You are here: Forums Maintenance & Repair Maintenance & Repair - Archived Discussions Retard ignition timing to pass emissions test? HELP 

Retard ignition timing to pass emissions test? HELP - READ ONLY

15 messages,  Last post on Feb 05, 2004 at 3:06 PM

You are in the Maintenance & Repair - Archived Discussions Forum. Your Host is mr_shiftright

This discussion is ARCHIVED. To reactivate the discussion, post a request in the Lost? Ask the M&R Host for directions! discussion.

What is this discussion about? Plymouth Horizon, Engine, Exhaust, Fuel Efficiency (MPG), Sedan

Messages Page 2 of 2 1 2 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

#6 of 15 by Mr_Shiftright HOST Jan 13, 2004 (8:34 am)
If you are really that desperate, you might try this: get a can of that stuff that helps you pass the smog test--marketed in Kragen, Grand Auto, etc.---then just before the test drive the bee-jamas out of the car and get it good and hot. You might get lucky. If you fail the test, I think you can get your money back on the can of voodoo juice.   I'm amazed they don't check timing. What state is this?
#7 of 15 HELP... by edwardn1 Jan 13, 2004 (9:11 pm)
...I CAN'T GET ANYONE TO ANSWER MY VERY SIMPLE QUESTION. Once again, a few months ago pop mechanix had an article on passing emission tests and retarding the timing was mentioned and I wondered if anyone had any good luck with this. THAT WAS THE QUESTION. I do not wish to spend any more than I already have on this car as it's about to be donated shortly, BUT I NEED IT TO PASS FOR NOW. PLEASE ACTUALLY ANSWER MY QUESTION, THANKS IN ADVANCE, ED
#8 of 15 by alcan Jan 14, 2004 (4:20 am)
1. PLEASE LOSE THE CAPS LOCK KEY. WE DON'T LIKE TO BE SHOUTED AT.   2. Post the engine size, carbureted or EFI, and whether manual or auto trans next time.   2. Base timing spec for your vehicle should be 12 degrees BTDC, idle speed 850 RPM in neutral. Verify this with the underhood VECI label. Retard base timing to 0-2 degrees BTDC. Causes the burn to start with the pistons already on their downstroke, exposing more of the cylinder walls to the flame front. Also reduces combustion pressure.
#9 of 15 by Mr_Shiftright HOST Jan 14, 2004 (9:16 am)
your question really doesn't have an easy answer, because we don't know what's wrong with your car. For instance, if you retard the timing BUT you have a very lean mixture (due to a vacuum leak or malfunctioning carburetor), your NOX emissions will go way up and your car will be difficult to drive as a result.   Generally spark retard will decrease HC and NOX, but not always.   so I guess best thing is knock the spark back a few degrees and also do the things I told you.   The idea of spark retard to reduce emissions has a strong basis in fact, but applies more readily to pre-emissions equipped cars., where other devices do not interfere.
#10 of 15 re:retarding timing by vidtech Jan 18, 2004 (6:30 am)
no retarding the timing will probably make CO worse.you are running rich.set the timing at specs and try to economically try to solve your rich running engine.a simple thing to try is change your oil.if you are running rich i bet it is fuel diluted.changing the oil and retest your engine good and warm might squeek you thru the test.
#11 of 15 I am using 20w50 to reduce oil consumption... by edwardn1 Jan 30, 2004 (10:16 pm)
...but was wondering if the lower drag of a 10w30 would help too, as you suggested an oil change?Thanks in advance for comments.
#12 of 15 anybody there... by edwardn1 Feb 02, 2004 (11:36 am)
...any response?
#13 of 15 by Mr_Shiftright HOST Feb 03, 2004 (11:00 am)
your question isn't clear...you are asking if a 10w30 weight oil would "help"...but help what exactly? Fuel mileage or emissions or ????
#14 of 15 emissions... by edwardn1 Feb 03, 2004 (9:08 pm)
...I already know that an energy conserving II oil like 10w30 should get 2.7% better fuel economy than a 20w30 reference oil (20w30 is what the API used for a reference) so it should get even better compared to the 20w50 that I now use, I live in the Phoenix area, 118 degree days in the summer etc. So I know it will help fuel economy, what I need is for this POS car to pass the loaded CO part of our emission test. Maybe the lower friction will have the carb on the single barrel mode at the test speeds of about 45 mph on the dyno, and maybe I'll get this wretched thing to pass. I really don't want to spend any major money on this car as I've already sunk too much into it. Any ideas? Thank You in advance for your help.
#15 of 15 re:emissions by vidtech Feb 05, 2004 (3:06 pm)
this time of the year i would put the 10w30 oil in there and retest.

Messages Page 2 of 2 1 2 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

You are here: Forums Maintenance & Repair Maintenance & Repair - Archived Discussions Retard ignition timing to pass emissions test? HELP