Norbert's farts don't pass smog

norbert · Post by **norbert** » 16 Feb 2016, 17:55

I am here again because my (1995 850 T Wgn) failed his smog, not for the first time.
I have hard times financially, nobody to help out with repair mentoring but this forum.
I am smart and tough, so I am willing to give this one a shot.

I have noticed the car needs the PCV system repair. I bought the parts but I am wary of breaking more than I fix so I haven't done it yet. The glove test over the oil cap reveals that it is necessary. Give me a break, I am all alone in a man's world.

I also have the following codes:
241 EGR system flow malfunction
232 Long term fuel trim, idling
315 EVAP system

in that order.
I suspect 232 is about the o2 sensor based on research. Can anyone help us pass smog with insight as to what diagnostic stuff I should further do to pinpoint? God forbid it is multiples things, but in any case I need to start somewhere.

~norbert

Post by **dosbricks** » 16 Feb 2016, 18:37

Do you have paperwork from the inspection station stating in what area/s you got a fail?

FastYellow · Post by **FastYellow** » 16 Feb 2016, 19:11

Careful when you test the car in California. You don't want to fail smog consecutive times in California unless it was on a "pretest". California can label a "gross" poluter and could give you a hard time by having you test the car on a yearly basis or biannual on a "gold station"
It happened to me.

norbert · Post by **norbert** » 16 Feb 2016, 22:11

Fail areas:
--------------------------HC-----------------------CO------------------NO-------------------------CO2-------O2

15mph 1766 RPM------ 69(max is 59)--------------36(34 max)---------------1096(max 484) umm hello -----14.7------.07

25mph 1716 RPM ----- 53(max is 34)--------------passed 27/32 -------------840(max 498) again, WTF------14.5-------.05

I already get a smog notice every 2 yrs so that cannot get worse.

Clearly the NO is out of control which I researched and it matches the EGR failure. However the lean fuel also points to O2 sensor, which could cause NO increase. I also read about de-carbonizing a high mileage engine but think the codes tell the story better.
I guess the point I am at is how to assess the EGR vs O2 sensor. Or you might know something else out there....

Post by **abscate** » 17 Feb 2016, 06:42

That high NOx is indeed a lean run condition which is likely a vacuum leak. The evap code could even be the source of that!

Clean EGR, clean replace PVC, find that leak (J hose?) and clear codes before another retest

Post by **benpineapple** » 17 Feb 2016, 07:17

Don't go and get it tested right after you reset the codes. Give it 100miles or so for the ECU to recalibrate itself.

FastYellow · Post by **FastYellow** » 17 Feb 2016, 07:41

Where in California are you?

Post by **dosbricks** » 17 Feb 2016, 14:24

You have the parts for the PCV so go ahead and replace it. While you are in there is a good time to inspect everything up front for vacuum leaks.

bugs11 · Post by **bugs11** » 17 Feb 2016, 15:17

Might check the vacuum lines. I had a v-line to the turbo bypass valve melt off, which didn't really matter as the bypass valve diaphragm had a huge hole in it.

Replacing the PCV isn't too bad IMO. FCP Euro has video on YouTube, walks you through everything.