JFK

I have a 993 with sai code. It is not using oil and will pass the tailpipe test. Has anyone been able to get a Ca Smog referee to give them a pass since the car really doesn't need a $ 7,000 valve job yet?


JFK

nine9six

Why not try by telling your referee that the proof of your statements are in the pudding...Ask them to run a smog test, and if it passes, ask that they issue a waiver.

Or

Clear the SAI code with an OBD II reader, do the drive cycles to reset the monitors, and go have a smog test run.

EDIT
I had assumed you had already read the SAI DIY and understood what the codes entailed...

doublecabmel

how many miles you got?

goofballdeluxe

You don't need a valve job, sounds like.

Sounds like all you need to pass is to have the built up carbon in your SAI ports cleaned out. Some strong solvent, and lots of elbow grease can do the job if you're handy. Search the archives for the DIY on this.

If not a garage will charge you around $800 to clear them out.

That should get you to be able to pass smog, if SAI is what's holding you back

User 122821

California SMOG Referees will no longer pass cars without the OBD2 flags are set. In fact as of Jan 1, 2014, they only test for OBD2 flags if you get flagged for STAR program.

Usually all that is required is fixing the SAI system, not a rebuild.

kjr914

Like Goof suggests search for: SAI flush, SAI cleanout, SAI DIY, and similar. A DIY for many here or <$1k at your indy....better than $7k topend before its time ("its time" is measured by oil consumption).

mgianzero

One of the drive cycle flags is for the OBD2 test so this theory won't work. Also, if you are throwing a DME code, the drive cycle will not reset at all.

That's why this SAI issue is a concern on our cars. We could always ignore the SAI codes, but the cars won't pass the drive cycle tests. Only on 1995 cars could we truly ignore these codes.

On 996 and newer cars, the drive cycle tests are not nearly as sensitive as the 993's. But in either case, I don't believe you can pass smog with an OBD cycle flag not set. At least not in California.



Exactly!

helmet993

What code? Check valve in order?

nine9six

The thought/recommendation (not theory) was with the thinking that perhaps not all the ports are completely clogged, and that maybe it takes time to throw another SAI CEL...

If this is the case, and if you can reset the drive cycle flags; you may be able to have the car smogged for another 2 yrs...This of course, is not even a bandaid and does nothing for the impending problem rearing its ugly head at a later date and time.

Since the SAI system has no bearing on how well a car can be running/performing, (potentially worn valve guides and oil consumption excluded) the intent of the recommendation was to simply get the car smogged. This buys two more years in getting the issue addressed properly.

Making up issues that were not reported (throwing a DME code) seems to be an off target tangent and not germane to the OP.

mgianzero

Yes, you are correct that this strategy of yours does nothing for the impending problem down the road - which may include replacing valve guides. It may "take time" to throw another code, but in reality, once the SAI ports begin throwing codes, they continue to be thrown until you clean the ports out (or attempt to bypass the circuit with some PCB's that other have made). But no, you cannot get your OBD2 flag to set with clogged ports EVEN if you can successfully set all the other drive cycle flags. But I don't think this can happen since a 993 has to satisfy ALL conditions (or flags) for two cycles before it actually resets these flags. But if you DO clean your ports, you can buy time before extreme measures are taken (sometimes even a considerable amount of time).


I think you are misunderstanding here. Yes, an SAI code IS a DME code. Perhaps this is because you do not use or own a PST-2 or equivalent to see this. It is also described in the Porsche Workshop Manuals if you have access to a copy. You are welcome to borrow my copies if you want to read them yourself.

Porsche codes on the 993 are divided into 5 (possibly 6) categories by the control modules which monitor them. They are as follows:
1) DME
2) Tiptronic
3) ABS 5
4) Airbag
5) Air conditioning
6) Alarm system

Furthermore, in section 24-10 of the "DME Diagnosis" or Volume VII of the PWM, it states "The auxiliary air injection is controlled by the DME control unit. Therefore, an SAI code is considered a DME code. It certainly does not fit under any of the other categories of codes stated above, so it is considered a DME code.


Marc