Failed Emissions...help!
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Joined: Jun 2006
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Failed Emissions...help!
So...I've got a '91 Dodge Ram Van B350, 6.0l gas motor. It's been parked for almost two years...only started once during that time. I'm in Washington State.
Went and bought a new battery for it today (old one wouldn't hold a charge, of course), bought some temporary tags and took it down to the emissions check center, and it failed emissions.
Here are the failing results: The HC (PPM) at idle was 426, emissions limit is 400, and the CO level at idle was 9.52%, emissions limit is a mere 3.00%.
I didn't do anything new with the rig, and to be honest I didn't hardly even run it or drive it...once I got the new battery in it I fired it up, let it warm up, and drove it straight to the emissions center, only four miles away.
All the levels at 'cruise' were fine...it was only those two, and only at 'idle' where they failed.
My question is this: any chance that the fail is due to not having been run for a while? If I were to drive it around for a bit, fill it up with new gas, drive it around a bit, is any of that going to improve? Or, is there some clear problem here that will require taking it to the shop to get tested and repaired before I'll be able to pass emissions?
Thanks in advance, I appreciate any insight!
Todd
Went and bought a new battery for it today (old one wouldn't hold a charge, of course), bought some temporary tags and took it down to the emissions check center, and it failed emissions.
Here are the failing results: The HC (PPM) at idle was 426, emissions limit is 400, and the CO level at idle was 9.52%, emissions limit is a mere 3.00%.
I didn't do anything new with the rig, and to be honest I didn't hardly even run it or drive it...once I got the new battery in it I fired it up, let it warm up, and drove it straight to the emissions center, only four miles away.
All the levels at 'cruise' were fine...it was only those two, and only at 'idle' where they failed.
My question is this: any chance that the fail is due to not having been run for a while? If I were to drive it around for a bit, fill it up with new gas, drive it around a bit, is any of that going to improve? Or, is there some clear problem here that will require taking it to the shop to get tested and repaired before I'll be able to pass emissions?
Thanks in advance, I appreciate any insight!
Todd
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Joined: Aug 2007
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A four mile drive is not even enough to get the engine as hot as it should be for the smog test.
If it was fine cruising smog wise, it likely won't take much to get it to pass. A simple tune up and oil change will likely do it
New plugs wires and brass distributor cap will likely pay for themselves in MPG and help ensure you pass, and so might an Italian tune up, meaning drive it hard for a day or two.
Also after replacing the battery, it takes a while for the computer to relearn the engine. Mine always runs crustier until the 2nd or third start after disconnecting the battery.
If it was fine cruising smog wise, it likely won't take much to get it to pass. A simple tune up and oil change will likely do it
New plugs wires and brass distributor cap will likely pay for themselves in MPG and help ensure you pass, and so might an Italian tune up, meaning drive it hard for a day or two.
Also after replacing the battery, it takes a while for the computer to relearn the engine. Mine always runs crustier until the 2nd or third start after disconnecting the battery.
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 30
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A four mile drive is not even enough to get the engine as hot as it should be for the smog test.
If it was fine cruising smog wise, it likely won't take much to get it to pass. A simple tune up and oil change will likely do it
New plugs wires and brass distributor cap will likely pay for themselves in MPG and help ensure you pass, and so might an Italian tune up, meaning drive it hard for a day or two.
Also after replacing the battery, it takes a while for the computer to relearn the engine. Mine always runs crustier until the 2nd or third start after disconnecting the battery.
If it was fine cruising smog wise, it likely won't take much to get it to pass. A simple tune up and oil change will likely do it
New plugs wires and brass distributor cap will likely pay for themselves in MPG and help ensure you pass, and so might an Italian tune up, meaning drive it hard for a day or two.
Also after replacing the battery, it takes a while for the computer to relearn the engine. Mine always runs crustier until the 2nd or third start after disconnecting the battery.
Let us all know how it goes.
Gerard
Van & CUV Section Moderator
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,381
Likes: 117
The gas is too old and has had it's octane level broken down. I'd run the tank as low as possible then add some premium fuel to it. A good long high speed drive down the highway would do it wonders too.
