Must Pass Driveclean Emissions! Help!

[contradan]

Any Ontario drivers out there?

My 1995 4Runner just failed the manditory Drive Clean emissions test for Toronto.

Ive had the truck for almost 2 years, and it had passed the test when I bought it, so I have no idea what could have changed to make it fail.

The results of the test are as follows:

Hydro Carbon ppm: 182 (Limit 52!!)
CO% 0.52 (Limit 0.29)
NO ppm= pass
taken at 1798 RPM
Dilution (?) 15.0

Results at Curb Idle 1037 RPM all pass.

Has anyone had similar test results or any ideas how to lower the hydrocarbons and CO2?

Before I drop $100 to take a diagnostic test, Ill try my luck on the board here.

If the repairs I need cost more than 450$ i can get a 'conditional pass' but cant sell my vehicle.

Thanks!

 

[the_dingman]

Probably your cat converter... For some cheap tricks to pass, try either a new fuel filler cap or pouring 1/3 can of SeaFoam into the gas tank then fill up.

 

[Coffeecat]

I don't know if you folks have ethanol added gasoline out there or not. We have Mohawk stations in BC that sell gas with 10% ethanol in it. fill up with that will reduce your emissions. Second, it might sound dumb but change your oil, it can make a difference. Third, Canadian Tire used to sell an emissions reducing chemical that you could dump in your tank. Lastly, if possible take it to a different testing station. In Vancouver we've been dealing with the emissions racket for years. Some stations are better than others and it depends on whether the guys measuring your emissions farts during the test. Make sure you give it a good run, get it hot and turn off all your accessories. Good luck

 

[Colorado Dan]

Another trick besides the ones from Coffeecat, is to pull out the air filter. In Colorado that always helps with readings, cause you get a s***load of air - as long as they don't inspect for your air filter when they test.<br><br>I've also experienced differences between independent and gov't run places as far as accuracy. Try a diff one when you go back

 

[contradan]

Thanks for the help guys!

I went to Canadian Tire for my first test, Im sure they cut a few corners there. I will look into that product you can pour in the engine.

One thing I forgot to mention, which has more prominent recently, since its been cold enough to visually see whats coming out my exhaust pipe: white smoke for the first 2-3 min of driving after a cold start or more than 30 min off. After driving a bit, it dissipates. Could it the be valve seals letting a tiny bit of oil in to the cylinder? I doubt that would be the cause of 3x hydrocarbons on the emissions test, but im sure its not helping.

Great idea with the air filter Dan, ill have to find a low profile testing place to facilitate that one.

 

[Coffeecat]

The white smoke is nothing to worry about. It is simply condensation (water) in your system. As soon as your engine warms up the water is essentially vapor and disappears. A small amount of white smoke is normal upon cold startup as the exhaust systems gets rid of condensation. If the white smoke didn't go away then it would be an indication that water is getting into your engine (gasket leak). From what you've said sounds normal. - cc