Thread: CA Smog Failed

I went in to get smogged today and failed because my NOx was too high.
Everything else passed except NOx. But at 15mph and 25mpg the NOx was twice
the maximum limit.

I have a 98' SE-R w/ AT.
JWT Pop-Charger
Stromung 2" Cat-Back
HotShot Gen 2 header
Highport Intake Cam

I know a faulty EGR system effects the NOx, so I'm planning on cleaning it.
I just have a question on what part of the EGR to I clean. Just the tube going
to the header from the valve or is there anything else?!

Check its working, Search, I believe there is a way to feel the valve open and close.

I had the little rubber hose rot out on mine under the BPT-EGR valve, but it threw a code so check it but I don't think its the issue.!!

use a air compressor and spray it through the valve

I'm planning on taking it out sometime this week to clean both the valve and the
tube leading to the header. Just want to make sure, but do I use carb cleaner to
clean it?
(I've never cleaned it since I'm owned the car and my family is the original owner. Hopefully
cleaning it will help)

I also noticed that my temp gauge doesn't go as high as it used to. It used to be just
below the half-way point, but now it's a little over a quarter after I drive it for a couple
minutes. Could that be the cause?

CA smog test is a pita. Surprise they let you pass visual, but yes, clean the egr valve. You can also lower your ignition timing to lower nox. Do the test during the early morning, the cool temperature helps.

Thanks. I'm planning to reset my timing back to 15*
Should I go any lower?! maybe the 12-13 range?

Yes definately, the lower the better for nox, but hc will rise if too low.

Thanks for the input. I think I'm going to just lower it to 14 or 13*
Does that sound right or should I go one lower?

why not put the stock exhaust manifold back on? isn't the 98 have the cat really close to the head?