Emissions Question...

[Great-Kazoo]

DO NOT USE MMO, it's an abrasive (yes we can debate it just like WD-40) B&G Products, tha's all you need to know.
Crack off and spend the money on the 44K. HOWEVER do not go back for a recheck "after 30 min of driving" fill the tank up drive it on 25 or 70 until you need to fill er up. The 44K is cleaning the valves etc, all that shit may cause you to FAIL AGAIN.

Personally it doesn't seem like you've been on top of your maintenance with this unit. Now you need to spend cash, instead of nickel & dime'ing it, to get passed. ALWAYS do an oil & filter change b4 any emissions test, same for the air filter AND fresh fuel.

ONE ITEM everyone has neglected or forgot to suggest, you change it the fuel filler / gas cap. They test it and once again it's another $10 item you should invest in b4 a recheck.
Every auto parts place said to replace the gas cap, based on how many folks came in after a ET and said they would have passed if the cap had met test specs.

Bottom line, you wouldn't skimp on your guns, why skimp on your vehicles?

[Squeeze]

The fuel/air mix has a huge dependency on the temperature of the engine. The old-school analogy is the choke on a mechanical engine. You have to run a rich mixture when the engine is cold to start it. When the engine gets hot, the mix can be leaned out. The GM engines run as lean as possible to reduce the emissions that you're failing. When the thermostat is stuck open, the coolant flow is too high for the engine to get to its proper operating temperature. Replacing the thermostat reduces the water flow and allows the engine to get to full operating temperature and the computer will lean out the fuel/air mixture properly.

Okay, that makes sense. So, as it stands...tomorrow morning - I am going to:

1. Change the oil
2. New Air Filter
3. New Thermostat
4. De-carbon the throttle body to include the IAC valve & mass air-flow sensor
5. Drop some BG44K in the tank along with some decent gas (only on a 1/4 tank now anyway)
6. New plug wires

I agree with Gman and I pulled one of the plugs out of the car and it looked fine. My friend in Texas (also a master mech) said he agrees the NGK plugs are top shelf, but he also said if the car is starting easy, running smooth (not missing) he doesn't believe that changing them will be a big difference in regard to emissions. He did recommend new plug wires since it's going on 6 years. Also, since I only have to do emissions every 2 years, I only plan on running this little gem for about another year at the most. This is the first time it's ever given me any real issues. It's a great running car.

[Great-Kazoo]

Okay, that makes sense. So, as it stands...tomorrow morning - I am going to:

1. Change the oil
2. New Air Filter
3. New Thermostat
4. De-carbon the throttle body to include the IAC valve & mass air-flow sensor
5. Drop some BG44K in the tank along with some decent gas (only on a 1/4 tank now anyway)
6. New plug wires

I agree with Gman and I pulled one of the plugs out of the car and it looked fine. My friend in Texas (also a master mech) said he agrees the NGK plugs are top shelf, but he also said if the car is starting easy, running smooth (not missing) he doesn't believe that changing them will be a big difference in regard to emissions. He did recommend new plug wires since it's going on 6 years. Also, since I only have to do emissions every 2 years, I only plan on running this little gem for about another year at the most. This is the first time it's ever given me any real issues. It's a great running car.

Don't forget the Fuel Filter.

[Squeeze]

DO NOT USE MMO, it's an abrasive (yes we can debate it just like WD-40) B&G Products, tha's all you need to know.
Crack off and spend the money on the 44K. HOWEVER do not go back for a recheck "after 30 min of driving" fill the tank up drive it on 25 or 70 until you need to fill er up. The 44K is cleaning the valves etc, all that shit may cause you to FAIL AGAIN.

Personally it doesn't seem like you've been on top of your maintenance with this unit. Now you need to spend cash, instead of nickel & dime'ing it, to get passed. ALWAYS do an oil & filter change b4 any emissions test, same for the air filter AND fresh fuel.

ONE ITEM everyone has neglected or forgot to suggest, you change it the fuel filler / gas cap. They test it and once again it's another $10 item you should invest in b4 a recheck.
Every auto parts place said to replace the gas cap, based on how many folks came in after a ET and said they would have passed if the cap had met test specs.

Bottom line, you wouldn't skimp on your guns, why skimp on your vehicles?

I hear what you're saying Jim. Definitely good advice. This is the first time this vehicle has ever failed emissions in the 7 years I've owned it and generally I do take pretty good care of my vehicles. I admit, it failed because of my lack of proper maintenance prior to going (foolish on my part). This is why I threw it out there for those of you who are far more knowledged in this area than I. The gas cap passed with flying colors, but if you feel it should be replaced - for $10 I'll put a new one on it first thing. I also never realized Champion plugs were garbage (I'm not much of a gear-head). You guys have been awesome with all the great knowledge, again it's greatly appreciated.

[tmleadr03]

Oh, and take it for at least 30 min on the freeway before heading to the testing facility. Get the engine and cat nice and hot.

[Squeeze]

Roger that Jim, new fuel filter - check.

Absolutely tmleadr03, I'll make sure to do just that!

You guys rock.

[Great-Kazoo]

I hear what you're saying Jim. Definitely good advice. This is the first time this vehicle has ever failed emissions in the 7 years I've owned it and generally I do take pretty good care of my vehicles. I admit, it failed because of my lack of proper maintenance prior to going (foolish on my part). This is why I threw it out there for those of you who are far more knowledged in this area than I. The gas cap passed with flying colors, but if you feel it should be replaced - for $10 I'll put a new one on it first thing. I also never realized Champion plugs were garbage (I'm not much of a gear-head). You guys have been awesome with all the great knowledge, again it's greatly appreciated.

If they passed the cap, leave it. You have their documentation confirming it, no need to replace a good one with another.

[Squeeze]

If they passed the cap, leave it. You have their documentation confirming it, no need to replace a good one with another.

[Dave]

When you fill up drop the extra few cents a gallon for good brand fuel, less of a chance of stale gas in the station's tanks.

[Squeeze]

UPDATE!!! Completed all the necessary repairs, along with removing the throttle body & all my sensors. Dropped in the BG 44K, drove it for about 40 miles on the highway with a fresh tank of 91 octane in it. Took it straight to the emissions testing place and passed with flying colors. My numbers weren't even close to the limits.

Also forgot to mention, it runs better than the day I drove it off the lot. Best $133 I could've spent. Would,ve been $20 less...but I changed the valve cover gasket while I was under the hood (it needed it). Life s good.