You need a new cat converter
Bob Donalds
Boston Engne

----- Original Message -----
From: "Craig Oda" <craigoda@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2004 1:46 PM
Subject: Re: Failed Emissions Check

>I _think_ a lean-running engine will result in excess NOX.   If it's
> running too rich, I think you get excess HC.  Were the HC readings
> really low?  I'm a novice here, so keep that in mind.  Maybe the
> timing is not set properly?  Is it set to 5 degrees before TDC?
> Sometimes these vans are setup to run 5 degrees ATDC, which some
> people say improves performance, but I think results in higher
> emissions.  (I'm kind of guessing here.)
>
> You can also try putting a new cat on the exhaust and running the van
> on the freeway for 20 minutes prior to the emissions, leaving it
> idling to keep it hot until the last minute prior to getting it
> tested.
>
> -- Craig
>
> On Wed, 25 Aug 2004 11:11:01 -0400, Melvin Mudgett-Price
> <mprice@acmex.com> wrote:
>> Took my van for its Ohio e-Check yesterday. The engine has 20,000 on a
>> rebuilt Boston Bob. It passed with flying colors 2 years ago. This time
>> it failed on Nitrous Oxide emissions, they are supposed to be around
>> 900, mine were 1,900.
>>
>> I called my regular mechanic (VW specialist) and he said there was
>> nothing he could do, when van's start failing their emissions test
>> that's usually the end for them. This sounds like total bs to me and I
>> don't know why he doesn't seem to want to even look at the van. Called
>> another VW shop and they said no problem, bring it in.
>>
>> Now to my question. What sort of things would cause the "NO" to be high.
>> I would like have some idea not because the mechanic will try bamboozle
>> me but because I don't like to be in the position where he could.
>>
>> Thanks
>> Melvin
>> 83.5 Westy
>>
>