emissions help

I have an 85 Ford POS Ranger that I bought for running parts for my Skylark. I can't get it to pass emissions. The printout from the testing station says.... NOX to high.... The guy who did the test was a D###, and wouldn't even give me a clue as to what could cause that. The check engine light does not come on, and the truck runs beautifully. I have been told several things by different people. 1. could be the EGR valve, or vac lines, and 2. Could be the cat. converter. I am thinking maybe cat, since no check engine lights, and it gets like 28 mpg and runs like a champ, but I am too cheap to pay for diagnostic unless I have to. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

things people do to pass are:

make a hidden vacuum leak
retard the timing
water down the gas with lots of acohol
lean it out so it just run

Do all of these things just beofre the test and soon as you pass and your a block away, change them. Be low on watered down gas so you can fill up n mix it out.

if that car has n air pump check it out. all some of them did was pump air into the cat to help burn off crap. Could be worn or bad.

 

The problem with your POS Ranger is that.... no matter how much money you spend, it's still just another POS Ranger!:Brow:
Peter

 

NOx (nitrous oxide with just 1 oxygen) is caused by having a too high combustion chamber temperatures and an excessive lean mixture. Anything that changes those conditions changes the NOx content in the exhaust. That and what Pete said. :laugh:

 

John is right, that fact was pounded into my head over and over again during numerous honda and VW factory training courses. Back then (85-92), the computer program would actually fatten up the mixture to bring down the combustion chamber temperatures and the NOx readings. Got a propane bottle?

 

POS Ranger

That looks familiar.... But I gotta have something to haul parts for the good cars!!! And besides, it keeps my ego in proportion.
:laugh: :bglasses:

 

Thanks for the great info guys, I absolutely hate this emissions crap. Real cars don't need cats and egr valves. That THING doesn't have an air pump. I am really hoping to fix the problem the right way so I don't have to mess with it again. I read an ASE test prep book on the subject, and it seemed to point twords the EGR valve. I think I'll hook it up to the shops computer tomarrow and check for codes.
Thanks again for the help all.

 

Fords are notorious for eating the EVP sensor on top of the valve. This sensor tells toe computer where the EGR valve is and where it is going. Test these by checking resistance between pins, and move the plunger. If the resistance changes smoothly, it is ok. I have seen the solenoid die as well, if it dies, no vacuum will reach the valve, and it won't open. Is your ignition timing advanced? If so, NOx will be high. Nox is caused by excessive combustion temps; the EGR is intended to lower them. Ray

 

How many miles?
Check the timing first.
Then the EGR. It should set a code.
If they check okay, it will need a cat.
John