Re: Failed Emission Test - WHY?

On Sat, 17 Mar 2007 09:39:59 -0700, lukus2005@xxxxxxxxx wrote:

On Mar 17, 12:45 pm, Viperkiller <n...@xxxxxx> wrote:
On 17 Mar 2007 06:20:48 -0700, "lukus2...@xxxxxxxxx"



<lukus2...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
I just bought a 1994 Camry LE 3.0L and it failed the Ontario Vehicle
Emissions Inspection to my surprise.

The engine runs super smooth and all the leaks at the flanges were
fixed. Here are the results of the tests...

ASM2525 TEST
HC ppm..... limit: 57...... reading: 89..... FAIL CO %........ limt:
0.32.... reading: 0.31.. pass NO ppm..... limit: 421.... reading:
9...... pass RPM: 1683..... valid
Dilution: 15.0.. valid

CURB IDLE TEST
HC ppm..... limit: 200.... reading: 30..... pass CO %........ limt:
1.00.... reading: 0.01.. pass NO ppm..... N/A.... reading: N/A
RPM: 705...... valid
Dilution: 14.9.. valid

Gas Cap Pressure Test: pass

The brochure they provided me says the problem could be one of the
following:
- vacuum leaks
- ignition system malfunction
- faulty computerized engine management system and/or oxygen sensor -
faulty air injection system
- internal engine problem
- failed catalytic converter

Now I'm told by the guy who checked out the car for me before buying
it, he thinks that it could be the oxygen sensor (but the Camry
apparently has 2 of those and which one to change is a (guess). He
doesn't think it's a vacuum problem or a computer/engine problem given
how smooth it runs. He's really leaning on the oxygen sensors.

The car may have been sitting for about 4 months before I drove it
about 75 miles to get tested. Now I'm told that because it has sat for
a while, I should fill it using Super gasoline and one of them
"Garanteed to pass" engine cleaner you put in the gas.

I even had someone suggest I put Coleman Camping Stove fuel in my gas.
Apparently it burns hotter than regular gas and thus does a good job at
cleaning the engine and catalytic converter. Anyone ever heard of that
trick?

Reading other threads, most seem to point towards either the EGR valve
or the oxygen sensors. I'm hesitant to start replacing parts in the
hope I replace the right part... could end up costing me a fortune if i
take that route. I need your help please.

You failed to mention if you've tuned it up recently. Running smoothly
is not an indication that it's perfectly tuned. Changing the wires,
distributor cap and rotor, spark plugs with NGK or Denso, and air filter
might do the trick. I would also suggest replacing the old fuel by
either using it up, draining it, or a combination of both.

I would suggest to stay away from the "home brews" that others are
using. If your O2 sensors are bad, a check engine light will typically
light up.

There are no engine lights on. I have not performed a tune-up as I just
bought the car and brought it in to be e-tested. Air filter is clean and
the car has a tankfull of new regular gas.


Yeah, I'd stay away from Stove fuel, too, unless the car is a beater and
you don't really care about it long term.

Do the tune up with Real Toyota parts. Don't go to Canadian Tire! ;) Like
VK said, Denso or NGK plugs, and real Toyota cap and rotor if equipped.
The only aftermarket items I use in the tune-up is NGK plug wires, since
they are OEM anyway.


.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Failed Emission Test - WHY?
    ... Dilution: 15.0.. ... faulty computerized engine management system and/or oxygen sensor ... Apparently it burns hotter than regular gas and thus does a good ...
    (alt.autos.toyota)
  • Re: Oxygen sensor? 90 Celica
    ... I turned the engine on and received the same code. ... code 21 is "OXYGEN SENSOR SIGNAL." ... my check engine light will come on. ... TWO oxygen sensors for my vehicle. ...
    (alt.autos.toyota)
  • Re: Failed Emission Test - WHY?
    ... The engine runs super smooth and all the leaks at the flanges were ... faulty computerized engine management system and/or oxygen sensor ... I even had someone suggest I put Coleman Camping Stove fuel in my ... The three most common causes include ignition ...
    (alt.autos.toyota)
  • Re: Oxygen sensor? 90 Celica
    ... I turned the engine on and received the same code. ... code 21 is "OXYGEN SENSOR SIGNAL." ... my check engine light will come on. ... TWO oxygen sensors for my vehicle. ...
    (alt.autos.toyota)
  • Re: CLK 200 Engine management light coming on.
    ... Steve schrieb: ... getting the engine management light on with the computer reading "Open ... Circuit P0130 Oxygen Sensor Upstream" I have changed the Oxygen sensor ... the engine was running as well. ...
    (alt.auto.mercedes)