Smog fail for HydroCarbons
 

I recently smogged my 1995 Ti twice. The first time I failed horribly with my hydrocarbon part per million count being 141 and the max to pass is 59. I took the car to the mechanic and he ran an additive through my fuel and cleaned/checked a bunch of parts resulting in my second smog test with a measure of 72 HC (PPM) with a max to pass at 59. I am very close to passing and everyone is recommending getting a new Cat Converter; however, before I spend the money on a new Cat I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on how to shave 13 PPM off of the Hydrocarbon count?

Thanks!

-Tom

Aside from driving it like you stole it before the test for 30 min, Don't know. If you do replace it, I have used California compliant Magnaflow cats as an alternative to OEM cats in my M42s to pass. Once installed, the car barely registered in the test. Drive 30 minutes to heat it up real good before taking the test.

Good luck! :cool:

I see you are located in Sacramento. Where did you get the Cat job done and how much did it cost? Right now I have looked into a place downtown and one on Fulton ave. Both seem to be priced around 325...
Also, did they have you provide a diagnostic from a mechanic saying that it is in fact the Cat that is causing the failed smog?

Thank you for your help

Check those O2 sensors? And how about those injectors? Have they been rebuilt or replaced? Coil packs? Gotta make sure all the maintenance is done accordingly. Also any vacuum lines. Hope you solve your issue tho. I know how difficult the CA smog is as well :(

3 different BMWS, (2 M42,s 1 M50) ave cost $220 part and labor, plus a large Pepsi and a steak burrito. Very cool guy runs a muffler shop. One man operation. 99 and Fruitridge. PM me and we can talk.



1998 & 1997 318ti Sport Schwartz II
1995 318ti Active Alpineweib III

Marv17,
I just looked into all the things you mentioned. The o2 sensor was cleaned and so were the injectors, coil packs are most likely original and haven't been touched since the car was built and the vacuum lines were also just tested and no leaks were detected. I told my mechanic about the coils but he insists that it is the Cat causing the failed smog. His reasoning being that this is the original Cat in the car and it has over 250,000 miles on it and should be replaced regardless. I just want this car to pass so I can sell it to someone who will appreciate the car and take better care of it than I can.

I am new to this site and sending a Pm to you seems to not be working. The message I am getting is "Your user account may not have sufficient privileges to access this page".
Would it be possible if you started the PM and we can go from there.
Thank you!

Where you located in California? I would try to source a used cat with significantly lower miles on it. If you're local to me I know someone selling a 318 cat. MagnaFlow makes a obd 2 complaint cat but not sure how long it'll last you. Worth a try in looking into it though. Good luck