CA smog failures. I need R3Vs help.

[tightithrash]

So here's the story

I have to have my car passed by a Star certified station. Took it in and I failed the first attempt



Failed visual inspection because I had a CAT from a ford truck. Awesome. Also failed the test itself.

Got a new cat on yesterday. Took it directly to the smog shop. Failed again. HC was high at 15.



The smog guy told me to bring it in Tomm (today) drive it hard 15 miles and get the cat hot. Also to fill up with 91 and use octane booster and it will pass.

I did exactly that and failed again today.



Now my NOx is high.

I was told by QUKBMER that if I fail a third time that I would then have go to a state refree station. I asked the guy before we tested if that was true since I would make 100% sure it would pass and not risk a failure. and he said it was not, if I fail I just keep trying until I pass. Now my form says gross polluter so I don't know what the fuck is going on.

I'm pretty stumped here. Smog guy said it has an airleak. Idles fine. Idk. What do you guys think?

[flyboyx]

o2 sensor, spark plugs, or intake leak. that is all.

[shameson]

o2 sensor, spark plugs, or intake leak. that is all.

Ya I would start there also

This is why I'm glad I live in WA. Smog checks are hardcore down there

[e30vert]

Check the flexible rubber boot that mounts on the throttle body. It has the ribs in it. Pull it off. Take a flashlight and insert inside the boot / connector. Then walk into a dark ish room. Look to see if there is light that is transmitted through any areas of that rubber boot. If so , replace it with a new one! BMA , Pelican PArt, Blunt, Guten , whatever your preference. This is a very common part to develop cracks over time from the heat and flexing of the boot.

If this fixes it please let me know so I can send a Paypal invoice to your email for "diagnostic services" LOL!

[jlevie]

What I would do in this case is to:

Replace the ignition wires, distributor cap and rotor with new OE/OEM parts
Replace the O2 sensor with a new OE/OEM part
Adjust the valves
Replace the plugs with NGK ZGR5A's
Check rail fuel pressure
Check engine temperature with an IR or contact thermometer (should be 78-82C)
Have a smoke test run and fix any intake leaks

Unless you have a late model 318is, the engine wants and will run best on 87 octane fuel.

[amcink]

Same your self some time and replace the 02 sensor $90 and the catalytic $235 then you will pass with no problems. Ask me how I know

[rhE-30]

Also check fuel injector o-rings.

[tightithrash]

O2 sensor was replaced last time I got it smoged. Plugs arnt that old either. The intake boot was also replaced when I smoged last time.

I just can't understand why the hydro carbons and NOx switched.

[R3Z3N]

If you can't figure it out, take it to a good mechanic.

[tightithrash]

I think 91 and octane booster hurt me more than helped.

I don't get it.

[tightithrash]

If you can't figure it out, take it to a good mechanic.

Great information. Thank you very much.

[efficient]

please keep us updated id like to know what happens.
not to thread jack but you guys think a smog shop will know if you have a swapped motor like from e to i full swap?

[tightithrash]

Ill pull the boot of tomorrow to try the flashlight test.

I will deff keep it updated

[cervantes559]

High HC cause by unburned fuel check secondary ignition items
High nox can he caused by air leaks and exhaust leak

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2

[MNE30]

I can't seem to figure out what is going on if you have no intake leaks, new O2 sensor, have you done a smoke test?

One good thing about living in Minnesota is that Uncle Sam doesn't care about my 3" straight pipe.