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Question

1986 Ford T-Bird, 8-cylinder 5.0L engine, automatic transmission. Failed smog check.Mechanic replaced EGR valve for a cost of $335.00 dollars. Failed again. He then wanted to replace catalysts for quite a bit of money. I declined. Now what should I do? I have a month and a half before taking it back to the referee.
Will replacing the catalysts solve excessive tailpipe emissions? How much would it cost?
Idle RPM HC PPM measured 0296 and failed. Everything else passed.
Thank you for your immediate response.

   

   

Reply

A catalyst may be the cause of these high emissions. We need CO%, O2%, and CO2% readings from your smog vehicle inspection report to give you a better opinion. However, it sounds as though you may want to get a diagnostic check for high tailpipe emissions from a qualified automotive repair facility-perhaps Silverado Auto Service if you are in the area. You are welcome to e-mail us back with the other readings so that we can give you a better idea.

Angelo
Silverado Auto Service

Followup

Angelo,
Thank you for your prompt response to my question about my T-Bird failing smog. The following is from the inspection report:
Idle RPM:
HC PPMMeasured: 0296Amount over limit: 0196Failed
CO%Measured: 0.00Amount over limit: 0.00 Pass
CO2Measured: 8.0
O2 Measured: 9.6
RPM 0653

Under the heading 2500 RPM:
HC PPM Measured: 0027Pass
CO%Measured: 0.00 Pass
CO2Measured: 8.3
O2 Measured: 8.9
RPM 2520 This is for a 1986 Ford T-Bird 8 cylinder 5.0L
How much will a diagnostics test cost? Could you give me a ball-park figure for replacing the catalyst? Thank you again for your prompt response.

   

   

Reply

Judging by the emission readings I would suspect a vacuum leak or partially restricted fuel injector. A diagnostic check will probably start at an hour labor. Depending on where you are this will most likely range from $50 to $75. An extremely difficult problem could take as long as two hours to diagnose. A ballpark figure for replacing the catalyst is $285.Good luck with it.

Angelo
Silverado Auto Service