MX-3.com

Hi there.

I am so frustrated with my car now.
Been for 2 e-tests, and I've failed miserably both times.


Car is a 1993 Mx3 with a KLZE engine and header-back magnaflow exhaust.
Just had a tune up done.
Ran the car REALLY lean (Put Methyl Alcohol in with the gas)

Any ideas? Will I have to replace my catalytic converter?

EDIT: Results

ASM2525 TEST:

HC ppm: Limit - 68 Reading - 177 FAIL
CO %: Limit - 0.38 Reading - 0.64 FAIL
NO ppm: Limit - 526 Reading - 1785 FAIL
RPM: 2156 VALID
Dilution: 14.1 VALID

CURB IDLE TEST:

HC ppm: Limit - 200 Reading - 467 FAIL
CO %: Limit - 1.00 Reading - 5.84 FAIL
NO ppm: N/A
RPM: 1415 VALID
Dilution: 16.4 VALID

most magnaflow's do not have a cat at all if its a header back setup, as for not passing e-test get the printout on why you failed and we can better troubleshoot from there. Why would you put mehtyl alcohol in your gas? thats a bad idea unless you are trying to get rid of water in the fuel tank. Also welcome to the forum good to see more canadians on here.

Indeed. You have 6 different tests, you need to let us know what the limits and results of each test are so we can give you an idea on what to look at.

Was this under the hot rod status or just regular?

Theres no way in hell that my car would pass the e test, even before the turbo.. I have to bribe the guy every year. I hear stories where alot of you guys pass it with no problems. I guess I would suggest put in the stock exhaust system and emissions systems before the e test?

There's no reason why you can't pass with a full exhaust and as stock.

Still, we need the results of the test to know where it failed and what could be the cultrip(s)

what exactly did you get tuned up? like what everyone else said, the actual test results would be helpful.. but no matter what the issue, timing, a new cat and new o2 sensors are your big ones to nail. plugs and wires... clean the vaf. make sure the car's fully warmed up. make sure it idles as low as it should. supposedly an oil change is supposed to help, but i don't see how...

after my ze swap, with 2.5 headers, new flowmaster cat, 2.5 custom exhaust going back from there, i passed with flying colors. way, way below any limit in any category. definitely don't need stock

i had this same problem. its because you bypassed the egr. just hook up the old setup off the 1.8 go do the e test and you should pass.

Okay, I will find the test results and put them up in a minute.

I have a magnaflow and had problems as well. Ya lets see the results.

Yeah, "flow" and "Emissions" don't go hand in hand.

If you're not too far off, you can use Acetone, and white gas to clean it up. White gas is basically Gasoline that is refined more, for use in camping. I've even drank some on accident (longish story).

I was running magnaflow and I never had any problems.

My 2.5L passed with one, too, but was just rebuilt.

As said, how badly it failed is important to know but things that make it run rich are:

Crappy O2 sensors
Bad plugs or wires
EGR
Cat converter

I'd try the O2 sensors since they are worth it and often increase fuel efficiency, can get OEM (Denso) plugs from rock auto for cheap. Plugs and wires are also cheap enough, definitely plugs at least.

I can't see EGR making a massive difference like not having a cat and having bad o2 sensors, but if all three are in tact and 100% working, you shouldn't fail.

Okay, here's the results from the test on Friday:

ASM2525 TEST:

HC ppm: Limit - 68 Reading - 177 FAIL
CO %: Limit - 0.38 Reading - 0.64 FAIL
NO ppm: Limit - 526 Reading - 1785 FAIL
RPM: 2156 VALID
Dilution: 14.1 VALID

CURB IDLE TEST:

HC ppm: Limit - 200 Reading - 467 FAIL
CO %: Limit - 1.00 Reading - 5.84 FAIL
NO ppm: N/A
RPM: 1415 VALID
Dilution: 16.4 VALID


Car also rev bounces...don't know what's causing that either.
I'm so lost. Considering giving up on my Mx3.