1996 Chevy Astro P0420 Code

JCESP

MEMBER
1996 CHEVROLET ASTRO
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
80,000 MILES

After I replace my Spark Plugs with Champion Platinums 7940 and Spark Plug wirers. I had an Issue with Bad wire on Number 5 cylinder, and I could see it arching at Night, so that, wire Replacement was helpful, is cleared up, with the New wires '
I have been throwing a P0420 Code. Here In California becomes an Issue with Replacing Cats as Some Can't ship to California becasue of strict limits on Emission Standars taken Place in 2009.

I guess It calls For a Magna Flow 45009 3 inch Pipe from Kragen. There about $171.00. But before I do, I mgiht throw back in the Old set of plugs,
AUTOLITE AP Platinum's 605 , , and see what happens. They don't look too bad.

Also I have been having a harder time Cold starting up. I have to crank it, and then Stop. After 5 seconds. Rehit the Key and Then it starts. Almost Sounds Like That could be a Fuel Pressure issue.

Just came back from Smog, and Failed the Test. Too Rick in O2 and HydroCarbons.

1 Reply

JCESP

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I Cleaned, with a small Dremel, with a Tiny wire Brush, the Spark Plugs Auotolite's Ap 605 and gapped to.060 threw them back in the Van, and Guess what Running and starting 10 times BETTER. LIKE immediatly as soon as I hit the KEY. THE CULPRIT has to be the Champion Spark Plugs sold at KRAGEN Auto parts, now merged with O'Reilly Auto.
Spending More money for supposedly quality is not always the case, and I am pissed about this.

The actual replacement ofthe spark pugwires was essential as taht Number 2 was teh bad one, not hte number 5 I was looking atthe wired digram upside down in my Haynes.

NOW time to run another TEST ONLY SMOG check, and see if I Don't need a catalytic Converter.