smog rack redux ('93 v6-12v)

[William Magliocco]

I'm singing the "4444" blues.  The car is still sick
but the ECU is singing a different tune.

Score thus far:  Smog Rack 2, Bill 0.

1)  Test results, 1st visit (9/26) & second visit
(10/2) , limit

HC-ppm:  98, 95, limit 117 PASS BOTH
CO-%: 0.29, 0.24, limit 0.65 PASS BOTH
NO-ppm:  1171, 0946, limit 0821 FAIL BOTH
CO+CO2%: 14.2, 14.6, min 6.0% PASS BOTH

Same machine did the tests.

Over the weekend:

two new o2 sensors, 6 new Bosch Platinum +4 plugs and
replaced a cracked vacuum line coming off the intake
manifold

Decided to visit Mr. Midas.  Believe or not, the
manager did not try to sell me cats!  His generics
won't fit.  He also felt that the engine could be
massaged by the local smog guru tech for less than the
cats.  Doesn't think the cats are bad.

Smog guru didn't want to discuss much with me after
looking at the test reports.  Wants me to drop it off
and pay the $75 etc.

What confuses me is that both of these "MLs" seem to
think timing is an issue.  OK, I have distributorless
ignition so they can't rotate something that's not
there.  This engine is so highly controlled that I
wonder just how much CAN be adjusted.  After all,
there is no CO control and the Federal/CA label
indicates there are no adjustments.

Paying someone $75 to tell me the cats are bad seems a
waste.  When I made noises like that, the guy got
pissed.  Says he's from Detroit and does not like
"furrin" cars anyway.

OK, gallery, give it another shot. 





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