My fantastic capri, which has been one of the best running, most reliable cars I've ever owned and I happen to love dearly, will not pass an Emissions test which is mandatory to renew my plates.
Specifically, it will not pass the NO parts per million test.
The mechanic says it could be:
1. Bad EGR
2. Excessively lean air/fuel ratio
3. Excessive spark advance
4. Faulty Thermostatic Air Cleaner system
5. "Carboned Up" engine.
I don't think we have EGR's? Do we ?
I don't know how to check my air/fuel ratio
Other than pulling the head, how do I "uncarbon" the engine ? I've heard people say "Go for a good highway run and blow out the carbon." Which I don't believe especially since my car is driven on the higway on a regular basis.
I assume "Excessive spark advance" means timing which I would bet my left arm there's nothing wrong with.
If I can't get this car to pass an emissions test, I can't drive it and that would break my heart. On top of the fact that I'd have to go buy a car to get back and forth to work in.
I am in dire straits with this problem. Any advice anyone can give me would be hugely appreciated.
As extras, I have a brand new thermostat a cat with less than 10 miles on it and a brand new air filter and I filled the car with premium before the test.
Please help.
Thanks
Dave