failed emmissions
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Joined: Jun 2003
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failed emmissions
My car failed the sniffer, being 1% over on hydrocarbon emmisiions. The car is running rich, and I can smell it. I know that it is probably the O2 sensors, and I am going to replace them tomorrow. What else can I do to ensure that I pass the sniffer?
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 78
Okay...what do you guys suggest that I replace? As a college student, I really don't have tons of money to shel out to a mechanic that will most likely suggest that I replace the fuel system, or some **** like that 
What are some reletivley inexpensive fixes that I should start off on? The elevated HC readings make me want to think that a. bad O2 sensors are making the car run rich or 2. the fuel isn't being burnt off efficiently.
Sometimes, after extended driving, the car smells of fuel. It is strong enough that I can smell it through my garage, which is attached to my house. My mumper doesn't have any HC deposits on it or anything.
My car is a 96, so it is OBD1, with the OBDII connector. I don't know of any place that can scan it for free, and i don't want to pay a mechanic to do it for $100, unless I fail this time. Suggestions?
What are some reletivley inexpensive fixes that I should start off on? The elevated HC readings make me want to think that a. bad O2 sensors are making the car run rich or 2. the fuel isn't being burnt off efficiently.
Sometimes, after extended driving, the car smells of fuel. It is strong enough that I can smell it through my garage, which is attached to my house. My mumper doesn't have any HC deposits on it or anything.
My car is a 96, so it is OBD1, with the OBDII connector. I don't know of any place that can scan it for free, and i don't want to pay a mechanic to do it for $100, unless I fail this time. Suggestions?
Last edited by LT1Noob; Sep 3, 2004 at 11:11 AM.
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 700
From: Upstate New York
Run it down to a 1/4 tank and then add a quart of denatured alchohol or methyl hydrate (gas line antifreeze)
As alchohol burns very cleanly your HC per given volume of output should be significantly lower.
Then fill it up after the test if you use the alchohol as it can attack the rubber in your fuel system.
As alchohol burns very cleanly your HC per given volume of output should be significantly lower.
Then fill it up after the test if you use the alchohol as it can attack the rubber in your fuel system.
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 218
From: NW Burbs Chicago, IL USA
Want a free suggestion? Take it to the Skokie testing facility and try her there. If you're only 1% over I'd say that's worth trying, especially when that station is known to pass some questionable cars. And if you plan on buying O2 sensors, do that first before you go test. (If you mention the MFBA at Jennings Chevrolet in Glenview, their parts department gives you a discount. O2's for my '96 Z cost $39.00 each.)
Good luck!
Good luck!
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 78
Thanks...anymore suggestions. IS it worth maybe replacing the evap canister, PVC valve, etc? How hard is this?
In illinois, OBDII cars are exempt from the sniffer unless they are throwing codes.
1996 and older cars are subjected to a mandatory sniffer test. What could be causing high hydrocarbon levels?
In illinois, OBDII cars are exempt from the sniffer unless they are throwing codes.
1996 and older cars are subjected to a mandatory sniffer test. What could be causing high hydrocarbon levels?
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