SC- 1st Gen (1992-2000)

Will fail smog test!

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Old 05-09-15, 01:04 PM
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dricacho
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Default Will fail smog test!

I went to my smog guy this morning to get my 92 SC400 smog tested. Prior to today, I have changed both upstream O2 sensors and the sub catalytic converter. He did a pre-test by putting the car on a roller and stuck a probe in the tailpipe to take readings while the car is running at around 16mph.

The result:
HC (ppm) - 150
CO% - 0.06
CO2 % - 14.50
NO (ppm) - 139

The smog tech told me to check the EGR valve and make sure it isn't clogged. He also said that it's also a good idea to change the spark plugs too. I just checked the plugs 2 weeks ago and they still look good. The plug wires look very old though so I'm going to get a new set of wires, ignition distributors, and rotors. Anyhow, the tech pointed out the EGR valve which is the one next to the intake manifold in the picture below. My other car is a Z32 and the EGR valve is in the back of the engine right above the transmission and is nearly impossible to get to w/o an engine pull. Before I get my hopes up, I just wanted to confirm with you guys if the EGR location is correct as shown in the photo below. I also read a how-to for the LS400 but it has an EGR vaccum modulator filter that can be checked and cleaned. I don't see this on my SC400, perhaps these cars don't have it, correct me if I'm wrong. Any other suggestions on what to check? I'm also going to run Seafoam through the system before I return to the smog station.

Old 05-10-15, 07:41 PM
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mikef
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How does the car run? Does it smell? Any noise?
Old 05-10-15, 07:46 PM
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grumpi300
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I own a 300 but I believe that is the idle air control motor. you're looking for a valve that has 2 vacuum lines and 1 line going into the intake where its bolted too. it comes off the exhaust manifold.
Old 05-10-15, 08:08 PM
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dricacho
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mikef, the car runs great! No abnormal noise. Engine idle is smooth, no missing. It used to run rich and I could smell it from the tail pipes before replacing the front O2 sensors, now it's gone. It's just the high NO that is causing it to fail.

grumpi300, I found this link and by it's description it seems to be the egr valve.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/att...-egr-valve.pdf
Old 05-10-15, 08:18 PM
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mikef
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I never understood how a car can fail emissions if it runs good but always just put some Acetone/Alcohol In your tank and it will pass.
Old 05-10-15, 08:22 PM
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dricacho
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It's the smog ****'s in California. I was also thinking of Seafoaming.

Originally Posted by mikef
I never understood how a car can fail emissions if it runs good but always just put some Acetone/Alcohol In your tank and it will pass.
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