My car is a little over the emissions limit and I don't know why. I was wondering if it could be a worn timing chain, could this cause poor fuel burn? I know it isn't the exhaust system as it had a new Cat recently and it barely made a difference. So if any revheads out there could give me some advice, or even tips to just get through the test I'd be very grateful, thanks. :wave2:
Calling All Car Mechanics
- Thread starter HeyFellas
- Start date
Could be any number of things. Assuming your car is on OBD standard and generating a "check eng." light you should attempt to find out what code is being sent by your car's on-board computer first. If your car is a 1996 model year or later it's on the OBD II standard. All of those cars have a centronix like adapter under the driver's side dash to connect a code reader up to.
While it won't necessarily tell you exactly what's wrong it will generally point you in the right direction.
Trying to chase something like that blindly can get costly and time consuming.
While it won't necessarily tell you exactly what's wrong it will generally point you in the right direction.
Trying to chase something like that blindly can get costly and time consuming.
There's no check engine light, the emissions are just slightly over the legal limit, and with the MOT coming up I'm concerned about another failure. I just need the levels down a tiny fraction, I used emission cleaning fluid last time but it was too small a change. Eventually the guy testing it took it for a hard drive to blast out the carbon or whatever, but that barely worked, and might not this time. :wave2:
"A hard drive to blast out the carbon"?:1orglaugh
Sorry but the thing with emissions is it could be one thing or a combination of things...there is just too much info you're not including. The year, model and mileage of the car, regular maintenance schedule, etc. would help but you're really asking allot without giving enough information for something as nebulous as vehicle emissions.
I agree we need more info, but if I were to guess I would start by changing your oxygen sensor. Most people don't realise that it's a regular maintenance item and it will throw off your emissions.
You may laugh but it worked twice. And it also works with old tractors, make them pull hard for half an hour and they stop smoking and start up easier. :dunno:
The car is a 97 Susuki, I don't know if it's got an oxygen sensor, I was under the impression that everything under the bonnet was mechanical. This is why I thought timing or a bad dizzy or something was the problem. The exhaust seems to build up gradually with whatever, and over time emissions increase. :wave2:
The oxygen sensor is actually screwed into your exhaust system just past the exhaust manifold and over time gets gunked up from the exhaust and needs to be replaced. Being a 97 it should have one and if you've never replaced it you should, just an idea. They are cheap to replace, around $30.
I'd start with the basics. Air filter, spark plugs, if that doesnt help look at injector service but that can start being a bit costly. After that you're starting to get into replacing sensors (generally a faulty sensor will give you a check engine light though).
I think that model should already have a timing belt (should be replaced every 100000klm) that could be due for replacement or if it's been replaced it may have been fitted a tooth out which will effect emissions.
Hope you find it, good luck.
I think that model should already have a timing belt (should be replaced every 100000klm) that could be due for replacement or if it's been replaced it may have been fitted a tooth out which will effect emissions.
Hope you find it, good luck.
It would help to know which model Suzuki and which engine, but as stated above you do not have a timing chain, it will be a belt. If the car seems to be running well, just too dirty, it's probably not a tooth off on the belt.
This new cat you said was replaced recently: Was it really new? or off a wrecked car? Was it the right model? Was it put on at a dealer, a good shop, a cheap shop, or a buddy who knows a little about cars? It's possible that it wasn't installed correctly, (leaking gasket) or some nearby wiring was dislodged.
This new cat you said was replaced recently: Was it really new? or off a wrecked car? Was it the right model? Was it put on at a dealer, a good shop, a cheap shop, or a buddy who knows a little about cars? It's possible that it wasn't installed correctly, (leaking gasket) or some nearby wiring was dislodged.
Legzman
what the fuck you lookin at?
fuck emissions testing. I'm glad they don't have that shit here in my state yet. Its just another way for the government to nickle and dime us to death. We have to pay a mechanic to fix our car so its within outrageous emission standards. They pay tax on the parts and labor. Government wins!
Facetious
Moderated
Run your vehicle down to approx the last 3 gallons / 12 liters in the tank, maybe down as much as 10 liters - Now dump 1 us gallon of denatured alcohol in the tank - drive around for about 5 minutes then go get a free pre test and see what happens.
Is there such a thing as a free off the record pre test where you live ?
Give it a shot, I know of a handful of vehics that were borderline and passed later after subbing gas with the cleaner burning alcohol.
Is there such a thing as a free off the record pre test where you live ?
Give it a shot, I know of a handful of vehics that were borderline and passed later after subbing gas with the cleaner burning alcohol.
Facetious
Moderated
The OP is in GBR I believe.:2 cents:
Facetious
Moderated
All of the above
amn straight ! :hatsoff:The "california air resources board" along with with their fancy schmancy bureaucratik acronym "C.A.R.B.", the fraudulent losers that they are don't know their ass from a hole in the ground with all of their little tyrannical dictates !
read about the MTBE fuck up here
Now they want all diesel engines either inside of or entering the state to be replaced and or substantially modified in order to meet some arbitrary emission standard - can you say billions of additional dollars in tax liabilities ? , that is, an obligation to me and everybody else that has decided not to be a bum e.g. "working people" and these democrats chide the tea party people ? Get off your ass and get a job and pay YOUR FAIR SHARE of the burden...fuck wads !
Sorry :o
Rabid_2250, thanks for those ideas, I'll check what I can and hopefully it will be something simple. :thumbsup:
Knowone, it does have a chain, not a belt. I think the engine model is a K10. The new Cat was brand new and fitted by a well respected local shop while we watched.
Facetious, I tried a similar off the shelf fluid two years ago but it only just made enough of a difference, and last year it didn't work. No free tests around here, only the proper full one and now just one week instead of the previous two to make repairs.
Hope it is something simple like the air filter or O2 sensor, and thanks for all the help guys. :wave2:
Knowone, it does have a chain, not a belt. I think the engine model is a K10. The new Cat was brand new and fitted by a well respected local shop while we watched.
Facetious, I tried a similar off the shelf fluid two years ago but it only just made enough of a difference, and last year it didn't work. No free tests around here, only the proper full one and now just one week instead of the previous two to make repairs.
Hope it is something simple like the air filter or O2 sensor, and thanks for all the help guys. :wave2:
I don't know anything about cars.
I was given a 2004 Grand Prix SuperCharged GTP with cold air induction.
I'm not sure what that all means, but I love the car. Love it!
I was given a 2004 Grand Prix SuperCharged GTP with cold air induction.
I'm not sure what that all means, but I love the car. Love it!
PirateKing
█▀█▀█ █ █
is there gas in the tank? sometimes i forget to put gas in the tank.:dunno:
Ace Bandage
The one and only.
Speaking as an auto aficionado, you may need to reverberate your broken right carbonized sprockulator. This should solve the problem...
Similar threads
