Smog failure, High NO, and what I am going to do about it Options

[HaysoosKreesto]

Well, I think I have found the problem through connecting with an old friend (old 6gc.net posts) but I guess I just wanted to post something recent for any other cali native who would suffer the same fate as I did! Embarrassing knowing you've taken good care of your girl and she fails smog.

None the less! I have learned a great deal that can help me preserve her and function more efficiently.

This is my smog test:


This is the code I pulled from her (sorry it isn't orientated upright):


From what I can gather I have these problems to fix:
#1) replace the upstream o2 sensor
#2) check to see if there are any vacuum leaks in the system
#3) clean the engine intake manifold and the tops of the pistons via chemical additives

This is more than likely what is the cause of the failed emissions, because on my previous smog reading (before I realized to use the more proper oil for her and to use higher quality gas) all of her emissions where basically just below the max, but they were all lowered after some TLC.

After some research, another cause of high emissions (although I don't believe this was the cause of mine, however, I am sure it contributed) would be a gunky engine. The buildup of sediments from thousands of miles of use w/o the aid of additives can cause a slowing of performance, and higher emissions because dirty particles are being thrown out of the tailpipe from the stockpile building up in your system!

I will be performing a Berryman regiment on her so she can be as squeeky clean as possible before I take her to get smogged again. At O'Reilly's (formerly Kragen) the 3 step professional fuel system maintenance cleaning kit is $33.85 + tax at the time of this posting, which shockingly is cheaper than Amazon!

If you didn't know, she is a 1998 Toyota Celica GT 2.2L Automatic and her name is Delilah .

/edit: Question: Should I wait on doing the Berryman's until I have to change the oil again? She just got an oil change about 500-1000 miles ago.

This post has been edited by HaysoosKreesto: Jul 23, 2014 - 12:16 PM

[HaysoosKreesto]

Thanks for the response guise!

Sorry for the late response, been all levels of busy lately, but your suggestions are noted and will be used in my little project to pass emissions.

Dont bother cleaning it or changing the air filter, waste of money.
Replace to O2 sensor, the upstream is used to adjust the air to fuel mixture.

If it fails a second time you might try removing the catalytic converter and seeing how badly its plugged up. You need to unbolt the three nuts holding the catalytic converter to the midpipe under the engine. Next remove the 5 bolts holding the heatshield onto the exhaust manifold. Unbolt the 8 or so bolts attaching the exhaust manifold to the engine. Now remove the three or so bolts on the bracket which hold the catalytic converter to the engine block. At this point you should be able to remove the catalytic converter and exhaust manifold assembly. There are three stubborn bolts and two nuts bolting the catalytic converter to the exhaust manifold, remove them and separate the two pieces. Now you can look down into the catalytic converter, it should look like a honeycomb. If its is clogged at all you can use a dremmel or grinder to shave off a few fractions of an inch of the catalyst material until the holes are cleared. rinse it out with water and try not to breathe in the dust from grinding. Put it all back together and pat yourself on the back for salvaging a $500-$700 part.

You may also want to check the EGR valve, it opens during the high speed test and lowers the NOx emissions.


BTW, ASM is only for pre OBD2 cars where I live, OBD2 cars are not required to take them(but I have a 94 so I have to)

I figured if the o2 sensor isn't doing the 'trick' the egr would be the next stop. If all else fails, I thank you greatly for the how to for the CAT and will be performing such actions.

Can soak the cat in how Dawn water, cleared one out that way before. The exhaust smelled pretty for a minute or two after putting it all back together and starting it up.

I will soak it in how Dawn water , should it come down it. My old girl can smell for a little, I like it like that.