My car is failing the Carbon Monoxide Loading portion on the State Emissions test.

Asked by ClassicAutoworx May 11, 2009 at 04:10 PM about the 1969 Chevrolet Nova

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My '69 Nova has about 60,000 on it's 350 V8. It has an Edelbrock 600CFM carb, which passes really low on the Carbon Monoxide idle test. I don't understand how one test could be very low and the other be very high.

My inclination is to go back to work on the carburetor. But perhaps the timing needs to be retarded a few degrees? Just a point in the right direction would help me. This is a California car that I'm trying to get to pass Arizona Emissions. Thanks.

By the way- already tried the parts store "Guaranteed emissions pass" pour in the gas tank solution and higher octane fuel. Put a new K&N air filter on it and checked the plugs. They look clean. The oil was recently changed as well

4 Answers
16,745

Adam answered 15 years ago

If you don't have a catalytic converter, put one on. If you have an old 2-way cat on put a newer 3-way cat on. I know it sucks but it'll make an immense difference in your emissions.

Mark helpful
15

Austin answered 14 years ago

damn, i don't know what to tell you. I'm afraid you'll need to install a catalytic converter. But if you add the zddp additives to your oil for non-roller lifters, cams, or rockers and what not your catalytic converter will fail

Mark helpful
16,745

Adam answered 14 years ago

True, but it takes a LONG time to fail, to my knowledge. They didn't severely cut back ZDDP until fairly recently to protect cats. Figure pretty much every car since 76 has had cats and high amounts of ZDDP... It doesn't seem like a big issue, to be honest I'm not sure why they make such a big deal about it. Likely something I don't know... You may want to put a short removable section in, where you can pull the after testing, just to be on the safe side. It's not required on your car so you don't have to have the cat all the time, but it'll be useful when being tested.

Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

Nova

Looking for a Used Nova in your area?

CarGurus has 116 nationwide Nova listings and the tools to find you a great deal.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

1969 Chevrolet Nova

Write a car review

Review another car

Shortcuts

Search Chevrolet Nova Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    John Carson
    Reputation
    180
  • #2
    Rowefast
    Reputation
    140
  • #3
    Jon Dunn
    Reputation
    120
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Camaro
596 Great Deals out of 9,145 listings starting at $4,899
Used Chevrolet Chevelle
297 listings starting at $199,900
Used Chevrolet Corvette
708 Great Deals out of 12,483 listings starting at $3,200
Used Chevrolet Monte Carlo
5 Great Deals out of 208 listings starting at $4,997
Used Ford Mustang
920 Great Deals out of 22,586 listings starting at $1,000
Used Chevrolet Impala
266 Great Deals out of 4,066 listings starting at $300
Used Chevrolet Malibu
1,009 Great Deals out of 19,643 listings starting at $700
Used Chevrolet El Camino
109 listings
Used Pontiac Firebird
11 Great Deals out of 377 listings starting at $5,950
Used Chevrolet Blazer
733 Great Deals out of 14,382 listings starting at $1,997

Used Cars for Sale

1979 Chevrolet Nova For Sale
1 listing

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.