High NOx Emissions Fix 2 use Colder Plugs. My second fix to the fun lovely car emissions game is to use colder heat range spark plugs. This lowered my NOx GPM values and passed the test.
My first video of putting a lot of Heet and chemicals in the tank helped me squeeze by to lower the NOx values. This time I did not use any chemicals just a colder heat range of the same type of spark plug.
You can see all 3 test results:
1. Baseline Aug 2020 Failed test. July 2020 installed new cats
2. A few days later before re-testing adding a ton of Heet and chemicals to the tank. Passed test
3. 2 years later only using colder heat range spark plugs. Passed test
2 years difference about 6000 miles more, a few oil changes in between, clean filters, solid cooling system, and same newer cats.
About 30 years ago I used to work at an auto parts store and know the art of selecting colder plugs and would experiment with my Jeep.
So, this time using online research I found the OEM plugs my 4Runner required and located a different brand but same threads, reach, and type except the coldest I could find and order online. Because in town there is no selection (a waste of time trying to find anything in Denver town!) It is all online you just have to wait a few days (week). So, plan your project early. Do not waste your weekend chasing down parts.
The colder plug cost about $12 each including shipping and tax. These are my "temp" emission plugs. After I get tested and pass I will switch these out for the ones OEM type for my 4Runner. As a side note I do not notice any negative issues with running colder plugs and driving experience seems mostly positive.
Did I say I truly love, (do you feel the sarcasm?) the emissions game and have been fighting it well since it started in the early 1980s...I get clean air, I really do. But why all the hoops to get it to pass. Most people buy new and consider an old car 5 yrs old and keep feeding the banks making them richer, the car companies, and having car payments for the end of time.
I do not understand why the average car loan is over $700 per month? Why the heck do cars cost so damn flipping much? Nothing has really changed they gas cars, use the engine over 100 yrs ago. Did I say car payments suck?
Anyway, there are a small few of those who hold on to their old cars and try to save some money so this one is for you.
Someday when I cannot drive these old cars anymore I am looking at Electric so I can stick it to the emissions game. Did I say I love, love the emissions car game fun? Oh, if you think CO is bad live in Cali they are really strict.
Good luck on getting your ride to pass and I hope this helps. We are all in this together.
