LS400 California smog test worries
06-13-12, 12:50 PM
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LS400 California smog test worries
Hello! It looks like I'm going to be obtaining an 1998 LS400 from out of state to California as a family gift, but I'm a little worried about it failing the smog emissions test.
Is there anything I should do prior to getting it smogged to 'prep' it? Does a decently maintained LS400 usually pass? Thanks!
Is there anything I should do prior to getting it smogged to 'prep' it? Does a decently maintained LS400 usually pass? Thanks!
06-13-12, 04:03 PM
#2
Exhuast leaks right after the catalytic converters due to rusty flanges and aging gaskets are fairly common.
Other than that, Im not sure.
Fairly certain the 98 was the first ls classified as an ulev (ultra low emmisions vehicle) though so you might have a decent chance.
Other than that, Im not sure.
Fairly certain the 98 was the first ls classified as an ulev (ultra low emmisions vehicle) though so you might have a decent chance.
06-13-12, 04:50 PM
#4
I'll counter that idea
It all depends on the mileage.
I have a 98 that I bought in 04 with 70K and today its at 180K. 3 checks ago I came very close to failing due to high NOx, which had been trending upward with each check. For the last two checks I've done everything I can before the test to keep the number down - check plugs, clean throttle body, replace air filters, fresh fuel and oil, then driven hard for 100 miles right before going in for the test. This has kept my NOx from rising any further and therefore continuing to pass.
Strangely, I've gotten better numbers from the shops where I paid a lot (>$50) for the test. Maybe they do a better job of cleaning the testing equipment?
I have a 98 that I bought in 04 with 70K and today its at 180K. 3 checks ago I came very close to failing due to high NOx, which had been trending upward with each check. For the last two checks I've done everything I can before the test to keep the number down - check plugs, clean throttle body, replace air filters, fresh fuel and oil, then driven hard for 100 miles right before going in for the test. This has kept my NOx from rising any further and therefore continuing to pass.
Strangely, I've gotten better numbers from the shops where I paid a lot (>$50) for the test. Maybe they do a better job of cleaning the testing equipment?
06-14-12, 10:48 AM
#6
It all depends on the mileage.
I have a 98 that I bought in 04 with 70K and today its at 180K. 3 checks ago I came very close to failing due to high NOx, which had been trending upward with each check. For the last two checks I've done everything I can before the test to keep the number down - check plugs, clean throttle body, replace air filters, fresh fuel and oil, then driven hard for 100 miles right before going in for the test. This has kept my NOx from rising any further and therefore continuing to pass.
Strangely, I've gotten better numbers from the shops where I paid a lot (>$50) for the test. Maybe they do a better job of cleaning the testing equipment?
I have a 98 that I bought in 04 with 70K and today its at 180K. 3 checks ago I came very close to failing due to high NOx, which had been trending upward with each check. For the last two checks I've done everything I can before the test to keep the number down - check plugs, clean throttle body, replace air filters, fresh fuel and oil, then driven hard for 100 miles right before going in for the test. This has kept my NOx from rising any further and therefore continuing to pass.
Strangely, I've gotten better numbers from the shops where I paid a lot (>$50) for the test. Maybe they do a better job of cleaning the testing equipment?
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06-14-12, 09:53 PM
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Thanks everyone!!! It's a pretty sweet car so I'm happy to have it... just was a little nervous about the smog test. I'm feeling much better now, will drive it around 20-30 mins prior to going to the place to warm it up a bit.
AFAIK the mileage is around 130k, by the way.
I'm going to try to take it to one of those "free retest" places so if it fails on first try I won't freak. Hopefully even if it doesn't pass it just might need some minor catch up maintenance.
AFAIK the mileage is around 130k, by the way.
I'm going to try to take it to one of those "free retest" places so if it fails on first try I won't freak. Hopefully even if it doesn't pass it just might need some minor catch up maintenance.
06-15-12, 05:35 AM
#10
Oops, I didn't realize that was already implemented by 98. Thanks, PD.
06-16-12, 06:15 PM
#12
06-16-12, 07:11 PM
#13
Congrats on passing. Which state was the car originating from? Yes, please post the readings.
CA emissions have become more strict over the years. For older cars the restricted standards make it tough. Most properly running LS's should clear without issue.
CA emissions have become more strict over the years. For older cars the restricted standards make it tough. Most properly running LS's should clear without issue.
06-16-12, 08:27 PM
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The car is being transferred from Florida.
Here's the emissions stats:
%CO2
14.9 (both speeds)
%O2
0.0 (both speeds)
HC (PPM)
15 MPH - 21
25 MPH - 16
CO (%)
15 MPH - 0.04
25 MPH - 0.06
NO (PPM)
15 MPH - 287
25 MPH - 89
Here's the emissions stats:
%CO2
14.9 (both speeds)
%O2
0.0 (both speeds)
HC (PPM)
15 MPH - 21
25 MPH - 16
CO (%)
15 MPH - 0.04
25 MPH - 0.06
NO (PPM)
15 MPH - 287
25 MPH - 89
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