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View Full Version : Failed Smog: Got some numbers, can you guys lend me some advice?


illmatik
11-22-2010, 06:54 PM
Hey guys. I went to get a smog test today (California) and I failed. I knew something might not be right down there. My exhaust doesn't smell right and my fuel consumption is a little bad. But, I have no check engine lights and I've never seen one as far as I've owned the car.

I do hear a slight rattle noise at certain RPM's down near the exhaust, I thought it might be the heatshield. Also I just recently replace the exhaust all the way up to the cats which I think is the culprit. Here's my printout:

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/9849/imgdq.jpg


Obviously somethin aint right down there. Now I'm looking to get the cheapest, aftermarket cat I can get that'll run well on my car. I know the guy who smogged it so he'll look past the fact that it's aftermarket like he did with my intake. I found this: http://www.coolcarpartsonline.com/catalytic-converters/magnaflow-universal-catalytic-converters-49-state-emissions/bmw-3-series-e36-325is-1992-1995-magnaflow-universal-catalytic-converter-49-state-emissions but it almost seems too good to be true, what do you guys think? I can't find it on there but California is probably the one state it's not legal in but like I said my buddy should look past that. He also suggested it might be my O2 sensor but I'm not throwing any codes.

Any advice would be great, thanks :)
medic1dl
11-22-2010, 06:58 PM
Have you changed plugs, air filter, etc? Also make sure the cats are really hot before your smog test. The cats don't work so good if they are cold.
illmatik
11-22-2010, 07:02 PM
Plugs have been changed recently and I dont have an airbox any more.

I've been suspecting the cats have been bad for a while on a hunch. My exhaust makes a noise I don't like at high RPM's and I thought replacing the muffler and flanges would help but I still hear the noise. Only thing that's left is the cats and headers.
medic1dl
11-22-2010, 07:15 PM
The high HC is unburnt fuel. If you have changed plugs perhaps the coils aren't putting out enough power to create a hot enough spark to burn the fuel completely. O2 sensors could be a contributing factor as well.
illmatik
11-22-2010, 07:36 PM
The high HC is unburnt fuel. If you have changed plugs perhaps the coils aren't putting out enough power to create a hot enough spark to burn the fuel completely. O2 sensors could be a contributing factor as well.

Thanks for pointing that out...I have been noticing a slight fuel smell especially in the morning on a cold start.

I suppose the best way to go about things would be to swap in a good O2 and see where that takes me...I'll try and get one on my lunch break tomorrow

Does this catalytic converted look fine? http://www.coolcarpartsonline.com/catalytic-converters/magnaflow-universal-catalytic-converters-california-emissions/bmw-3-series-e36-325is-1991-1995-magnaflow-universal-catalytic-converter-california-emissions

everything seems good except the price, like I said, too good to be true?

this ones actually california legit