Keeps failing emissions test

Tiny
RGTHOMAS714
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 TOYOTA PICKUP
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • MANUAL
  • 150,000 MILES
Before the first smog check I replaced the catalytic converter and tuned it up; plugs, wires, and air filter. It failed high hc 289at 15 mile per hour and 286 at 25, also my timing was way off. So I found the chain was off a few teeth got that straightened out. Replaced injectors, number three was clogged, changed knock sensor and temperature sensor and TP sensor. No codes were coming up. Took it back in and it failed worse than before and this time my no went up from 32 at 15 mph and 36 at 25 mph to 386 at 15 and 485 at 25. So I went and checked out my vacuum lines and found one that was off. Also check my EGR and it was clear and functioning took it back and failed, but this time I failed my no461 and 655 the last time I had problems and went through the same stuff but I then replaced the catalytic converter and passed with 0 emissions. I'm wondering if I got ripped off for this catalytic converter I bought. It doesn't seem to be doing anything and each time I fix something my tests get worse. Also it has got a new head on it that's less than 2 years old and the compression is good. Any thought would be greatly appreciated. I have spent almost $800.00 and i'm in worst shape than when I started.
Tuesday, June 30th, 2020 AT 12:28 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good afternoon,

About half way through your post, I was going to ask what brand catalytic converter you used as the catalytic converters job was to clean up those gases.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

What brand did you use?

The one you replaced again is working fine with 0 emissions.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, June 30th, 2020 AT 1:21 PM
Tiny
RGTHOMAS714
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
No, this is a calcat catalytic converter I got from Napa auto parts. The one I got that brought me to 0 emissions was one a got from summit racing but unfortunately I over heated my truck and took out that catalytic converter about a year and a half ago. This new one doesn't seem to be doing anything.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, June 30th, 2020 AT 1:32 PM
Tiny
RGTHOMAS714
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
My truck has an onboard diagnostic in it and my check engine light is not on except when I start it of course, but when I put the jumper in it it flashes every thing is good.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, June 30th, 2020 AT 1:35 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
I am confused.

You have a new one on now and it passed? Is that correct?

What brand are you using?

Did it pass smog now? You indicated the readings went to 0 so I assumed it passed the smog. Am I wrong?

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, June 30th, 2020 AT 1:37 PM
Tiny
RGTHOMAS714
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
It was hard to believe that after the first smog check I ironed out the timing issue and I replaced the injectors cause like I said number three was clogged, but when I got it tested the numbers were worse and after that after replacing the TP sensor the knocks sensor which both came up as a code and the temperature sensor my test was even worst yet.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, June 30th, 2020 AT 1:40 PM
Tiny
RGTHOMAS714
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
No, I have a new one on now and it wont pass in fact it gets worse every time I retest. I have tested 3 times and every time my numbers are worse. It's like i'm swimming against the current and i'm losing ground.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, June 30th, 2020 AT 1:42 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
There is no code for the catalytic converter in OBD1 systems.

Could you please clarify the converters that were replaced?

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, June 30th, 2020 AT 1:46 PM
Tiny
RGTHOMAS714
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
When I got to 0 emissions that was the test 2 years ago I refer to that because I was amazed I went from a gross polluter to zero emissions with just a new catalytic converter, but that was the previous smog test 2 years ago. This time I new I needed a new catalytic converter so I put one in first thing figuring I should pass no problem but that was 3 tests ago and my numbers keep getting worse ever test. Sorry about the confusion. I didn't explain very good.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, June 30th, 2020 AT 1:47 PM
Tiny
RGTHOMAS714
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
There are no code coming up with the jumper in it flashes every thing is good.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, June 30th, 2020 AT 1:49 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
No worries. Now I understand.

What brand converter did you use. Cheap catalytic converters will do next to nothing.

I use either Bosal or Walker as they have 5 year warranties on them.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, June 30th, 2020 AT 1:54 PM
Tiny
RGTHOMAS714
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
The converter I put in 2 years ago that worked great was ruined when my truck blew a head gasket a year and a half ago. I didn't worry about changing it until I recently had to smog it and this is the one I got from Napa and it seems like it's worthless because my truck runs as good as it ever has but my hc, my co and now my no numbers are way high and get worse with ever test I take and I believe I have corrected most everything. I know I have a vacuum switch I need to replace but that's about it.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, June 30th, 2020 AT 1:55 PM
Tiny
RGTHOMAS714
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Well, this is a cheap brand it was $150.00 for the catalytic converter I installed myself. So this cal cat catalytic converter is probably made in China and i'm sure they're looking for payback anyway they can get it. But how can Napa sell a piece of junk like that? Because I don't see any way of passing with this catalytic converter.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, June 30th, 2020 AT 2:00 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Yes, they sell parts based on what you want to spend.

You will need to spend upwards of $300.00 for a quality catalytic converter.

Actually Bosal and Walker are not that bad for your truck.

I attached from rockauto for you. About $200.00 seems right.

Roy
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, June 30th, 2020 AT 3:31 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Smog Fail Content

VIEW MORE