Failed Emissions, have minimal of time to fix

[Node]

Failed Emissions.
1995 "W" engine Safari, 270k miles

EGR valve did not pass a linear electric test.
I'm hoping its just carbon or something that I can take off, clean, lubricate and reinstall.
Do these things fail.

Too much fuel at idle
Does the O2 sensor have anything to do w/ this?
Does my truck have a MAF?
Leaky Injector? I'm unfamiliar with these engines and SBC's in general

HC & CO gases were too high

Evap failed.
Time to do some vacuum leakdown testing.


Does anyone have a link to an exploded vacuum line chart as well.
My AC and Heater do not work. I know that this van has a lower temp thermostat and that may account for the heater. The A/C may have had the gases released when the radiator was changed out. And theres a big vacuum/hissing sound from the HVAC controls on the dash when switchin from heat to vent.


I'm primarily interested in the emissions as I HAVE TO make this puppy pass in 2 weeks.

Idle 609RPM -=- 12.7 % CO2 -=- HC 100max 629measured -=- CO% 1.00max 3.32Measured
2500RPM -=- 15.1 % CO2 -=- HC 170max 13measured -=- CO% 1.00max 0.03measured


Thank you guys.
-Ben Martin

[spongebob218]

What state are you in? That emissions test sounds way too in depth to me. They actually test the EGR valve(How?) and the entire Evap system? I do emissions tests in PA all the time and the old school tailpipe style tests included a visual inspection of the emissons system(Evap visual, EGR, PCV system, Cat., fuel filler restrictor, A.I.R.), a gas cap test, and a probe in the tailpipe to measure HC and CO.

Anyhow, lots of stuff to check.
-A stuck open EGR valve could cause high CO. Maybe take it off and see if there is debris stuck in the pintle.
-An O2 sensor stuck lean could cause both high HC and CO. I'd be curious to see what it was reading after the engine is warmed up. I've seen a bunch of these older GMs stuck down below 300mv.
-The injector on the older Vortecs used to leak alot. Would cause a rich condition at idle. Not as noticeable at 2500. Do you have an cold starting issues(long cranking)?
-Is the Cat. original at 270K? If its not working up to par, it won't convert the HC and CO.
-When was the last time the van was tuned up?

Hope this helps.

[Node]

california of course, we have stupidly strict visual's

van was tuned up about 2 or 3 years ago.


The evap canister had a nasty looking rubber piece (goes from canister to hose and is only like 2 inches long) and it was cracked badly.


As for originality of cats, I'll ask my boss, (he owned it from about 100 or 150k miles onward). I'm pretty sure that he has never changed them out.


Where on the engine is the EGR located?

[Gary]

The EGR valve is located in the upper front of the engine just below the thermostat housing and looks like this:


http://www.autozone.com/autozone/catalo ... chText=egr


Get the screened gasket to replace the stock one to help keep out carbon deposits.

[Node]

cat was changed 4 years ago, was tuned up (plugs/wires) 2 years ago.


What is the stock temperature thermostat?

[Matrixx]

195 degrees F OEM.

[Node]

I have removed the doghouse and upper radiator fan shroud. Easier than I thought it was going to be.

I found one cracked fitting on the evap canister that goes to a plastic (i think) line that leads along the drivers side ofthe engine to that side rear cylinder bank on two little solenoid guys.

It looks as if theres a little oil or coolant or something gooey in the cylinder valley.

I found my radiator leak. It appears to be leaking out of the upper drivers side barb to a small metal line.
I'm guessing that this is a heater line? Haven't traced the line as of yet.

Alright, time to get back to work. D'oh!

-Ben M

[Node]

What other years and cars are our distributors interchangeable ( I mean 100% compatible )

And would be appreciated if I could find a OE part # for the dizzy or a parts fiche


From a very brief look around. It appears as my 95 is a very odd year.

Thanks

[Gary]

Not sure if the work your doing applies to this,but your right about 1995 yr being a transition model in many cases.

[Node]

Well, as far as a lot of ebay listings (yeah, i know. but its a decent parts guide on the fly) says 86 or so to 94 and then 96-03 or 05 for dizzy parts. the 95's are non-astro's.

So a few of the spark plugs broke when I was taking them out. They were Champion 3018. Appears to be platinum tip for this model engine. So thats good. Not sure of the gap, will check at the auto parts store. All of the plugs looked a light tannish except for Left Bank -Front Cylinder which looked pretty white (lean).

Time to ohm out the plugwires.


Are these engines run on a single fuel injector? I'm still mildly fuzzy on the injection system.

I'm a rotary guy, so these piston things are weird

[Node]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CHEVY-GM ... ccessories


See, this has it listed as 95-05 for GMC Safari, but I have the older style cap on it now.

Are these caps interchangeable? I'm a little worried about having something thrown off. Still haven't checked the cap/rotor/gear for wear yet.

[Node]

SOB! Just snapped one of the nipples on the evap canister.
This van is a little crispy under the hood.

Anyone know the parts # for the evap canister for a 95? D'oh

[Matrixx]

Hi Node

It shows both for that year. 1995 was an odd ball year for sure. I would use your production date to make sure your getting the correct parts for your vehicle. Just a thought.

[Matrixx]

Hi Node

You can use JB Weld or a 5 minute Epxoy to attach it back on if it made a clean break.

[Node]

JB Weld it is!

So I checked out the dizzy and theres no play in the gear, but the cap and rotor wouldnt hurt to be changed. a little bit of oxidization build up from the arc. Right bank, middle cylinder had a decent bit of corrosion on the rotor > plug wire nipple.

I'm going to ohm out the plug wires and coil wire,
These plug wires appear to be some sort of rubberish/siliconish center material and I can't see any copper.
Thats just from a crimped end perspective. I havent cut them in half yet, don't plan to if they all ohm out somewhat similar.

The coil looks crusty, but I have no idea how to test it.


Now for my latest F up, I can't find the plug that fits into the left socket on the dizzy, haha.
I'm just a mess today.

[Matrixx]

Hi Node

-We all have those days.

-When was the coil last replaced?
-Does it have a strong Blue spark or a weak Yellow one when you test it from the coil to the cap?

Please keep us updated, Thanks.

[Node]

coil, looks like never replaced, very cruddy. but i could be mistaken

[Matrixx]

From my own personal experiences with coils and these vehicles, is they don't last long and they don't "usually" just quit, they just die out slowly. If you feel that's the original coil after 13 years, I would just Deep 6 it and grab a new one. If you want a diagram on how to test the coil anyways, I can try to find one for your year if you like, just let me know.

[Matrixx]

1995 EVAP Canister Part and Number if your still interested.
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carco ... e,Emission

[Node]

Yes, I would like to see a diagram on how to test the coil.

I have had my eye on the MSD replacement coil anyway,

You guys have a very friendly helpful forum here. Really makes me enjoy owning this van more.