5 Gas Analysis

Another Rainharbor Production

1997

Three Reasons for Gas Analysis

Identify engine performance and mechanical problems Test the running efficiency of the engine Test for exhaust emissions against state and federal standards

Combustion Chemistry and Gas Analysis.

The combustion process releases the energy stored in the fuel Fuels consist basically of carbon(C) and hydrogen(H) referred to as hydrocarbons (HC).

Under ideal conditions all of the HCs would be converted to H2O, CO2 and heat.

Combustion Chemistry and Gas Analysis.

Unfortunately this complete combustion is rarely if ever achieved Short burn times, continuously changing mixture ratios and air temperatures, and combustion chamber quenching produce conditions which give rise to the formation of pollutants

Pollutants

Incomplete combustion produces carbon monoxide (CO) Unburned fuel produces hydrocarbons (HC) High combustion temperatures produce oxides of nitrogen (NOX)

Other Exhaust Gases

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a product of complete combustion. Therefore the higher the level of CO2 the more efficient the engine is running. Oxygen (O2) level in the exhaust indicates the fuel-air mixture. High O2=lean Low O2=Rich

Gas Analysis as a Diagnostic Tool

Gas analysis is a quick and accurate way to determine the running conditions of an engine By observing the 5 gas readings and understanding their relationship to each other you can diagnose the 3 major engine areas: Fuel delivery Ignition Engine Mechanics

High HC Only

Hydrocarbons are unburned fuel. This can be caused by: Ignition Timing (base and advance) Vacuum Leaks (hoses, brake booster, manifold, evap. etc.) Ignition (misfires, coil breakdown, etc.) Mechanical (low compression, bad cam, etc.) Catalytic Converter Failures

High CO Only

Carbon Monoxide is a result of incorrect fuel/air mixtures. Causes include: For Carburetors (float level, power circuit, choke circuit) For Injection (injectors, pressure regulator, temp sensor, MAP/MAF sensor) For Both Systems (air filter, PCV, Evap, O2 sensor, air injection

High Nox Only

NOX is caused by high combustion chamber temperatures. Check: EGR (valve, controls, solenoids, passages, vacuum hoses) Ignition Timing ( base and advance) Engine Temperature (cooling system, fan restricted exhaust, Thermostat) Vacuum Leaks (hoses, booster, evap, etc) Mechanical (carbon deposits, converter, etc)

High CO and HC

Normally, when HC and CO are high it is the result of a CO failure driving the HC high. Correct for high CO first (Excessive fuel, restricted air, Evap., etc.) If HC is still high, test as high HC (ignition, timing, mechanical, etc.)

High CO and Nox

These problems are normally incompatible. If they occur on the same test they will most likely occur at different points on the drive cycle Correct CO failure first Retest and locate NOX failure in drive cycle and correct as NOX failure only

HC and NoX

High HC and NOX normally occur as the result of a lean misfire. Check for: Lean run (vacuum leaks, mixture problems, fuel delivery, etc.) Mechanical (oil burning can cause high combustion chamber temperatures)

CO, HC and NOX

This is a complete breakdown of the emission systems or multiple failures. Check: Catalytic Converter (missing, damaged) PCM (closed loop, wiring, etc.) Drive cycle ( if failures occur at different points diagnose each failure separately)

Using the PXA 1100 For todays Emissions Programs

The PXA 1100 was designed for todays emission programs, and is software updateable for tomorrows.
I/M 240 ASM Basic idle and cruise speeds

Take It On The Road

NOX failure typically occur under a loaded condition, which requires the vehicle to be driven on the road or on a dynamometer. The fully portable PXA1100 allows you to perform on the road tests under actual loaded conditions. Using the multiple record feature you can analyze the data back at the shop.

Analyze The Data

The PXA1100 provides data analysis no other analyzer can match:
Average emission reading or any portion of a road test Estimated Grams/Mile calculate an estimated I/M240 grams-per-mile ASM Analysis to analyze any snapshot

Factory Repair Strategies

The PXA1100 was designed around the new repair strategies such as GMs SBD Average Emissions and Estimated Grams/Mile allow you to Baseline a vehicles emissions before repairs After repairs are made you can Verify emission reductions

Oscilloscope & Meter Functions

Perform O2 sensor analysis Test sensors, actuators, switches and voltage Min and Max capture on all meter modes Single and dual trace capability Auto setup automatically selects best settings Popup function menu

Network the PXA1100 and the Tech1A or MasterTech

The PXA 1100 networks with the Tech1A or MasterTech allowing the recording of scan data with gas data during a road test

Connect to a Pc for Even More Diagnostic Power

Upload snapshots to a PC using Vetronix TechView for Windows for analysis Archive known good and problem road test data Display real-time data from PXA1100 and Tech1A or MasterTech on the PC

Additional Features
Micro-Bench Technology no moving parts On-Screen Help Air Fuel Ratio Calculation Emissions Glossary 59 related terms defined On-Screen Maintenance and Calibration Five Display Modes Bar, Line, Overlap, Custom, Numerical Optional RPM and Oil Temperature Display