[200q20v] Failed Emissions, take 2

[Paul R Luevano]

Failed Emissions take 2

Hi all-

Just a quick recap.  If you recall, my 200 failed inspection a little over a
month ago (6/22/01), high HC's at idle (see
http://www.audifans.com/pipermail/200q20v/2001-July/004243.html).  Well, since I
had 2 months to take care of the issue, I have, as usual, put things off to the
last minute.  I now have about 2 weeks to get re-tested.

Anyway, I got a lot of good advice from a lot of folks. So far I have:
- Run 2 tanks of Techron
- Run a tank of "Emission Pass"
- Cleaned and re-gapped plugs

I still need to:
- Change the oil
- Replace the K&N air filter with a new paper filter (or run no filter at all
for the test)
- Install a new multifunction temp switch

Other suggestions I was given were:
- Add a bottle of dry gas (ethanol) for the retest
- Install new spark plugs
- Replace O2 sensor
- Anything else?

Now I have a few questions.  Regarding the dry gas idea: Is that a good idea? 
Will that indeed lower HC's at idle?

New plugs: I can get them from my FLAP store for about $15/ea, but they have to
special order them.  Is there a better place to get them from?

O2 sensor: Installed a generic Bosch 13913 3-wire about 2 years ago.  Is that
indeed a suitable replacement for these cars, or should I bite the bullet and
get the "correct" one for our cars?  Only about $130 difference from my FLAP
store ($39 vs. $169).  Ug.

Multifunction Temp Switch: I found Part #034-919-369C at Double Z Motors for
about $40. Is that the right switch for our cars? Is there a better place to get
one?

Also, last night my car overheated (see next post, not my summer with this car
so far).  While cooling the engine down in my driveway (car idling, me spraying
radiator with garden hose), I noticed arcing between the wires at the cap.  I am
wondering if this was because I got them wet, or if this is a sign they need to
be replaced (no idea how old they are).  Should I just replace them?  Best
source? Would this also contribute to high HC readings at idle?

Is there anything else I should look at?

Thanks much in advance for any help you can provide.  This list in invaluable. 
Sorry for the long post.

-- 
____________________________________________________________________
Paul Luevano            |   AMA * MSF   |'99 CBR 600F4  (Racebike)
http://teamdaemon.com   | USM * CCS #898|'97 CBR 1100XX (Streetbike)      
Waltham, MA USA         |  NMA #116657  |'91 200TQ20V   (Winter)
________"Man's purpose is to live, not to exist."-Jack London_______