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91 Prelude Si 4WS wont pass smog


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wonderboy
New User

Apr 20, 2011, 8:12 PM

Post #1 of 4 (2901 views)
post icon 91 Prelude Si 4WS wont pass smog Sign In

Hi everyone!

I recently got a 1991 Honda Prelude Si 4WS with the 2.0liter engine from a friend of mine who is out of state in Oregon.
It has 157,000 miles on it and is in pretty good condition externally.
When we went to go get it smogged here in california it didn't pass.

Here is the diagnosis from the mechanic. (not edited, i apologize for the mechanics horrible grammer)

Customer requested to check why fail smog test. It found a massive of vacuum leak at cruise control unit because hose is disconnected, repair that, adjusted timing to 15btdc@700rpm, replaced broken PCV valve, re test car and fail visual smog it look like vehicle engine burn at lot of oil, fail emissions high HC and NOx at 50/15 test, Engine has internal problem, future diagnose is need it.

He explained to me that he thinks there is something bad in the motor and that a possible piston is bad or the motor needs to be entirely replaced.

Here is the ASM Emission Test Results

Test at 15MPH
RPM MEAS=1801
CO2 MEAS=13.6
O2 MEAS = 1.3
HC(PPM)
MAX=87
AVE=45
MEAS=172
CO(%)
MAX=0.78
AVE=0.16
MEAS=0.87
NO(PPM)
MAX =685
AVE= 459
MEAS =1812
Result = FAIL

The test at 25MPH past, if you need to see those results as well let me know.

So the mechanic told me I could prob get it to pass smog if I got a new Cadialc converter put in, but he said in like 3 months it would go bad again because of the motor issue. He said it could cost $2000 to fix everything.

I'm really not sure what to do with the car since I dont know much about cars, and I cant do much with it since it wont pass smog.
I really like the car, but is it worth that much to put into?
My friend suggested taking it to another mechanic and getting a 2nd opinion, but im not sure if i really want to throw another $100 into a mechanic who is going to tell me to give him $2000 to fix it.

Any Advice would be great, and any questions you have feel free.

Here's a pic of it as well.

http://img.photobucket.com/...e%20Si/image_2-1.jpg


zmame
Veteran / Moderator
zmame profile image

Apr 22, 2011, 6:33 AM

Post #2 of 4 (2871 views)
Re: 91 Prelude Si 4WS wont pass smog Sign In

Looks like your numbers are high in all sections from what I know from the emission courses i've taken is it will need a converter. The way to properly diag a cat is getting a sample before and after the cat with a sniffer and seeing if there is a difference in numbers. Another way is with a IR temp gun bring the car up to temp if the cat is same temp going in as going out then it non-functional. Also if the cat exceeds 650F then its probably plugged. You can also give it a light tap with a rubber mallet and see if it rattles if it does it's no good.

$2000 seems a little steep to me I priced a Benchmark 50 state legal cat for $329.00.. Catco makes on for under $150 for 49 state legal no-CA.

Is that to replace the engine???..

Burning oil usually has minimal effect of result of emission test believe it or not. Depending how bad it's burning oil it may be a problem. It also seems most honda's seem to burn a little oil when the mileage gets up there, so I wouldn't call it abnormal.


(This post was edited by zmame on Apr 22, 2011, 6:38 AM)


wonderboy
New User

Apr 25, 2011, 6:37 PM

Post #3 of 4 (2861 views)
Re: 91 Prelude Si 4WS wont pass smog Sign In

yeah he said Estimate of up to $2000 to replace the motor.
The cat he said and everything to do would cost about $600 for everything.

I'm thinking I might just try to get a new cat and go from there, but im affraid of dropping more money into it, but will see.


zmame
Veteran / Moderator
zmame profile image

Apr 25, 2011, 6:39 PM

Post #4 of 4 (2859 views)
Re: 91 Prelude Si 4WS wont pass smog Sign In

depending how bad its burning oil I would get a cheap cat and re-try $200 beats $2000






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