using a header (or downpipe) and catalytic converter combination might pass a tailpipe test at a California tailpipe emissions test, it would NOT pass the visual inspection portion of the test. Since the engine configuration of the rotary engine in the RX-7 is rather unique, it is possible that some test station technicians may not be familiar with the this layout, and they may not even notice that a header (or downpipe) and/or replacement catalytic converter has been installed.
10-14-08, 03:42 PM
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Actually a properly cared for cat (ie everything working, no leaded gas etc) will last a long time. My '83 still has the original emissions equipment (including cats) and 290,000 km and it just passed Aircare with (e-testing here in BC) with flying colors and no tweaking on anyone's end. BTW, in theory a catalyst can last forever (by definition a catalyst speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed) unless it is poisoned (which inactivates the catalyst and is what happens when lead is added).
Also no garage... dirt road.. (Dukes of Hazzard sticks out here).
I am not gonna disagree but I think your just lucky most are bad by this age or at least clogged up a bit.
They are designed to be a consumable component.
10-14-08, 07:02 PM
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I have owned cars with aftermarket exhausts before in colorado and it has never been a problem. They only check that the emissions system is "intact" and has a catalytic converter. Like I said I have an aftermarket exhaust now that is awful and it passed the visual inspection.
10-19-08, 04:53 PM
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I've been hearing different things about how to do the exhaust system.
1. RB Headers, Catalytic converter with no air inlet. Removal of air pump and ACV
2. RB Headers with added air injection, Catalytic converter with air inlet. Leaving in place air pump and ACV, no port air switching value.
Which leads me to questions ...
Would there be any problems with option 1?
Can RB headers have air injection added (a shop told me they could) ?
Any other issues with either?
Any better Solutions ?
Thanks
1. RB Headers, Catalytic converter with no air inlet. Removal of air pump and ACV
2. RB Headers with added air injection, Catalytic converter with air inlet. Leaving in place air pump and ACV, no port air switching value.
Which leads me to questions ...
Would there be any problems with option 1?
Can RB headers have air injection added (a shop told me they could) ?
Any other issues with either?
Any better Solutions ?
Thanks
10-21-08, 01:07 AM
#20
option 1 will probably have your car pass if the cat brand new but afterward driving a little the cat will go out quickly without the added air injection and emissions system.
option 2 will more likely have your car pass emissions test and keep it passing in the future. also will keep the environment cleaner =)
good luck
option 2 will more likely have your car pass emissions test and keep it passing in the future. also will keep the environment cleaner =)
good luck
10-21-08, 08:22 AM
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Is there a difference in performance either way?
And I'm assuming with option 2 I would connect the cat to the main tube out of the ACV and then just cap off or remove the port air switching tube?
And I'm assuming with option 2 I would connect the cat to the main tube out of the ACV and then just cap off or remove the port air switching tube?
10-22-08, 12:08 PM
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I've been hearing different things about how to do the exhaust system.
1. RB Headers, Catalytic converter with no air inlet. Removal of air pump and ACV
2. RB Headers with added air injection, Catalytic converter with air inlet. Leaving in place air pump and ACV, no port air switching value.
Which leads me to questions ...
Would there be any problems with option 1?
Can RB headers have air injection added (a shop told me they could) ?
Any other issues with either?
Any better Solutions ?
Thanks
1. RB Headers, Catalytic converter with no air inlet. Removal of air pump and ACV
2. RB Headers with added air injection, Catalytic converter with air inlet. Leaving in place air pump and ACV, no port air switching value.
Which leads me to questions ...
Would there be any problems with option 1?
Can RB headers have air injection added (a shop told me they could) ?
Any other issues with either?
Any better Solutions ?
Thanks
headers into cat will pass, the air inlet in the cat is totally optional, as thats not where the air needs to be for a smog test.
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