I have been struggling with getting my 1995 Pickup-not for a lack of effort (oil change, new spark plugs, new upstream O2 sensor, new CA cat converter, seaform treatment, made sure timing and idle per vehicle spec. new PCV and cleaned the vacuum line system), to pass smog. I'm stuck at high NOx numbers-after all the work I've put in and 5 smog tests!


I'm now trying to see if I can find a STAR certified (hopefully someone who has intimate knowledge of pickups and 22REs) to repair and get me to pass smog. I would hate to have to even consider junking this work horse as it has plenty of life left in it. I welcome any advice and recommendation. I'm in the San Francisco bay area. Thanks all!

 

The EGR pressure port that connects to the bottom of the EGR Vacuum Modulator may be clogged. Easy fix: remove the connecting hose, spray some carb cleaner down the metal tube into the EGR, let marinate, then push a wire down it. Start engine and see if you have a jet of exhaust coming out of the tube. If everything else is OK, this should get the EGR system working properly and lower NOx into the PASS zone, but it would be a good idea to go through the diagnostic procedure in the FSM before paying to retest.