Another "Failed E-test" Thread

[Ozzker]

So, I took the 1988 Pathy in today for an E-Test as Im trying to get it on the road, and it failed pretty horribly. The readings were:



Does anybody have any insight as to where I should start in diagnosing and fixing this?! Engine doesn't burn oil, has 340000KMs and has just had new plugs, wires, and distributer put in.

Thanks in advance!!

[studum]

Looks like you're running rich, or your cat is no longer being effective. Was the timing setup right when the dizzy was installed?

Was your cat nice and hot when you went for the test?

[Ozzker]

The PO had the tune up done before he sold me the truck, So I can only assume that it was installed properly. I had assumed that the Cat had failed as well and have an appointment Friday for a new one. I was wondering if there was anything else that could cause my symptoms other then or alongside my cat?

Edit: Yea, I had warmed the truck up reallll nice before the test!!

[Bow_Tied]

Needing a new cat isn't enough for a conditional pass?

[Adam]

Maybe not, because a new universal cat is like what 100 dollars plus 50 to put it on ? Just guessing thats what it cost for mine.

[Ozzker]

I do not qualify for a conditional because I am trying to fit the truck to be able to register it in my name. If I had already owned and had registered the truck when the E-Test was due, then it would qualify me for a conditional.

[Ozzker]

Maybe not, because a new universal cat is like what 100 dollars plus 50 to put it on ? Just guessing thats what it cost for mine.

$60 for mine plus $40 to put it on.

[Bow_Tied]

Try that 'guaranteed to pass in a bottle' stuff from CTC

[studum]

Leaky injectors, leaky intake manifold gummed up valves can do it, but they're all normally associated with misfires which you would probably know about. Misfires will cause these readings.

You can try one of those good full fuel system cleaning jobs that the mechanics do first and see if that helps. If that didn't work and the truck is running fine I would look at the cat, but that's just me.

FWIW the previous owner of my truck did a tune up before I bought it too. While diagnosing my misfire the techs found a socket left inside my dizzy when they installed the cap and rotor. My point is it may be work verifying that the timing is within spec.

This may be a bit obvious but were the proper plugs installed?

Edit* just saw the price of your cat. Not bad, I'd do that first along with verifying the timing. The fuel system cleaning things usually run about $130-$150.

[Adam]

^ This. My truck was "running fine" by feel but apparently it had a slight miss at idle that I couldn't feel though I got a CEL sometimes and just shrugged it off. Turns out my distributor rotor was the original :O .

[Ozzker]

Thanks for the advice guys!! I'll run a bottle of sea foam through it this week, get the cat done Friday, put in some premium and some CT "guaranteed to pass" Stuff, and drive it around all weekend, then drive into Guelph Monday morning and give it a test while its warm and happy!

Edit, I'll also inspect the plugs and distributer on a "not so cold" day, see if everything looks up to spec.

[Adam]

Make sure you do the seafoam treatment before the new cat. Wouldn't want all that gunk coming out to ruin the new cat lol. I have heard that guaranteed to pass stuff is not good for the truck. But I can't confirm that.

[Bow_Tied]

Premium is more likely to hinder than help unless it is a high compression engine, IMHO.

[Adam]

This is true. My dad always told me to put fresh oil, air filter, and get the cat nice and hot. My grandfather does all that plus replaces the pcv valve I dunno if that actually helps though.

[studum]

It may not help a lot, but it certainly won't hurt.

Agree with the gas statement. Unless you're knocking premium in a vehicle designed for regular is just money out the tail-pipe.

[Ozzker]

Okay, thats for the advice!! So seafoam today or tomorrow, no CT bottle stuff, and regular fuel!! Cat on Friday, and go from there!

[Ozzker]

Seafoamed. After 8 minutes of Revs between idle and 4K it was STILL pouring thick white smoke, so I took it for a drive to get her to stop smoking!

[Nismojunky]

o2 sensor? have u checked for codes? ummm not sure what else

[Ozzker]

I havent checked for codes, I have no way to, but no lights on the dash are on. If it fails the E-Test after the Cat and such then I will do the O2 next. Seafoam seems to have helped allot too, and I picked up an air filter and some oil so i'm going to change them too.

[Nismojunky]

there is no cel light on a 88 nissan pathfinder
and u can check the codes your self call me in 15 mins