I have failed emissions testing for the third year in a row but each year it is for a different reason such as engine temp. sensor and O2 sensor 2 yrs. ago and mixed up vaccuum hose routing last year that did not cause a problem the yr. before and then this year some sort of rich fuel idle problem. The car has great emissions readings at 2,000 rpm and 4,000 rpm but at idle the HC is twice as high as allowed and the CO is 6 times as high so it is an rich fuel idle problem I believe. Could the TPS have an effect on too much fuel being used at idle or is it the Rich vs. Lean adjustment screw (name?). Also I found lots of gas in the oil and badly fouled plugs that were only 2-3 mos. old. I changed the oil, its filter,and the plugs. and the emissions did not change. I am told by my mechanic that the O ring(s) are likely leaking oil. The car uses little oil. Could gas get in the oil thru the O ring leak? What would you suggest is causing the problem and what adjustment is needed with brief instructions. Thanks.

 

If its only twice as high then check the operation of your ACV. Next, what is the condition of your cat? My HC's were 460 and went down to 40 when I bypassed my not properly functioning ACV to put air into the right tube (going to cat). My HC's were like 3500 replaced cat then down to 460. The solution to pollution is dilution (someone else came up with that, not me)

 

hey, I also noticed a fair amount of gas in my oil. Is this healthy? I know how a Wankel works but still don't know why gas would mix with the oil outside of combustion. thx

 

Chimaera, I do not feel it is good to have gas mixing into your oil as it will quickly foul your spark plugs and not aide in lubing the internals. I did have my TPS adjusted. It was putting out too much gas and with the leaking O ring in the rotor was causing my bad emissions #s and fouling plugs. I also put on a new main cat and almost passed emissions. They gave me a waiver and next year I will have to replace another cat to meet the $200 waiver requirement. Also, I took Steve's advice and adjusted the ACV. My car has 165,000 miles and it is due a rebuild soon with that O ring link.