2G Emissions Failure

[brickredgst]

So I just took my car in for emissions testing and I barely failed in the idle emissions category. In my state the limit is 220 Hydrocarbons and my car got 232. I have a 2G with a 14B turbo and a catback exhaust, while my fuel upgrades are a 190 LPH fuel pump and a re-wire kit. I'm thinking I'm either running rich from my fuel upgrades or since I haven't changed my sparkplugs and wires in three years that could be resulting in my higher HC levels. What do you guys think?

 

[daren_p]

Did you go for a nice "hard" run before the test to get everything good & hot? The CAT won't work properly till its properly. As for your issue, looks like your on the right track. If your running rich from your fuel upgrades, this can cause higher HC readings. Start with the simple things like plugs & wires, make sure the cars good & hot & also do an oil change before you go. Depending on your other readings, you could also try adding some slightly lower octane gas, which should reduce your CO & HC readings (though it will probably increase your NOX, if they test for this in your area).

 

[brickredgst]

Thanks. I'm getting new sparkplugs and wires soon and I'm changing my oil. Maybe I'll try the lower octane gas too. That won't be too bad for my engine?

 

[daren_p]

Yes, it can be bad depending on what kind of boost your running & if you go beat on the car. If you want to run a lower grade, just put in $10, etc & don't do any WOT pulls till you use it up & put higher octane back in. If you don't put the motor under alot of load, you will be fine.

 

[brickredgst]

So I decided to just adjust my idle. It worked and I passed my emissions. However, now that my idle is set back to normal, my gas pedal is stiff. I can only depress it if I push down really hard.

 

[Avionixx]

Better check out your throttle cable.

 

[b00sted]

A few bottles of "HEET" mixed in will help lower emissions too. That was the only my Jeep would pass.

 

[gregalmighty]

I've always read that putting in octane booster will help, this is the first thread I've seen where lower grade gas is suggested. Not trying to argue the point of higher octane or dismiss this one, I'm just curious how lower grade will help? My emissions check is coming up in about a month so I'm looking for advice as well.

 

[b00sted]

I've always read that putting in octane booster will help, this is the first thread I've seen where lower grade gas is suggested. Not trying to argue the point of higher octane or dismiss this one, I'm just curious how lower grade will help? My emissions check is coming up in about a month so I'm looking for advice as well.

The only way I can think of lower octane helping is because it burns/ignites easier. So you get a more complete burn of the fuel and therefor slightly lower emissions.