92 Integra failed CA smog test

MJMJ

MEMBER
1992 HONDA

Hi guys,

My dependable 1992 Integra(GS, automatic) failed CA smog test this time:
a) it failed in NOX column for 25 mph at a test-only station. I changed oil/oil filter before I went in.
b) I took it to my mechanic who changed the converter on the car. I drove more than 30 minutes and have it tested again.
c) It failed again in NOX, now for both 15mph and 25 mph tests.
d) My mechanic wants to change converter again, he contents that the new converter should not make it worse.
e) He mentioned there is a GPE(?) part that might have clogged lines in there and cause the smog test fail. He said Honda has a repair kit for this problem, and that will be the next thing he's going to test.

Is my mechanic's assertion of the converter is correct?
Is my mechanic suggested course of action valid in this case?

Also my car had a problem that after driving from 2 to 30 minutes the 'check engine' light comes on, but it was never on when I take my car to the mechanics. He says he cannot check the computer code unless the light is on at the "scan" time. Is he correct?
I heard this is a known problem with old Honda/Accura cars, could you shed some light on this?

Mucho Thanks.

Michael :shock: :?: :?:

2 Replies

LOSONE

MECHANIC
1,616 POSTS

The computer stores the info for a check engine light. A mechanic with good equipment shoud be able to check it.

The converter is good. NOX is caused by a rich engine. There is something wrong that is making the engine run rich. Take it too another mechanic and see what code has been set. That will answer the questions

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Tuesday, April 4th, 2006 AT 3:13 PM

TIMINGISEVERYTHING

MEMBER
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Here are a couple things that have worked for me even with a bad cat:
1. Fill up with 91 octane (or higher if possible)
2. Toss 2 moth balls in the fuel tank.
3. Clean off Air Density Sensor in the intake
4. Make sure the car has new plugs, wires, cap, rotor(if applicable)
5. Drive like a bat out of hell for a couple minutes then disconnect the battery for 10 minutes to reset the computer of all the fuel mapping information. This step makes the car restart the fuel mapping and has to figure out what fuel you are even running.

With these few simple things, I have passed type 2 smog with a known bad catalytic converter on a Honda Accord.

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Wednesday, April 5th, 2006 AT 5:07 PM