Woohoo! Free emissions-related repairs!

[Carpe Discus]

...of course, I had to fail as a gross polluter in CA to qualify...and it's "while funds are available", and it's only for up to $500 after the first $100, and it's only at a handful of certified stations. (What a mouthful!)

So, my 60 failed smog with high CO, and higher at speed. From reading here, air injection is what people suspect in this case). I don't remember seeing it, but I'm going to check to see if my choke is stuck--seems like that would cause it too.

The lemonade from these lemons is that I may be eligible for $500 of emissions-related work, the catch being that it's at a certified shop of which there are only a handful (and of course, none I've heard of).

The big question is, *is* a H55F an emissions-related expense? I mean, it will change my emissions readings at a given speed, you know? Ok, maybe not. But, what would *you* do? Perhaps get a a cheap catalytic converter? I have no need to pay them to change my plugs or some such, but is there expensive parts/labor I could get cheap out of this deal?

Oh, and of course any emissions hints are gladly welcome.

The numbers:

15 mph:
RPM: 1645
%CO2 meas.: 13.1
%O2 meas: 0.0
HC PPM meas.:50 (Max 189, GP 370)
CO% meas.: 2.61 (Max 1.33, GP 2.83)
NO PPM meas.: 39 (Max 1448. GP 2669)

25 mph:
RPM: 1645 [what's with this--everyone else is higher!]
%CO2 meas.: 12.8
%O2 meas: 0.0
HC PPM meas.: 44 (Max 113, GP 288)
CO% meas.: 3.08 (Max 1.13, GP 2.63)
NO PPM meas.: 29 (Max 1308. GP 2469)

 

[NocalFJ60]

I went through the program to get $500 for emission repairs. Do a search for my threads and you will find it. They have to call the state before any parts are used so the state can approve it. No way is a 5 speed going to be anywhere in the this picture. They just want to do the minimum so it passes. It doesn't sounds like a CAT.Have you had your carb rebuild lately. That is where I would start along with the regular tuneup things and make sure the air injection system is working and the PCV. You can try cleaning the carb with a seafoam treatment.

This would cause a high CO which is what you are reading.

Float level a little too high.
A little dirt or gum partly blocking the main air bleed.
Power valve leaking a little.

 

[Carpe Discus]

@Norcal: the H55F was a joke. Should have been more clear. Thanks for the other suggestions; I should add a few things I didn't mention:

It's a '83 FJ60, stock 2F. The carb has been rebuilt several times in the last, oh, 5 years or so (most recently probably 3 years back). I seafoamed the carb a few months back. The plugs are pretty ashy (probably the seafoam), need to change them, it should help. The smog pump has strong suction but I don't have a vacuum meter so I don't know if it's to spec.

Seafoam did seem to indicate a leak of some sort (smoke in the engine compartment), but I couldn't figure out where--it was hardly exact. Manifold leak, maybe? Seemed like it was maybe around there.

I've got some more things to try now, which is good. Didn't know about the approval process, thanks for the info. I guess I'm not suprised, but I was still hoping.

 

[NocalFJ60]

It take a few months to get the paperwork if you go for that program.Make sure your PCV has good vacuum by just removng the line while it is running and feeling it. Try and find that leak..intake or exhuast?. Have you measured the intake vacuum with a guage while reving it up?

 

[60wag]

High CO is generally a malfunctioning air injection system. Start with the walk through in the emissions manual. Paying someone else to learn on your truck will add up to $500 pretty quick.

 

[Carpe Discus]

Norcal: I assume I have an exhaust manifold leak (guess that wouldn't make a difference?), since I saw smoke pouring out of the area when I seafoamed. I would think an intake leak wouldn't tend to leak smoke, but I dunno. Maybe it would, now that I think about it--it's under some pressure. *shrug*

Don't have a vacuum gauge. Yet.

60wag: See, that's what I meant! I'm a bit nervous handing this off to any shop, though I imagine these smog certified guys probably see more carbs, etc, than the typical garage.