well, the 89 spi wgn failed today, both tests, both are way too high...tailpipe is black so this would seem to indicate running rich and too much unburned fuel (see, i did do a search on this )....i have to get this thing to pass and pass quickly as my wife's job hours changed and now we have to do the carpool/bus ride thing and i still have about a 2 1/2 wait btwn the time i am done at work and when she can actually pick me up...so, time be important..

 

any tips? that stuff in a can seems to work according to what i read here in the archives and then there's that guy in s. seattle i guess but i really would like to pass on the retest and not have to pay the $15 again..

 

thanx!

alan

As I PM'd you, ignition, air filter and probably O2 sensor. Might not hurt to run a high-quality injection cleaner (eg Techron) through, also. If you are getting sooty pipe, unless your engine is running rough from misfire the computer probably thinks the mixture is fine and is getting bogus info from O2 sensor.

 

My thoughts...

O2 sensor is very probable. Did you tune it up with new filters, PCV valve and plugs and wires? A bad temp sensor can also cause rich running problems as the comp thinks it is always cold or warm depending on the readings or misreadings the comp is getting. I suggest the guy in S. Seattle or Brian at Brian's Subaru in Burien. Either will cost you some more money but it will be done right.

well, the 89 spi wgn failed today, both tests, both are way too high...tailpipe is black so this would seem to indicate running rich and too much unburned fuel (see, i did do a search on this )....i have to get this thing to pass and pass quickly as my wife's job hours changed and now we have to do the carpool/bus ride thing and i still have about a 2 1/2 wait btwn the time i am done at work and when she can actually pick me up...so, time be important..

 

any tips? that stuff in a can seems to work according to what i read here in the archives and then there's that guy in s. seattle i guess but i really would like to pass on the retest and not have to pay the $15 again..

 

thanx!

alan

Do a search on IM inspections. Edrach has done a pretty comprehensive write up on this.