Emission Test

[jpab]

Took my 74 SB into the Delaware DMV for inspection, and failed the emission test. It already has new plugs, coil, air filter and new cab. Engine was recently rebuilt as well. Don't see any vacuum leaks. So, other than trying to adjust the idle are and lean out the fuel mixture, plus recheck the timing .... another thoughts? ( the failure was high carbon monoxide ... CO and or Hydrocarbon failure)

[bomberbob]

Gross failure, or did you just miss by a few points?
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1968 Beetle (storage)
1990 Jetta GLI megasquirted, burning E85 (currently in heavy maintenance)
2004 Jetta turbo GLI
Marion, Iowa

[jpab]

Not sure ... They list three headings;
Readings ... (Blank)
Limits ....... 600 for HC and 6.0 for CO
Results ......Both state "Bypass)

[JonRich55]

The 74 SB should have an EGR system. Is yours installed? I think the law states that emissions components must be present.

[Glenn]

[JonRich55]

Glenn, I live in VA, and we also have a 25 year exception for emission I believe. Having said that, I was told by an inspector once that the exception was that my car didn't have to pass the tests, however all emissions related components needed to be on the car for a visual inspection. Even that may have changed over the years.

I cant speak to what DE does, I was just curious if this could be why the OP had his fail.

[Cusser]

Arizona 2 largest counties test back to 1967 model year. No testing at all in remainder of state, and no safety/operational testing...
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1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297

[jpab]

it does not have an EGR system installed.

[jpab]

So .... I guess I need to figure out how to instal an EGR system.

[vwoldbug]

CO is usually carb related and hydrocarbon is usually ignition related . How long since tune up and oil change . Do they check for missing emission parts . Make sure the dwell and timing are right on and idle is on low side and oil is changed. Can you get a picture of engine compartment. Egr is oxides of nitrogen check . Good luck

[heimlich]

[Relyt]

Wa state doesn’t do emissions after 25 years, and no safety inspections for anyone. As long as the state gets their money they don’t care what kind of death trap you drive. To be fair I’ve probably driven vehicles in the past that wouldn’t pass a safety inspection.
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69 Beetle - Daily driver
1600 SP (unknown history)
30 PICT 1 w/power circuit (Volkzbitz)
205T (Bill)

[VW_Jimbo]

Did they give you a printout of the numbers. HC, CO, NOx, O2?

The actual numbers would be great info to have, unless you maxed out their machine.

My guess is you need a good tune up, as already mentioned. While you got the plugs out and after a valve adjust, do a compression test.
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Jimbo

There is never enough time to do it right the first time, but all the time necessary the second time!

[TK-CS]

Rebuilt engines often need valve adjustment after short time of running. Had that several times.
If an exhaust valve doesn't fully close this will lead to high CO and HC values.

Otherwise if a cylinder does not fully work (e.g. due to bad ignition) also CO and HC values rise. HC always means unburnt gasoline.

I would not expect a missing EGR to result in high CO and HC.
_________________
AC:
'71 1600LE (Type 3 Notchback FI/AT) Sunroof
'75 1303 (Super Beetle) 1600DP, Sunroof
WC:
'77 Audi NSU Ro80
'88 GTI 16V
'91 Corrado G60
Daily:
'04 Passat Wagon 2.0TDI
'13 Passat Wagon 2.0TSI

[JonRich55]

Here is a link that provides exactly what DE requires by age of car.

https://www.dmv.de.gov/services/vehicle_services.old/reg/ve_reg_emissions.shtml

This site appears to have links and information to all states:
https://www.semasan.com/resources/vehicle-emissions-inspection-requirements-and-exemptions-state

I have no idea if Counties have more or less restrictive policies than the state charter.

[jpab]

thanks for all your input ... the engine is just rebuilt with no time on it. I'll check out the items posted ... timing, compression, mixture and let you know how it went. And right, all the DMV did was an idle check as required. Any more thoughts are appreciated.

[bluebus86]

New motors may need to be broken in before rings seal correctly. unsealing rings may cause high HC values, ie burning oil.

Bug On!
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Help Prevent VW Engine Fires, see this link.....Engine safety wire information

Stop introducing dirt into your oil when adjusting valves ... https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=683022

[jpab]

Thanks .... other than making the other checks, I’ll put some more time on the engine break in.

[glutamodo]

High HCs, especially at idle, are usually ignition issues (bad plug wire or connector) CO, well sometimes even a half a turn on the carburetor's idle mixture screw can make a huge difference in that number.
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Andy T.


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[jpab]

Thanks Andy .... looks like I have me work cut out for me tomorrow. After making the adjustments and another. Is it to the dmv ... I’ll let all know the outcome. I appreciate all the help and if there are any more suggestions .. wall is welcome.