Emissions

[Nick]

My 1985 Continental failed emissions. It read 2.13 for a 2.00 limit on hydrocarbons and 33.55 for carbon monoxide on a 30.00 limit. Any ideas what could be wrong? Thanks guys!

[Dereck]

Hi Nick

I don't understand the measurment units you are using, here in the U.K we measure gases by percentage of volume and hydrocarbons by Parts Per Million.

Perhaps if you could post the units of measurment I could convert them and try and help.

Regards

Dereck

[Nick]

I think we are using the same units. My Vehicle Inspection Report has GPM (Granules Per Million?) listed for the readings.

[pro-five-oh]

Was the car fully warmed when tested?

When was the last tune-up?

[Nick]

The car should have been fully warm. I drove it a few miles, at least 3-4 minimum, before taking it to the inspection station. The last tune up was about two years ago. A lot was changed, including O2 sensors. The oil and filter are probably 8 months old with way less than 3k miles on them. It seems to fail emissions every other year. The last time was due to a cold engine. I should think driving around town at 40-50 MPH for a ways would be enough. The original cats are still on the car. It never had a problem passing until the last time.

[pro-five-oh]

Change the oil, for sure!

I'd also change the plugs, its easy enough on these cars. Should pass then, you're close to borderline anyway.

[Desert Stallion]

Man, 3-4 miles may just barely have the needle moving on your temp guage if you're doing constant speed driving. Now stop and go, with a lot of stopping involved, would probably have the car warmed up a little better.

That would be one of your problems, your engine was still cold. I'd also do as Pro suggested and at least inspect the plugs, replace if necessary, and an oil change wouldn't be a bad idear either. 8 months is a long time to have oil just sitting there, even a full synthetic.

Then inspect/replace the pcv, it's cheap and easy.

That'll get ya' through. If not, refer to the post in the TC forum regarding failed emissions.

[Nick]

Hmm I guess I need to flog the car next time. :D There was infinitely more body roll than the LSC. It was shocking. I'll check the plugs and do an oil change too and see what happens. It'll have to wait until next month, but thanks for the help.

[pro-five-oh]

quote:Originally posted by Desert Stallion:
I'd also do as Pro suggested and at least inspect the plugs, replace if necessary

If you're gonna pull the plugs, you might as well spend the $8.50 to get a fresh set and put those in. Just one of my automotive pet peeves. ;)

Yeah, in your climate 4-5 miles won't cut it. Its pretty good for Houston in the summertime, but that's for me.

[Nick]

I had Bosch Platinums installed when the plug wires, cap, rotor, and O2 sensors (along with a page of other parts) were changed 2 years ago. If I drove less than, say, 10k miles in that time would these plugs or regular coppers have enough wear for replacement? I'll still pull them for a look and if they are bad there's no question what to do. I was just wondering if this was along the lines of cheap convenience or actual need.

[pro-five-oh]

Probably not. But if you had copper ones in there I'd just recommend replacing them. Copper plugs are $1 each, so its not a big deal in my mind.