Re: Help? N. Cal Spider NOT passing SMOG....any tips to fix?

[C2slayman@domain.elided]

Mike,
       To check the lambda (O2) sensor, peel back the rubber boot over the 
green wire running to the sensor.  The connector is close to the master 
cylinder.  Put a digital multimeter set to voltage  and watch the voltage as 
you blip the throttle.  It should vary between ~0.3V and 0.8V.  If it does 
not vary and stays at 0.5V, the O2 sensor is probably bad.
       You need an IR thermometer to read the temperature of the catalytic 
convertor.  I believe the outlet should be in the 400-500F operating range 
and higher than the inlet if the catalytic process is working.  (Eric - do 
you care to comment?)
       Check the distributor cap, rotor, wires and spark plugs.  Replace as 
needed.
       Check your compression to make sure your valves and rings are in good 
shape.  A burned exhaust valve will cause you to flunk the HC test.  (By the 
way, you didn't mention what the HC, CO, CO2 and O2 readings were.  I assume 
what you've given us is the HC reading in ppm.)
       Check cam timing and valve clearance.
       I recommend Silicon Valley Performance in Palo Alto.  But do as much 
trouble shooting as you can on your own to save money and learn about the 
car.  I would be skeptical of turning over my Alfa to a shop that doesn't 
know the details of the Spider L-Jet but wants $170 just to hook up a 
diagnostic tool.
       By the way, the L-Jet should ace the test with numbers ~10x below the 
limit if everything is in proper working order.  So you have something that's 
busted.  Hopefully it's the O2 sensor or fouled plugs.  Burned valves or a 
bad cat con  are obviosly more expensive.

Cheers,
Charlie


> Date: Sun, 12 Jan 2003 10:48:36 -0800 (PST)
> From: Michael Miller <msmiller_spiritone@domain.elided>
> Subject: Help?  N. Cal Spider NOT passing SMOG....any tips to fix?
> 
> Yesterday, when tested, my '88 Spider Grad failed it's
> SMOG test.  Max reading allowable was 140...and I
> scored a wopping 342.  Failed both the Idle test and
> 2500 RPM test.  Black/blue smog was coming out of the
> exhaust.
> 
> Then it dawned on me.....when did I last change the
> oil?  I gotta be low.  True.  So I drained and
> refilled. (to be honest...I probably was 1-3 Qts low).
> Not good.  So I took the Spider back to the testing
> station....telling the guy I changed the oil b/c I was
> seriously low.  He tests again for free....passed the
> Idle test....yet still failing the 2500 RPM test. (156
> over 140).  This guy wants to diagnose/fix it for
> me....starting at $175 to hook up to diagnostic
> equip....so I can expect $175 + Parts + etc.   
> 
> I have an aftermarket exhaust...and it's solidly
> mounted 2" too high (yes I said solidly mounted). 
> Prior owner's work....and the intermediate silencer
> also has a few leaks.
> 
> Any tips to eliminate the smoke?  Are there tests for
> the Catalytic Converter?  Lambda sensor?  Or other
> tips to pass this thing?  Any recommended
> garages/exhaust shops in Burlingame/San Mateo?
> 
> Any help is greatly appreciated.
> 
> Mike
> '88 Grad
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