emissions failed horrorably

[nostarttireflat]

emissions report as follows:
Test.... Emission... Standard... Result..
Hydrocarbons (HC) 5.52 2.00 F
Carbon Monoxide (CO) 221.22 20.00 F
Oxides of Nitrogen (NOX) 0.76 4.00 P

Changed plugs and wires, O2 sensor, oil

The guys at work tried to put on the Genisys thing and got code 21 (they said engine was to cold for test) but since then notice temp gauge not working since its right above the Check Engine Light, on Monday the CEL didn't come on and temp gauge worked. Friend said temp sensor was bad so went to Autozone and they asked if the gauge worked, told them what happened and they said it was temp switch worked fine Monday night, Tuesday NO GOOD but gauge doing more than before. Sucks up the gas and smells, also oil cap smells like gas. Any ideas of where to start and rule from major problem since $ is short (single dad w/daughter)

Thanx in advance for any & all help TJ

 

[oldwrench]

emissions

Been a while since I did any of this work, but I will take a shot at this. the problem could indeed be a cold engine. You should check the themostat, I would just put in a new one( at the factory temp approx 208 degrees) and see if the gauge moves.
In addition the gauge is operated buy a 1 wire sender, the computer is fed information through a 2 wire sensor and it will use the voltage reading to add or subtract fuel as it see fit, so it is critical that the temp is correct.
If this does correct it, change the oil before you go back as the excess fuel in the oil will cause it to fail at idle. Too many possibilites to be of much use until you check out the thermostat troubles.

 

[nostarttireflat]

Friend told me to take off radiator cap and start truck to see if fluid is moving.., didn't seem to do much after say 5 minutes at idle, gave it gas and fluid started to bubble &b over flow, let off gave & fluid settled down but had kinda white bubbly-foamy look. He said if fluid moved- t-stat was okay (great friend but over time have learned to trust 90% of what he says) The 10 % maybe 5% IS WAY OFF so any other input I'll try cuz as my user name says "if your car doesn't start it is because your tire is flat" BUT NOT AFRAID TO GET DIRTY

 

[oldwrench]

Emmissions

I am glad to hear you have a friend that works on cars. The problem with checking the thermistat operation using the sight method is you cannot tell the temp that the stat is opening at or if it is just stuck in the open position. They are inexpensive enough to not warrent a lot of testing. In this case I would just change it and start from a know point. Then we can get to step 2 and maybe pass this emmission hurdle. I still stand by the statement that these reading could come from a cold engine.

 

[double_take]

When my 88 BII failed that bad mine ended up being a bad Cat. Does the exhaust smell like rotten eggs?

 

[nostarttireflat]

The bad part about me or my friends working on cars is that we all know just enough to be dangerous but none are afraid to get dirty. My friend still argues with me about t-stat is mechanical part not electric (computer) but I agree with you oldwrench the parts are little $ so I'll change them tomorrow with paycheck Plus it be fun to jab him again (hes got me with a couple of things done correct but not right way lately so turn the table). The phrase "jack of all, master of none" fits us to the T, but we are willing to try. Double take, someone suggested bad cat but there is no rotten egg smell, got told that rotten egg smell doesnot happen every time. Trying to find any of the small things to rule out first because of $ new cat $210 (part only). Oldwrench, I'll that tomorrow and post back.

Thanx again TJ

 

[old mechanic]

Like oldwrench said replace the thermostat. A cold engine has a harder time passing the emissions.
Other wise I would expect it may be the converter.

 

[nostarttireflat]

My gas mileage has gone to crap lately, so with replacing t-stat should my mileage get better right away or not? When I got truck I was getting 11-12 now is around 8. Realized I had a problem when didn't have to drive to work because of carpooling that a full tank only gave 110 miles and was on E. After changing plugs,wires and couple other small things it is to around 8-9. Reason I ask is if CEL doesn't come back on and I drive from full tank for awhile and refill if mileage is better, is problem likely fixed?