splinters81

The car is an ex-highway patrol car, stock motor, full bassani w/ catted X-pipe exh. I have not been able to pass the car since I have owned it, I bought the car with 4 months left on the tags. Owned for about 2 yrs.

I have replaced cap, rotor, temp sender (was reading off) plugs wires, IAC, TPS, O2 sensors.. Basically the car runs rich, one cat failed four moths after exh was installed, not sure if it was a part failure or excess heat. I now have a factory set of cats that are used.

I am hoping for some advise on where to look next, I have had the car inspected by a electrical specialist that stated the tempo sensor was out of spec and he was unable to get the ECU to respond, therefor thinking that it could be the cause of the issue. I have essentially thrown about 600.00 worth or parts at the car trying to get it to pass, any opinions would be appreciated. Thank you for you time.

last test stats.

HC; 1.97 Standard in my state is 1.00
CO; 22.11 standard in my state is 12.00
NOX; 2.05 standard in my state is 2.50.

I have not ran since I replace temp sender, because the car still smells rich. thanks again.

saleenpride1986

Did the smog shop tell you WHY or WHAT might have caused it to not pass? From what I was told my my friends who own a smog shop is that it's generally required for smog shops to notify you why or what might be causing it to not pass if they are able to do so.

If the car runs rich perhaps getting that fixed might help the issue. Do you have an adjustable fuel pressure regulator?

splinters81

Thank you for the reply.

The smog shop just really gives basic info nothing of which I really did not already know. They also supply a list of shops that will look at it, but i really particular about where I leave my car as I am sure we all are.

Do not have an adjustable regulator, but do have a gauge, reads about 38PSI at idle.

saleenpride1986

well the psi is fine... you said one of the cats failed, and then you installed the stock cats and THEN did the smog test, or you did the test with the failed cat?

splinters81

Never got a chance to run with the x-pipe. the passenger cat literally plugged so that side was not breathing and power was lost. As soon as i noticed I went straight home and contacted the shop that installed the exhaust (was done by prior owner) the shop would not help me out even though it was four months after the install.

So I ended up gutting the cats so I could drive it and actually tried to pass with no cats, funny i know, but after it failed I swapped in the stock H.

I have failed 5 times each time I failed I changed all "old looking emissions and ignition parts, well for the most part at least, I listed what was replaced.

I am wondering if a new ECU would make the difference.

mjr46

run a koer test and check for codes, how many miles are on it??? high hc's are a result of to rich, to lean or a worn motor letting blow by in to chambers

splinters81

Car has about 144K, does not smoke last pass about 2 months ago 14.4 @ 96.8. 373's and very hard 17" tires. No traction. The car runs hard under WOT, but sometime just rolling at a low speed low RMP it feels like it stumbles a bit sorta like a miss fire.

My best bet will probably have to take my chances with a shop. I know it is virtually impossible to diag. the car over a forum.

saleenpride1986

it is only impossible to diag if the information given is inaccurate or a poor description of w/e the issue is... do what mjr said and see if somethin comes up.

splinters81

Thank you both for your advise. I have never done a KOER, or KOEO test before. Looking it up it appears that I will need a analog volt meter? I only have a digital one.

Do you know if this is correct or is there an easier way to do this?