i first consulted this forum about smog/emission issue. i tried almost
all the tips that i read here; tune-up, oil change, spark plugs, air filter, fuel filter, PCV,
O2--even though its not out yet.
i didn't change the wires because they look new. i didn't change the cat cause
it still works; and its expensive to replace. i tried acetone and then, the Coleman fuel trick, even voodoo.
checked codes, there were none. still, the car failed emissions test.
on my third test:
@ 15 mph (1740 rpm) > HC is 8 PPM above max
@ 25 mph (2839 rpm) > HC is 15 PPM above max
CO and NOX are both well within limits.
the smog tech pointed out that my car is "loping". new term for me
![Confused :?](./images/smilies/icon_confused.gif)
but i'm sure not for most of you. i thought it was just the car acting its age, 177540 miles old.
he blamed the loping on poor combustion, misfires caused by "a bad valve" and
my bosch plat 4's plugs, which, in his own words, are "sh*t".
what do yo guys think?
can loping be caused by a vacuum leak as well?
can i get rid of the lope simply by replacing the bosch with ngk and a new wire set?
please, i need your expertise. she's a daily driver, my work pony. i have no dreams or aspirations
for this car other than making it pass smog and running it for 100000 miles more.
thanks