My 1987 560SL failed NJ emissions. In throes of overkill I replaced all of the injectors and the O2 sensor. It ran well, but stumbled slightly on acceleration and blew black smoke. Gas mileage was poor. I took it to an independent shop and had them put it on an emissions analyzer and adjust the mixture control It will now meet NJ standards for idle, but as soon as you run it at higher rpm's, it still spikes way over the limit. I'm trying a second indie shop tomorrow, but hold out little hope. I've just made an appointment next week at the dealer, and they are already rubbing their hands together and cackling.

Has anyone had this particular problem before? The archives and DIY are full of information on how to test the individual components, but the information is not symptom-based. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks.

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M. Sandler

1986 560SEC: 150,000 miles, runs great, but I've got to sell it (too many cars for one man)
1987 560SL: 122,000 miles, used to run poorly, now (thanks to forum), runs great!
1997 GMC Jimmy: Turned out to be a turkey.
1989 T-Bird Super Coupe: 150,000 miles, still runs great. Ford got it right.

Max, I am in the same boat with my 1985 280SL with a mere 38K on the clock. Since my car is a euro version, my MBZ dealer says, "We will have to work our way through it at $75.00 per hour for as long as it takes." My car passed the high end and failed the idle HC and CO.
I have the distinct feeling that when my car is finished I will be far better off to simply sign the title over to them rather than pay the bill.
Sadly, I have posted requests for help on this site nad have received ZIP!
g/f

Max,

Can you give us the details of the emmissions report? It could be different things based on what it failed for.

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Ali Al-Chalabi

2001 CLK55
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel
2002 Harley-Davidson Fatboy
Merlin Extralight w/ Campy Record

Ali,

It failed for CO (1.68% vs. standard of .79%) and HC (468 ppm vs. standard of 140ppm). Obviously running too rich (plugs are sooty).

Thanks for your interest.

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M. Sandler

1986 560SEC: 150,000 miles, runs great, but I've got to sell it (too many cars for one man)
1987 560SL: 122,000 miles, used to run poorly, now (thanks to forum), runs great!
1997 GMC Jimmy: Turned out to be a turkey.
1989 T-Bird Super Coupe: 150,000 miles, still runs great. Ford got it right.

I have a 87 16v, when I failed my emissions test, my mechanic told me to drive the car hard for 1/2 hour or so and then come back to the shop. He tested it and it passed. I use to notice black soot coming out of the tail pipe, now occassionally I go out and "drive" the car like it suppose to be.

I hope this helps.

Orlie

Hi everyone first time user. My 560SL failed MD. emissions local mechanic says it is a bad EGR valve. Any info on the subject. Is it hard to replace?