Won't pass smog

[dnebout]

I have a 2004 Tiffin Allegro 32BA on a W20 chassis 8.1L with 20,000 miles on it. I have done nothing to the computer other than the manufacturer changing it out once. I've never changed the plugs or had any exhaust work done to it. No aftermarket CAI or chip. To me the thing is brand new and stock but it was high on Hydrocarbons by 57 PPM at idle only. Any idea what's going on. How can I tell if this is an OBD1 or OBD 2.

[dnebout]

I have a 2004 Tiffin Allegro 32BA on a W20 chassis 8.1L with 20,000 miles on it. I have done nothing to the computer other than the manufacturer changing it out once. I've never changed the plugs or had any exhaust work done to it. No aftermarket CAI or chip. To me the thing is brand new and stock but it was high on Hydrocarbons by 57 PPM at idle only. Any idea what's going on. How can I tell if this is an OBD1 or OBD 2.

[Brazels RV Performance]

dnebout,

It is an OBD II system

[dnebout]

I know that everything after 1996 is OBD2, but the smog guy kept saying it was OBD1. He tested it as an OBD1. Do you think it would make a difference in the results of the test. Setting his smog machine for OBD1 when in all actuallity it is an OBD2.

[Fred and Bonnie]

Sounds like the Smog Check guy doesn't know the equipment he is testing, quiz another smog shop.


Fred

[dnebout]

I found the connector. Lower left hand side of steering column. That guy's an idiot. Does anybody know if it makes a difference when you hook up to the connector when smoging a vehicle. The smog guy says no! He said I have something else going on. Maybe it's when Workhorse put in the new ECM. Any ideas?

[paz]

dnebout, when they did the smog test, did they stick a probe up the tailpipe? I seem to remember back from the days when we used to live in PA and had to have our vehicles smog tested, that's what they did. The OBD hookup was to read engine parameters like RPM to make sure it is OK to go ahead with the test, not to do the test itself. The smog readings came from the tailpipe probe. The OBD may be linked to temperature and other sensors in the exhaust, but I don't think the OBD knows what pollutants are coming out.

[dnebout]

I think you're correct Paz about the computer.
This time the guy did plug in the OBD2 and no difference. Yes he did use the probe. I had him try both pipes since they're completely seperate.

I took it back last night with a 1/4 tank of old gas but added 5 gallons of methanol from a local race shop and it still didn't pass. The gas that is in the tank is old.

[dnebout]

Brazel's RV, What do you think about all of this. I don't know where to go next.

[dnebout]

It is only high on hydrocarbons at idle.

[dnebout]

Since I tested both pipes with the sniffer and it failed on both seperate pipes, I don't think it is one particular plug or wire. If one wire or plug failed or coil was failing, then the one pipe would be throwing high HC out and the other pipe would have passed.
I also want to say it runs smooth.

[dnebout]

One thing to think about is that last year in trying to fix the cruise control the Workhorse center fried the ECM. Does anybody think that when the new one was installed it was flashed improperly and the parameters are wrong at idle. There is no check engine light!

[dieselclacker]

dnebout, what state are you in? How long since the engine oil was changed? Time as well as miles. You may just be borderline high on hydrocarbons because of dirty contaminated engine oil.
I would put in fresh gasoline, and change engine oil if necessary. This is assuming the plugs and wires are in good order.

Dieselcalacker

[Ralph]

And make sure that it is at FULL operating temp.