Date:         Thu, 30 Dec 2010 22:26:32 -0600
Reply-To:     Tom Hargrave <thargrav@HIWAAY.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Tom Hargrave <thargrav@HIWAAY.NET>
Subject:      Re: Failed emissions testing
Comments: To: "Todd.Last" <Rubatoguy@COMCAST.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <4D1D52AB.3020009@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

I sure am glad that Alabama has NO EMISSIONS TESTING OR ANNUAL SAFETY
INSPECTION!

HC emissions are basically unburned fuel. There can be many causes - engine
wear, vacuum leak, fouled plug, bad plug wire, ignition timing, etc.

CO emissions are carbon monoxide. And just like HC, there can be many causes
- failing catalytic converter, bad O2 sensor, bad temperature sensor, etc.

I'd suggest taking your Vanagon out for a 30 minute (minimum) freeway ride
then pulling it in for a second test. You did say it sat for a while.

If that doesn't work then deliver the Vanagon to me in Alabama. I'll make
sure it's pampered for the remaining days of its life.......

Tom
www.towercooler.com


-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM] On Behalf Of
Todd.Last
Sent: Thursday, December 30, 2010 9:49 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Failed emissions testing

I went to have my Westy emission tested today, and it failed the test.
The van had been sitting for a number of months, and when I first
started it, It sounded like one lifter was devoid of oil. I let it run
for awhile and the noise went away.
I'm not sure, but it looked like the oil was a bit overfilled as well.
Anyway my numbers were (at idle)

270 HC  (Max allowed is 220)
1.43 CO (Max allowed 1)

Any suggestions on what to adjust to try again?

thanks,
Todd
'88 Westy