Failed emissions & EGR disconnected

[Latunn2]

I went for my first emissions test in my 82 vanagon and failed the CO portion of it. While looking around to see if I have an O2 sensor (I dont) I found that the previous owner cut and crimped the tube from the EGR filter into the pipe that leads to the catalytic converter (in the pic it is above where it is labeled "CO test point"). Could this be causing the failure? Why would someone disconnect it? Any ideas of things I can do to help the CO emissions passing? The van is running well, but it does smell like gas. I already plan to mess with the idle screw. Any other tips?

[MarkWard]

The EGR system will rust out and the replacement parts are expensive. I don't think that is why you failed.
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[sjbartnik]

[Butcher]

EGR will cause NOx issues, not CO.

[jlrftype7]

Can you give us the Test Readings= helps to diagnose =
Still have Fuel Injection on the Engine ? No Carbs... Items we need to know-

Easy things that increase CO, Dirty Engine Air Filter, Dirty engine oil that may be loaded up with Hydrocarbons if you’re running Rich to begin with
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'68 Westy- my first VW and vehicle/Bus- long gone.- sold it to a traveling Swiss couple....
'67 Type 3 Fastback, my 2nd car- gone
'69 Semi-Auto Stick Shift Beetle-gone
2017 MINI Coopers, our current DDs
‘84 Tin Top - Hilga....Auto

[MarkWard]

The catalytic convertor may have also been gutted out. The screw you want to mess with is the screw in the air flow sensor. From the factory, it would have had an aluminum tamper proof plug covering it. Counter clockwise leans it out.

You are going to have to get the engine running as lean as possible without a misfire. Some states may fail you just because the EGR plumbing and filter are missing. Sounds like they are only interested in what comes out the tailpipe.

When was the last time it was tuned up?
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