New Socal member needs some help

[nhra-trans-am]

I recently purchased an 89 TTA and I am trying to get it to pass CA smog. It failed due to the high CO level of the smog test.

The car was idleing a bit rough so I changed the spark plugs, pcv valve, fuel filter and serviced the fuel injection. However the idle is still rough. I was thinking that maybe the TPS sensor was to blame. Need some help figuring out what the problem is. If there is anyone in the OC area willing to check it out that would be very helpful TIA

 

[XXX FUN]

PM turbo Lou. or check with Lou's automotive in the Lake Forest

(949) 378-1590


he will get you going.

 

[nhra-trans-am]

Here are the smog readings

15mph HC max 80 ave 33 meas 34
25mph HC max 62 ave 24 meas 28

15mph CO max .52 ave .08 meas .02
25mph CO max .42 ave .06 meas .03

15mph NO max 549 ave 165 meas 544
25mph NO max 507 ave 142 meas 1300

 

[rafael vasquez]

were in the oc?

 

[nhra-trans-am]

I made a mistake when typing the 1st post. It had a high NO level. I am using premium 91 fuel.
I just bought the car, but as far as I know it is bone stock, including the chip. It appears to have a new cat on it though.

were in the oc?

Located in Orange.

 

[Mac in SD]

High NOx is cause by a faulty EGR. Easy way to check is to push up on the bottom of the EGR valve diaphragm with a finger (i.e. manually open the eGR valve) while the engine is idling. It should make it run very rough or stumble.

If that's okay, then you've got to check the EGR solenoid.

But you could also pour two bottles of HEET in a half tank of gas, or throw a gallon of E85 in there. That'll cut down on NOx.

 

[turbolou]

Reply

High NOx is cause by a faulty EGR. Easy way to check is to push up on the bottom of the EGR valve diaphragm with a finger (i.e. manually open the eGR valve) while the engine is idling. It should make it run very rough or stumble.

If that's okay, then you've got to check the EGR solenoid.

But you could also pour two bottles of HEET in a half tank of gas, or throw a gallon of E85 in there. That'll cut down on NOx.

Mac is right it's probably an EGR issue. lifting the diaphragm with your fingers should make the car run rough, that will tell you the passages are clear & functional. Next jack the rear wheels off the ground with an assistant run the car through the gears & the valve diaphragm should activate. Chance are it wont & the transducer, vacuum hoses or several other possibilities are the problem. This is a little difficult for a novice to diagnose & some expert help might be needed.Adding anything in the gas tank that works some magic is news to me. I also understand Pizza Ralph has a full staff of factory trained experts on hand to assist you free of charge.

 

[forcedfedv6]

I've also heard he invented a new type of currency to pay all these trained experts, it involves some kind of white doughie substance top off with a bunch of stuff of thier choosing then place in a high temperature oven for 20 mins or less.

 

[dank GN]

where are you at in so cal?

 

[nhra-trans-am]

where are you at in so cal?

Located in orange

 

[turbolou]

Reply

where are you at in so cal?

26212 Dimension Drive unit 140 #, Lake Forest 92630

 

[Flaco]

Located in orange

Take it to Lou man. you wont regret it.

 

[Gary Wells]

Help support the supporting suppliers, vendors, and shops that support TurboBuick.com. Lou is a supporting supplier of this forum, & besides, he'll take good care of you & your TTA.

 

[turbolou]

Reply

Help support the supporting suppliers, vendors, and shops that support TurboBuick.com. Lou is a supporting supplier of this forum, & besides, he'll take good care of you & your TTA.

Thanks comrade Gary,Our smog program is a grim reality of living in a socialist state. There is political pressure to get all the older cars off the road one way or another. Not only is the smog program a revenue generator it also gives the environmental wing of Kalifornia something to crow about politically & also give the appearance of great accomplishment by denying us our hobby.Anyone contemplating extensive mods to their cars need to think about this. It's not impossible but one must get a little more clever in what can be done. Our freedoms are fading fast.

 

[Mac in SD]

Adding anything in the gas tank that works some magic is news to me. .

Methusula...err...I mean Lou,

Heet is alky and alky, as you know, lowers combustion temps. Lower temps = less NOx.


Are you really 67 years old? Ho-lee sheeeet! Mahzeltov.

Your'e in good shape for such advanced age. When the shooting starts, you probably ought to be in the logistics train, though. Maybe in the air defense section. Just no hit-and-roll stuff, you know?

 

[turbolou]

Reply

Methusula...err...I mean Lou,

Heet is alky and alky, as you know, lowers combustion temps. Lower temps = less NOx.


Are you really 67 years old? Ho-lee sheeeet! Mahzeltov.

Your'e in good shape for such advanced age. When the shooting starts, you probably ought to be in the logistics train, though. Maybe in the air defense section. Just no hit-and-roll stuff, you know?

Mac I think that possibly you be better off been drinking the stuff for all the good it would do in your gas tank relative to passing NOx If the vehicle pass's all the rest of the test it's the EGR system that's causing the failure. In this guys case it's not working & nothing good will come of it till it gets fixed for what ever reason.

 

[iwantatta]

Your TTA is in good hands with Lou. He has worked on mine.

If you live near the OC, don't see any reason to look somewhere else. I wish i lived as close.

 

[nhra-trans-am]

UPDATE
I replaced the MAF as suggested by a member here and the car is running a lot smoother. No more hesitation or stalling.

I do have one more problem. The car also failed the EVAP test. I replaced the gas cap, but I think there is more to the problem since they hooked up a machine to the gas filler that eliminated the cap during the test. Anywhere specific I should be looking? Thanks.

 

[my1stgn]

EVAP tests are the hardest to diagnose. Usually you have some small leak on some hose. I used to LOVE "check engine light" complaints when I worked at Mercedes Benz.... that is unless it was a "EVAP Leak" code. Those sucked! But we had some good machines and a smoke machine too. Even though he doesnt work on Mercedes Benz cars (thank God or he would be broke since these things never break! :biggrin: ) he does a great job on Buicks! Take it to Lou!!!!!

 

[turbolou]

Reply

UPDATE
I replaced the MAF as suggested by a member here and the car is running a lot smoother. No more hesitation or stalling.

I do have one more problem. The car also failed the EVAP test. I replaced the gas cap, but I think there is more to the problem since they hooked up a machine to the gas filler that eliminated the cap during the test. Anywhere specific I should be looking? Thanks.

If it were a Buick I would think that it may of had the fuel pump replaced at one time & the sending unit o-ring was not making a good seal causing the evap test to fail because the system won't hold vacuum. Also check all the vent hoses & connections at the charcoal canister ( assuming it hasn't been disconnected or eliminated altogether ) This is what sometimes happens when busy fingers are playing.