problems with CA smog check
#1
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problems with CA smog check
My bone stock 87 Carrera coupe cannot seem to pass the new California Bay Area smog check. It is fine at idle (14 ppm HC, 0.02% CO) but at 2500 rpm the HC goes up to 258 ppm and the CO to 8%. My mechanic checked the oxygen sensor and is going to change the catalytic convertor next ($$$). This is not even the more onorous dyno test which I hear is coming next year. The car has 116K miles, is driven 40 miles per day and just had a major service done.
Any ideas/suggestions on what else to check or tweak to get through this mess?
thanks,
SEW QUIK
"it's not that I go fast, but sometimes I go sideways"
Any ideas/suggestions on what else to check or tweak to get through this mess?
thanks,
SEW QUIK
"it's not that I go fast, but sometimes I go sideways"
#2
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My '84 VW Scirocco would not pass an emission test no matter what. I replaced the cat converter and it passed easy. The smog tech said it's as clean as a new car.
#3
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What cat is your mechanic going to use? Seems like the aftermarket ones are about half the price of the OEM ones, and is it possible/practical to get one for a good price off a wreck (like from Parts Heaven), or might you just be getting into the same situation as with the one you have?
Good luck. I just had my '87 smogged in August, which I guess used the 'new' test (but no dyno) and it passed with no problems (other than having to test the gas cap 2 times before it held vacuum properly).
Tom
Good luck. I just had my '87 smogged in August, which I guess used the 'new' test (but no dyno) and it passed with no problems (other than having to test the gas cap 2 times before it held vacuum properly).
Tom
#6
MAKE SURE YOUR SMOG TECH TESTS THE CAT CONVERTER BEFORE REPLACING IT. THE DAMAGE COULD BE ELSEWHERE. I AM A PORSCHE CAR MECHANIC, HAVE MY OWN SHOP AND ALSO PERFORM SMOG INSPECTIONS. CALL ME IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. 650 992 0978 -JIMMY
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