Emission Control Machine

Emission control machine

This is a machine that you probably won't find in most workshops. But it's called an Emissions control machine. It has awesome features that can tell you exactly what gases are coming out of the tail pipe.

The machine is a very simple to use machine because it has on screen instructions.  Simply select the appropriate options as you go through.  It even includes a receipt printer, to record readings for you on what car is being recorded.  This is very handy in workshops as they can easily be stapled to invoices for customers to know how efficient their car is running.

Today we took an engine that was running like absolute sh*t.  Here are the symptoms I found.

·         Terrible knocking sound

·         running on three cylinders (explains the knocking sound)

·         very weak, slow throttle response

·         high HC (hydro carbon) and O2 (oxygen) outputs: HC-6108 ppm, O2-11.45

I came to the pre-conclusion that it was a failing spark plug.  We removed the spark plugs and this is what they looked like:

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They don't look TOO bad, but since spark plugs are not all 'what you see is what you get', they can fail in the internals.  The spark plugs were then replaced with new ones.

we ran the engine with the new spark plugs.  The engine sounded a lot better as it was smoother.  It also had better throttle response and was running more powerful.  Here are the readings after:

·         HC-4794 ppm

·         O2-8.77

Notice how both of these values decreased.   This is because failing spark plugs will not ignite full mixture.  This includes the oxygen as well as the hydro carbon (fuel).  The problem with oxygen sensors is they only sense oxygen, therefore a misfire will read 'lean' and the ECU will richen the mixture.  This tells us that spark plugs are important for efficiency and even one failing spark plug will highly effect all of the cylinders.

While we are on the topic,  servicing spark plugs can be a simple way to help a car run a lot better.  Simply remove the spark plug leads.  Twist the head (not the cable itself) and yank it out.  Do not pull on the cables as they can easily break inside.  Use a 16mm spark plug socket, they will usually be deeper and have a rubber ring inside.  You will need an extension for your ratchet.  Inspect the spark plug and notice the colouring.  Take a matching spark plug (they generally have a code on them, but if you can't find it, use a NGK catalogue to find what spark plug is suitable for what engine) DO NOT DROP THE SPARK PLUG.  Insert the spark plug and turn.  You may torque them to spec but rule of thumb just use a 3/8" drive ratchet, hold the handle in the middle and only use arm strength. Do not over tighten as this can lead to serious damage to the head.