Thanks. I'm in DC, which has exactly ONE inspection site.
The thing is that I think I wasn't much over the CO limit - they said a
max of 9 (whatever that is - PPM?) and my level was 10.6. So I'm
tempted to try the Italian tuneup and so forth and try my luck again
before I spend a lot of money at a garage. The engine runs well and has
plenty of power, so it can't be too far off.
One question, though - does engine temperature affect CO output? Would
it be better for me to get tested relatively cool or should I get her
nice and hot and go on a hot day?
Thanks again everybody for all the help.
-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Swarthout [mailto:jswarth1@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Friday, July 11, 2003 1:04 PM
To: Scot Montrey; 6pack@autox.team.net
Subject: RE: simple yet critical question
Scot,
If I remember correctly a high (CO) level indicates a rich condition,
and a high hydrocarbon, (HC), level indicates a lean condition.
If your state authorizes independent auto shops to perform inspections
they should be able to make things acceptable so that you'll pass the
emissions portion. If nothing else they should be able to steer you in
the right direction so that you can make the repairs yourself. A high
(HC) level could be no more than a cracked vacuum line, which would
produce a lean condition.
A high (CO) level could be a sticking choke, maybe dried out gaskets or
seals...etc. Unless the jetting was wrong when you parked it, I would
think a carb overhaul would be necessary to bring the (CO) levels down.
BTW: Check the ignition system, (timing, components ...etc.), this can
affect the (CO) levels.
If your inspection stations are state run, as Florida was before they
did away with it all together, you'll need to find a shop with an
exhaust gas analyzer. You may make many trips to the inspector
otherwise. There really is such a fine line between an engine that runs
fairly well and one that makes the analyzer happy.
As for the electrical stuff, start with the fuse block (under the
hood...drivers side). If the fuses aren't blown, rotate them in the
clips to ensure a good contact. If a fuse is blown, try to find why! It
is unlikely that water would have caused the fuse blow...the voltage is
too low to carry enough current through wet connections to blow a high
amperage fuse.
Best regards,
Jim Swarthout
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