V6 failing emission test, another possibility

["Mark Jones" <jones164@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Eric,

Rich Wagner's advice on timing and FI settings is dead on.  One additional
item he left out is making sure you are not burning oil through leaky valve
stems and seals.  You may not see the tell-tale blue smoke at the tail pipe
on a car w/ a catalytic converter, like on older pre-cat cars, but still be
burning oil.  A look at your spark plugs will let you know.  If you have
black cruddy, or slightly oily plugs you are probably burning oil, likely at
the valve guides/seals.  Most car repair books will have pictures of the
different effects various problems can exhibit in spark plug electrode wear,
color or buildup.  I'd take a look.

Good Luck,
Mark Jones
Chevy Chase, MD
86 GTV6
91 164S
92 164L

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