Failed emissions test barely.....I'm bummed - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Chadahar · #1 10-19-2007, 05:17 PM

I took my 380SE to the Smog test only store today and it passed everything but the 15MPH HC, by 48 points (168 over 120to pass) and in NO 215MPH by 160 points. 1234 over 1074 to pass. It passed the CO with flying colors by better than 50% at 15 and 25MPH. HC at 25MPH passed by 1 (94 over 95 to pass) and NO by 14 points(890 over 904 to pass). Guy said I probably need a new O2 Sensor and possibly a Catalytic Converter. Suggested a good MB mechanic that really knows emissions.

OK who in the northern Los Angeles area would you recommend? Enrique at Mr. MB? I have 15 days to get it fixed and less till the sticker laspes.
Should i bite the bullet and just get the exhaust replaced and the O2 sensor, or????

BTW the old gal is running as sweet as she ever did...according to her PO. She did great today...except the Emissions test.

CamelotShadow · #2 10-19-2007, 05:34 PM

my volvo had slight problem once
its always very close onit
but once it was O2 sensor

you might be able to change that if you did icv

it looks similar

I've seen it online for a decent price

My o2 sensor I know was replace in 89
not sure if anytime after that...

it could help w fuel econ
didn't seem to help my Volvos fuel economy
its almost as mucha of a lush as the SEC

Good Luck w that

You'd have to call Enrique
He was swamped yesterday
I will go back next week

He's turning away customers as he has too many...

I am smogged for 2 years luckily
then I'll have the sameproblem

I don't know how it got lucky with the curbstoner
but I think he knows his ways

My car has failed first emissions tests almost every time last 6 or so years

I think its sat alot
maybe it went in cold & sooty

Could be the euro in it
maybe something not quite right
or missing

I hopeI can figire it out
get it up to standard by next test...

thought the dash has a o2 sensor warningllight
guess ythose aren't infallible

Educaid · #3 10-19-2007, 06:33 PM

I just went through this with my 1989 260e. HC was a little high over the limit and the CO was 6% instead of 1%. The mechanic dialed back the fuel mixture and then the HC was OK but the CO was a 2%. Still failed. Also, by dialing back the fuel mixture this caused some unstable idling and starting.

I used Guaranteed to Pass and the HC went down to a few ppm over zero and the CO dropped to zero. Go buy a $8 bottle of Guaranteed to Pass instead of a new O2 sensor and exhaust system.

MB fan 2 · #4 10-19-2007, 06:41 PM

My 88 300E had similar problem. I changed the catalytic converter (which had 230,000 miles) with a generic one for $170 at my local muffler shop and the HC and Nox numbers dropped by about 40%.

CamelotShadow · #5 10-19-2007, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MB fan 2

My 88 300E had similar problem. I changed the catalytic converter (which had 230,000 miles) with a generic one for $170 at my local muffler shop and the HC and Nox numbers dropped by about 40%.

Great price
I paid a shop $300 for a generic cat for my volvo & $30 for labor
Volvo cat was $800 so I felt lucky!

O2 sensor 4 volvo was $130 & $70 for labor

guess thats the u never can get out below $200 shop...

CamelotShadow · #6 10-19-2007, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Educaid

I just went through this with my 1989 260e. HC was a little high over the limit and the CO was 6% instead of 1%. The mechanic dialed back the fuel mixture and then the HC was OK but the CO was a 2%. Still failed. Also, by dialing back the fuel mixture this caused some unstable idling and starting.

I used Guaranteed to Pass and the HC went down to a few ppm over zero and the CO dropped to zero. Go buy a $8 bottle of Guaranteed to Pass instead of a new O2 sensor and exhaust system.

Wonder if curbstoner I bought car from used that

I almost had 0's on my car
hard to believe~

Made by CRC
big chemical house
I think they have for the most part
good products

Its a cleaner

I got techron con in my 500 sec now

Chadahar · #7 10-19-2007, 08:38 PM

I used two cans of GTP by CRC and still failed and i did exactly like they said to do on the cartons. I even replaced the gas cap as i know that is a hangup. I'll check with the locally owned muffler shop and see waht they want for a generic Cat. I can buy them pretty cheap on the net, but finding a muffler shop to install them might be a problem as they'd want the cat sales too. I really don't blame them, I would too if I were in that business.

My observation is that without the GTP my readings would have been sky high, So I guess the cat's shot.

CamelotShadow · #8 10-19-2007, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlies84380SE

I used two cans of GTP by CRC and still failed and i did exactly like they said to do on the cartons. I even replaced the gas cap as i know that is a hangup. I'll check with the locally owned muffler shop and see waht they want for a generic Cat. I can buy them pretty cheap on the net, but finding a muffler shop to install them might be a problem as they'd want the cat sales too. I really don't blame them, I would too if I were in that business.

My observation is that without the GTP my readings would have been sky high, So I guess the cat's shot.

Does your cat rattle?
thats how my volvos died
they can get clogged I guess

O2 sensors are only good for say 60K miles
so yours night be shot

I don't know if I'd go for the cat first

Well the GTP must have cleaned it out as much as it could but
still can't cure a old part

Good Luck

manny · #9 10-19-2007, 09:47 PM

People, stop guessing IF you need a new catalytic converter.
Have someone drill a test hole IN FRONT of the cat, measure the emissions, and compare them to the tailpipe emissions.
If they are the same, or very close, the cat is done.

Just went through this last week with my truck.
Cat was 9 years old and 300 k miles on it.
It was an aftermarket unit, and the replacement is one as well.
Passed e-test with flying colors.

Jim B. · #10 10-19-2007, 09:54 PM

Look around in the State's own website, (here) for some tips.
http://smogcheck.ca.gov/StdPage.asp?Body=/Smogcheck/ifailed.htm

There are different stations (test only and so on). I am sure there might be something there that would help.

These are basically pretty clean cars. you are soooooo close to a pass.
Make sure the car is running fully warmed up when it goes in for the test.

I think mayb the o2 sensor or the cat may be the culprit, as was suggested, the car has almost 190,000 miles on it, so it could be the time to change them out.

CamelotShadow · #11 10-19-2007, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim B.

Look around in the State's own website, (here) for some tips.
http://smogcheck.ca.gov/StdPage.asp?Body=/Smogcheck/ifailed.htm

There are different stations (test only and so on). I am sure there might be something there that would help.

These are basically pretty clean cars. you are soooooo close to a pass.
Make sure the car is running fully warmed up when it goes in for the test.

I think mayb the o2 sensor or the cat may be the culprit, as was suggested, the car has almost 190,000 miles on it, so it could be the time to change them out.

Guess I'll stink up LA AND SAVE FOR THAT 2 years...
Right now I;m still working on hot start & cold idle

The state does have some assistance for lo income households to make repairs to pass. I would look into that
I know I would qualify.

Chadahar · #12 10-19-2007, 10:39 PM

Per the PO the Sensor was replaced at least once, it light came on, they changed the sensor and the light would not go out, so they changed the cat. But that could have been a long, long time ago too. He did tell me today that the car sat for the last two years and was never started. Then just before I got it he tried to start it, it started right up, but would not idle. Battery (interstate) was changed just before he parked it as were the tires.

Boy it sure ides nice now, so quiet you cannot hear the engine running with the windows up and the slider closed.

Well if I replace the stuff now it should be good for a few years anyway.

Would you go Generic Cat or the MB one? MB seems to come with the front pipe and the O2 Sensor port. Cheapest I have found it $299. Generic cats(only) are way cheaper.
I'll take it to a shot and check the mufflers too, might as well look at the whole thing.

CamelotShadow · #13 10-19-2007, 10:45 PM

i they get the O2 sensor reset
think you have to reset it when you put it in
so the light goes off...

I have a note on my main book
O@ sensor was changed & reset in 89

Cat has platimum in it
thats why its expensive
plat is more $ than gold

I would imagine its a thin electroplate
but the thinner theplate the more quickly it wears.

I don't know how the generic mileage is
I suppose there are better ones
but think they don't last as long as the MB
The MB one will last the rest of the cars life
I would be glad with another 200K

Chadahar · #14 10-20-2007, 12:02 AM

Cats have Platinum, Cobalt and Vanadium in them. I worked as an engineer in a pilot plant in Golden Co. to recover those metals. We would bring in the used cats,cut them up and throw the pieces into a rotary calciner to heat them up to recover the goodies. I understand that a used Cat can bring almost $40 or more at the recyclers.

Oh well it's off to the muffler shop tomorrow or Monday.

Chadahar · #15 10-20-2007, 02:30 PM

OK I went to the local Muffler shop, recommended by a friend, and will have a complete new exhaust system put on Wednesday. Including a new O2 Sensor, cat, resonator and rear muffler. Not OEM, but one that is a bit less restricted than OEM. All for just $300.00 and change. Cat it's self is $125.00 I think I got the good guy's price as he knows the guy that sent me there. If he does the same quality work on mine as the stuff he was doing this morning, then it's top notch. He has all the parts in stock.
BTW he suspects that the present exhaust system is original equipment that came on the car. Resonator is beginning to crack in the back lower edge, and the muffler is way too thin and is easily opened up with a knife blade just touching it. It looks to be the original to me too. So it was time. He says it should be good, when done, for 5 years or more depending how many miles I put on it. So it should get me past this retest and the next one in 2009.

I gotta think of a name for this car. Maybe North/South because she's Midnight blue with Grey interior. I had her spiffied up today at a local car wash. Also found some Sheepshin seat covers today, $59 each for the front seats and $118 for the rear. I'll put them on the list.