Failed CA Smog...
 

I took my 1993 190E 2.6 to a Gold Shield Station as per my registration renewal form today and could use a little bit of help with the test results.

15 mph @ 1754 rpm- co2 14.9, o2 0.00, HC (PPM) max 86, Avg. 21 Meas 97, CO% 0.5 max, 0.06 avg, 0.06 Meas, NO (PPM) 697 max, 150 avg, 150 Meas. FAILED (HC)

25 mph @ 1725 rpm- co2 14.9, o2 0.00, HC (PPM) max 51, Avg. 13 Meas 51, CO% 0.48max, 0.06 avg, 0.02 Meas, NO (PPM) 724 max, 136 avg, 83 Meas. PASSED (but barely on the HC) .

Before the test I had changed the plugs (Bosch non-resistor H9DCO) and air filter , the has had an oil and filter change within 1000 miles. Prior to arriving at the test station, I took it on a drive and the freeway about 20 minutes and 25 minutes back down, the car was running about 82 degrees on the temp gauge.

I've never had a car fail smog before and wonder if there is anything else I should have done, or can do before my free re-test.

Thanks in advance.
David

CHANGE THE OIL! Make sure you have a new gas cap too. If they don't look for an air filter take it off. I had to replace my Cat to make my 380SE pass, but I bought an anfter market one that was a high flow design. You don't say how many miles on the car. I also did a complete tune up before, Dist. Cap, rotor, and brand new Beru Wires($$$OUCH!), new gas cap, I ad a new air filter and a new filter for the airpump(in the air cleaner box on the 380SE). Mine had 184,000 miles on the original CAT. so it was time.

With the engine that lean..CO 0.06%, the HC's are at their limit.
A slight mixture adjustment (richer) MIGHT allow the HC's to drop.

Secondary ignition needs to be "perfect"

A little birdie said something about some denatured alcohol...:cool:;)

The car hit 147K today, the tech did not remove the air filter cover and the oil and filter have 1k on them. They did remove the gas cap and put it on a tester ...it passed fine. My father was the previous owner and replaced the Cat a couple of years ago, don't really know if its OEM or aftermarket he just said it was expensive.

Did the little "birdie" happen to mention how much of a mix ? I'm at 3/4 of a tank right now.

I think the mix was a gallon to every like 5..... Let me check on that though.

Thanks,
If it is any where near that rich of a mix , I think I should run the tank down a bit before adding any. Then I can dilute the mix with gasoline. I don't know if a 1:5 alcohol - gas mix would be a good thing for a near full tank.

If someone was to put some denatured alcohol in the tank in an attempt to pass smog...is there a specific type or grade that should be used? Also ..who sells the correct type /grade denatured alcohol for this test?

Thanks
David

I just changed my oil (to 15/50 from 10/30) and filter. I'm a bit over a 1/4 tank (last time it was full) and ready to add some denatured alcohol. How much should I add to approx. 5 gallons of premium?

Also is there any risk to the rubber seals with this trick? I will top off the tank right after the test.

Thanks in advance,
David

Check your plugs use standard copper plugs only
 

Hi David,
I had the same problem on my 190e after many adjustments and mechanic tweaking it turned out all that was keeping me from passing emissions was because I had changed my spark plugs to Bosch Platinums once I put new standard spec copper bosch plugs in I passed by a huge margin.

If it was me I would trust the guy with 6 lines of credentials and 38 years experience.

Please don't get me wrong.. I know any tricks I may use won't fix the problem. I only have two days to get a pass on my free re-test and the parts I have ordered will not be here until next week.

"6 lines of credentials and 38 years experience" more than works for me. I have a cap, rotor, ignition wires, 02 sensor and air filter in transit and intend on installing on arrival. Messing with the fuel / air mixture makes me a bit nervous though.

YES!!!! Dump in a bottle of "Guaranteed to pass" Methanol mixture and drive it until this tank is empty, then refill and go back for your second test and you should pass!

Been there and done that!:D

you are a bit lean. but many times on a reading like that it indicates a failing
catalytic converter. have the front ones checked.

Keep your receipt in case it doesn't work. I sent mine in and got a prompt refund since my readings got WORSE after using it. I forgot to put on the cow magnet though...

*&%#**##%!
 

So I had until today for the free re-test. I changed the oil and filter and put about 3/4 gallon of denatured alcohol in with about 1/4 tank of 91 octane. Then I took a drive up the freeway and back in 3rd gear staying around 3-3500 rpm, AC on full windows open.


Pulled right in to the test station, tested and FAILED again. This time my HC was over on both the 15 mph and the 25 mph tests, the NO and CO both looked clean. I think I'm done with snake oil and magic voodoo tricks.

I sent in my application to the Consumer Assistance Program last Friday. I'll wait and see if they still have funds in the program before I start using my own money to correct the issue. The way I understand it is that I will have to pay a diagnostic fee and the state of California will pay up to $500.00 towards repairs. If the car cannot be repaired with the $500.00, it seems the state will buy it from you for $1000.00.

It sure would be nice if the state of California could find some money for teachers and game wardens :)

May I extend my sympathizes
Going down that road soon with a known first time failer
I will take the city of LA up on there offer
LOL

Who knows
it may surprise me
but I don't drive much
just a tad over the ex owners at a few hundred miles yr
& I mean FEW

:)

Camelot Shadow!!
Where you been Girl? We been missing you.

Just because your car failed once, doesn't mean it's a gross polluter, nor that it will not pass again. Just need some TLC.
You talking the Volvo or the MB?

Hey I have an SEC now. Jim B helped me snag it off Craigslist a month or so ago.
Charlie

I just received notice that my CAP application has been approved, apparently they still have funds available for the program!

I'm dying to get this experience over with and get that cheap looking temporary permit off my back window, it just looks wrong on a Benz.