Failed car emissions test

Tiny
POPPAROCKS
  • MEMBER
  • GMC
I just got my vehicle inspected and failed the emissions test. A score of 220 passes, mine had a 246. How does one fix this issue most inexpensively?Can the catalytic converter be cleaned or flushed?
Friday, April 14th, 2006 AT 2:52 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
LOSONE
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,616 POSTS
We need the make, model, engine, year, mileage and where the test was performed.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, April 14th, 2006 AT 5:31 PM
Tiny
POPPAROCKS
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
89 cadillac sedan deville, 4.5L v8, 85k miles, and the test was performed in DC
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, April 14th, 2006 AT 10:10 PM
Tiny
LOSONE
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,616 POSTS
That is a tough question. That engine has been historically a dirty burning engine under modern standards. When it was built it satisified all the requirements. Because of the aluminum engine it has had some problems with oil consumption and over heating. If you engine has over heated one time it probably won't pass.

I would start with all vacuum hoses and the air cleaner. It could use a set of plugs, new wires, distributer cap and rotor. Look for obvious oil leaks. If the engine is using oil by leak or burning it probably won't pass the DC requirements.

It's difficult answering your questions because I am not standing threre looking at the engine.

Good luck
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, April 15th, 2006 AT 7:54 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links