arco777
Explorer Addict
- Joined
- April 6, 2008
- Messages
- 2,295
- Reaction score
- 65
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1994 Explorer 2dr 4x4
I am getting just a little fed up with the Chevy I picked up recently... did manage to finally find a fan, clutch and shroud that worked so it usually stays fairly cool but I still need to run Stop Leak through the radiator. Also trying to find out what belt I need for non-AC version... this damn thing has 4 options for every single part at every store I go to, working on the X is so much easier!
Anyways, I took it to get it IM'ed (emissions tested) and it failed pretty badly... here's the specs.
Idle: HC PPM limit 220, tested at 3242. CO% limit .50, tested at 7.82%.
2500RPM: HC PPM limit 220, tested at 179. CO% limit .50, tested at .96%.
Not so good, but not so bad at 2500 RPM. I should mention this was originally equipped with a TBI 350, and 1000 miles ago a rebuilt 400 block (20 over pistons) was swapped in with the old 350 top end re-used. Truck has 212000 miles, and Sta-Bil in the gas tank. Motor work was done before I got the truck so I've no clue what all was done, as far as I know just the block portion was rebuilt.
I figure if the readings are so bad at idle, perhaps it's not firing well and it doesn't always idle great. Pulled a plug and it looked okay but broke it, so I'll change them all today. I'll also check the air filter. Oil is fine. I don't think these models had a distributor? Battery is good. Raising the idle might help?
Anyways, I wanted some advice. I picked up a bottle of Guaranteed To Pass stuff that you mix with your fuel, run a full tank through, and then supposedly you'll pass IM because it blows all the crap out. Sounds like Seafoam or Fuel System Cleaner to me but there wasn't much price difference. I don't really wanna spend the time and money burning half a tank and then a whole new tank in my neighborhood. Or, I can fill up now and hope it works fine with the Sta-Bil.
Alternately, I've heard of soaking the air filter with denatured alcohol or pouring it directly into the fuel tank (1/4 tank with 1/4 gallon mix) and supposedly that cleans everything out too.
I'm just trying to get the truck ready to sell so trying not to put a lot of money (or gas) into it. If I can't get it to pass IM there is the seasonal tags option but that drops the value.
Thanks in advance for all advice.
EDIT: By the way, the old plugs were Autolite 26es, the new ones I bought which were what the Wal-Mart computer said are 25s. What's the difference and could that be an issue?
EDIT2: According to Autolite's site, the 25 is listed for the 350 in that pickup, the 26 is listed for older 350s and 400s. I see no difference in the specs. Will it matter?
Anyways, I took it to get it IM'ed (emissions tested) and it failed pretty badly... here's the specs.
Idle: HC PPM limit 220, tested at 3242. CO% limit .50, tested at 7.82%.
2500RPM: HC PPM limit 220, tested at 179. CO% limit .50, tested at .96%.
Not so good, but not so bad at 2500 RPM. I should mention this was originally equipped with a TBI 350, and 1000 miles ago a rebuilt 400 block (20 over pistons) was swapped in with the old 350 top end re-used. Truck has 212000 miles, and Sta-Bil in the gas tank. Motor work was done before I got the truck so I've no clue what all was done, as far as I know just the block portion was rebuilt.
I figure if the readings are so bad at idle, perhaps it's not firing well and it doesn't always idle great. Pulled a plug and it looked okay but broke it, so I'll change them all today. I'll also check the air filter. Oil is fine. I don't think these models had a distributor? Battery is good. Raising the idle might help?
Anyways, I wanted some advice. I picked up a bottle of Guaranteed To Pass stuff that you mix with your fuel, run a full tank through, and then supposedly you'll pass IM because it blows all the crap out. Sounds like Seafoam or Fuel System Cleaner to me but there wasn't much price difference. I don't really wanna spend the time and money burning half a tank and then a whole new tank in my neighborhood. Or, I can fill up now and hope it works fine with the Sta-Bil.
Alternately, I've heard of soaking the air filter with denatured alcohol or pouring it directly into the fuel tank (1/4 tank with 1/4 gallon mix) and supposedly that cleans everything out too.
I'm just trying to get the truck ready to sell so trying not to put a lot of money (or gas) into it. If I can't get it to pass IM there is the seasonal tags option but that drops the value.
Thanks in advance for all advice.
EDIT: By the way, the old plugs were Autolite 26es, the new ones I bought which were what the Wal-Mart computer said are 25s. What's the difference and could that be an issue?
EDIT2: According to Autolite's site, the 25 is listed for the 350 in that pickup, the 26 is listed for older 350s and 400s. I see no difference in the specs. Will it matter?
