Failed Emissions

[Westynewbie1]

Our 86 westy failed emissions.

It doesn't have a catalytic converter currently so I'm guessing that has a lot to do with it.

Anything else obvious that I should look into to address this?

Thanks.

[wgargan]

let us know what state you are in and what portion of the test failed.
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Current ride:

1983.5 Watercooled Vanagon 'L' Automatic transmission

[Westynewbie1]

[wgargan]

you need the catalyst.

http://www.busdepot.com/details.jsp?partnumber=22918
_________________
Current ride:

1983.5 Watercooled Vanagon 'L' Automatic transmission

[Dogpilot]

The 86 and up usually can pass emissions even without a catalytic converter. The big issue is to ensure that everything is in tune and working. This means either replacing or checking your Temp II sensor, checking or replacing the O2. New plugs, cap, rotor and Bosch Ultra Premium spark plug wires. Ensuring the Throttle Switch is properly adjusted helps the system work as it should. Checking the Thermostat brings the engine up to operating temperature properly also helps. Timing and proper adjustment of the idle speed and and the associated idle mixture all keep the numbers in line.

A can of Techron run through with Premium gas for a tank full also cleans the injection system out a bit.

Also inspect the system for vacuum leaks and replace any of the 3 mm vacuum lines that are cracked.

If all this is in spec, the Cat helps clean up the last bit, but most of the emissions control is done before the cat.
_________________
Geology with a Syncro rocks!
86 Syncro Westy AKA "The Bughunter"
98 Disco I
08 Range Rover SC
08 VW Rabbit S
1951 O-1G

[wgargan]

I am surprised you did not fail solely on the absence of the catalyst....


http://www.aircarecolorado.com/elements.htm

unless they were not equipped originally. I thought it was a fed thing, maybe not.
_________________
Current ride:

1983.5 Watercooled Vanagon 'L' Automatic transmission

[Westynewbie1]

I have ordered a new set of plugs, wires, distributor cap, fuel filter, and I ran a bottle of fuel injector cleaner through this tank full of premium I just put in her.

I will test it again after I replace these things. If nothings better, then I will look into the cat. converter, but the tune up wont hurt either.

[wgargan]

where are you in Colorado
_________________
Current ride:

1983.5 Watercooled Vanagon 'L' Automatic transmission

[Dogpilot]

The two really things that affect your emissions you missed are the Temp II and the O2. O2 is directly in control of the mixture and the Temp II, if out of spec, will make the engine run rich as well. Neither is expensive. THe Temp II is around $10 and the O2 is under $50 if you get the cut an splice Bosch replacement. The O2 will pay for itself in fuel savings as well.
_________________
Geology with a Syncro rocks!
86 Syncro Westy AKA "The Bughunter"
98 Disco I
08 Range Rover SC
08 VW Rabbit S
1951 O-1G

[tschroeder0]

I failed mine also right before my long road trip.

I have replaced everything mentioned by dogpilot.

NOX Failed and so did CO. I got the CO in by leaning it out...then I remembered that there is no honeycomb in the cat (plugged long ago and I knocked it out)

So I almost passed w/o a cat (85 weekender with 2.1 using all didgijet)

Cat is now ordered. Todd

[Terry Kay]

<<So I almost passed w/o a cat (85 weekender with 2.1 using all didgijet)>>

Almost only applies in Horseshoe's--

The Flat 4 in any condition without a functioing will never pass any emissions NOX test.

The engine just isn't efficiant enough to get the gas charge to burn that clean regardless of how new the engine management system is.

Bump the compresssion up to 12 to 1 -- and bolt on a turbo & innercooler--- maybe.

You not dealing with a high horse, high output power plant to be able to eliminate the converter.

Bolt the new cat on and watch the readings drop down to an accepatble level at your friendly emmisions testing station.
_________________
T.K.

[tschroeder0]

I hear ya Terry, but my 1.9 passed every test w/o a cat in colorado prior to me swapping in the 2.1 and I had not guts in the cat. I do agree with the 2.1, there is nothing I could do to get it to pass w/o a new cat. Cheers, Todd,

[crazyvwvanman]

That is a good start, especially if it has been a long time since those basic parts were changed. Here where we have every 2 year SMOG tests I usually do plugs, cap, rotor replacement every test time and check the O2 sensor output voltage for proper cycling. Before smog testing I also run a full bottle of Techron in 1/4 tank regular gas, running it almost empty at highway speed. Then I fill the tank again at least half way, change the oil, and drive to the testing station. I always make sure the O2 sensor output is cycling before I take a vehicle in since otherwise it has little chance of passing in my experience.

I would not be too quick to replace the Temp2 or O2 sensors unless you test them and they are not working properly. A simple voltage test of each is in order and then go from there. They do both go bad and don't cost all that much but better to gather evidence before replacing them, even if you are going to replace them anyway. It is very satisfying to see a new part actually make a difference under actual testing instead of just shotgunning with the hope you somehow hit and kit the guilty part(s).

A 2.1 can pass Calif tailpipe testing with a missing/gutted cat if all is otherwise well. A new cat can help a marginally failing engine barely pass but it is only masking the real problem(s) and the new cat will likely be killed before the next 2 years is up.

Mark

[Terry Kay]

Todd,

When I had my first 85 GL, they folks at the emissions testing place used to laugh when they'd see me roll up for the annual test-

I did have the converter empty too--

They'd put that Van on the roller's, and the tester would chuckle every time--

He told me flat out that the VW Vanagon, was too underpowered to meet the current IL. spec's--with the weight of the vehicle.

I guess here they figured out some kind of formula that if a vehicle weighs so much--it should have X number of horses.

They knew well that VW & the Vanagon didn't meet with that formula--so I always passed--they tweaked someting on the computer button that the tester had in his hand as he was flogging the Van to cause it to pass.

I didn't even think about telling him that I had the converter gutted.

New Toyota Tercel's flunked all the time too, according to this guy.

I watched a new Tercel on the roller's flunk prior to me getting in there.

Not enough horses to spin the roller's, & meet spec's.

Huh--I was really suprised at that one--
_________________
T.K.

[tschroeder0]

Terry,

Nice one, very funny. Your comments regarding why we need the cat and what to expect in a real world test w/o one are appreciated. I'll post my results before and after the new cat to show people what it does in regards to the numbers. Todd.

[Terry Kay]

Make sure the Van has some new plugs,rotor,cap, air filter--so your sure it's at least running as good as you can get it--
Do check out the O2 sensor & temp 2 sensor.

Check ot the opertaion of the TPS--this alone will toss a monkey wrench into the gears if it isn't signaling the ECU when to run rich and when to run lean.

And just to really put the Ram in the Rama Lama Ding Dong--
Toss a couple of can's of HEET into the gas, just prior to you getting to the testing station---
The alcohol will confuse their sniffer.

Do this along with the new converter--you'll pass.
_________________
T.K.

[Westynewbie1]

[Dogpilot]

The Tempt II, which is called the Coolant Temp Sensor in the Fuel Injection section:
http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van/smartlist_749/coolant_temp_sensor.html
Cheaper:
http://www.busdepot.com/details.jsp?partnumber=025906041A

The O2 or Oxygen Sensor, cut and splice version (gone up a bit on the price):
http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van/page_345_756/oxyg...nnect.html
Cheaper, same part:
http://www.busdepot.com/details.jsp?partnumber=13913
_________________
Geology with a Syncro rocks!
86 Syncro Westy AKA "The Bughunter"
98 Disco I
08 Range Rover SC
08 VW Rabbit S
1951 O-1G