Failed idle emissions test

[ting]

Hi, newbie here and this is my first post.

I'm based in Vancouver BC and recently imported a fully restored '71 280SL from a reputable dealer in San Diego.  Being more than 25 years old qualifies the car to have historic plates.  But the car still has to pass the idle emissions test first to qualify which regrettably it failed miserably.  We call it AirCare Vehicle Inspection Report here in BC.

Is this something easily rectified?  Has anyone ever done this before and what are the standards for other states/provinces?

I can smell mixture is quite rich.  Can anyone recommend a reputable shop in Vancouver area?

Figures as follow:
Hydrocarbons ppm:  allowable 1004, average 202, my reading 1987
Carbon monoxide %:  allowable 5.15, average 2.32, my reading 9.99

Thanks in advance.

[mdsalemi]

ting,

Sounds like your FI pump and linkages could use a once over to set up properly.  If done by a "reputable shop" in San Diego, perhaps he should have known better.  I believe the procedures are in our Tech Manual but you may have to be a full member to access.

The generally runs on the rich side anyway, and very rich at cold idle while the cold start injector is engaged.  I sure hope they let the car warm up first.

BTW must sensible states here waive any kind of emissions testing for "antique" vehicles.

[Cees Klumper]

The carbon monoxide, if defined/measured the same in Canada as in The Netherlands, should be adjustable down to 3 or 4%, at least that is what I am able to do with my car. If that is not possible with simple adjustments, then more significant actions are in order. Like Michael wrote, all the necessary information is on this site, and a good shop should have little dificulties in rectifying these issues. Car will probably run better after that to boot. We have a lot of Canadian members, so it should just be a matter of time until some tips come in. Good luck!

[ting]

Thanks guys for the quick reply.  HOw do I become a full member?

I bought the car from Motoring Investments last March 2010 and it was advertised having 66,000 miles only.  Cosmetically it is very good but I was disheartened when the emissions test came out.  Driving around with historic plates add to the feel good factor + insurance rates is only about a third.

In BC, antique cars only have to pass the idle test so I think that is a form of waiver already.

I'm not mechanically adept so would really prefer a shop to do it, preferably one that can test emissions in real time while they adjust the mixture.

[66andBlue]

Just follow the instructions at the bottom of this page: http://www.sl113.org/membership.html
And welcome aboard!

[Ulf]

The linkage is a tricky thing to fiddle around with, how about first changing the air filter, the spark plugs and have the timing and valves set correctly? That shouldn't take much more than a hour and perhaps your mechanic has an emissions tester to see if there's any improvement.
If this doesn't work, do the linkage tour!

Ulf