My trip to the smog man

75coug · Post by **75coug** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 3:23 am

I finally broke down and took my car in for an inspection. Even though I bought the car many months ago, I had been putting off the inevitable, just knowing that it wouldn't pass the smog test.

It wasn't even close. While it almost passed the CO2 test, the hydrocarbons were six times the allowable amount at low speed and seven times the allowable amount at high speed. Grrr.

Thus, I get to spend untold sums to bring this thing into compliance so that I can get it registered, while every day on the roads I will pass innumerable cars that are driven daily, despite not being titled, inspected or insured, and being driven my people without a license . . . and who will face no real penalty in the event that they are ever caught. It makes me crazy.

svo413 · Post by **svo413** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 2:25 pm

If it's your 86, it has EFI and it should be not terribly difficult to get it in shape with no mods. Start with the basics, a tune up with a cap, rotor and wires, new O2 sensor, air filter and an oil change. Turn the timing back to stock as well. I'll bet this will make a big improvement on the hydrocarbons.

75coug · Post by **75coug** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 2:38 pm

Thanks for the input. I will let you know how it goes.

rlyons13 · Post by **rlyons13** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 7:34 pm

If I can make a fwe more recommendations. DOn't put the timing back to stock (which is 10 degrees BTDC, if memory serves), drop it to 6. Car will be a dog, but it'll help. Check & clean the PVC valve and screen. Check the resistance on your spark plug wires, and replace if necessary. New plugs will do wonders, make sure the gap is right. Wipe out the throttle body with a soft rag (don't soak in any cleaner, some of the TB's are coated and the solvent will remove the finish). Remove and clean the idle bypass solenoid. Along with the other suggestions, can't think of anything else that could be done on a Saturday. But, the timing is huge. Don't forget to turn it back up when you get home.

75coug · Post by **75coug** » Sun Jun 19, 2005 6:56 am

Hells bells, nothing is working. Needless to say, my frustration is building at a rapid pace. If this keeps up, I will have no choice but to unload this thing and move on. I'm simply not going to spend one or two grand just to get a freakin' car to pass inspection.

Post by **negusm** » Sun Jun 19, 2005 11:23 pm

Can you get an antique registration? That might exempt you.

When was your catalytic converter last replaced and how long did you run the car before you went?

I have been told (often) that a new catalytic converter and a container of alcohol in the tank will make almost any car pass.

scoutdrivinrebel · Post by **scoutdrivinrebel** » Tue Jun 21, 2005 2:06 am

negusm wrote:Can you get an antique registration? That might exempt you.

When was your catalytic converter last replaced and how long did you run the car before you went?

I have been told (often) that a new catalytic converter and a container of alcohol in the tank will make almost any car pass.

In Texas counties that require smog tests, a car has to be 25 years old or older to be exempt from the sniffer.

At age 25, if one chooses to do so, a car can be registered as an Antique. Antique registrations are good for 5 years and require no emissions or safety inspection. They do however have driving limitations. They are supposed to be driven only in parades, to car shows, or to car club meetings etc. etc. How this can be enforced, I've never quite figured out. The police should have better things to worry about than our old cars.

mustang marty · Post by **mustang marty** » Tue Jun 21, 2005 6:21 am

I had to have mine smogged when I got it. I has to be done when changing owners in WA. I took it in and it failed. High in CO2 and HC. I took her in to a certified emmissions specialist/ Tune up shop. Showed them the papers, they did their magic and she passed the next time through.

Total cost: $105

75coug · Post by **75coug** » Wed Jun 22, 2005 10:27 pm

Marty, you're killing me. I printed out this thread and took it to the guy who is doing the work for me. Keeping my fingers crossed . . . .

75coug · Post by **75coug** » Thu Jun 23, 2005 1:30 pm

Note to self: Do not buy any more old cars unless they are at least 25 years old.

scoutdrivinrebel · Post by **scoutdrivinrebel** » Thu Jun 23, 2005 3:12 pm

75coug wrote:Note to self: Do not buy any more old cars unless they are at least 25 years old.

I feel your pain. I hated to see Collin County join the smog sniffing society. Makes owning older cars a challenge.

mustang marty · Post by **mustang marty** » Thu Jun 23, 2005 6:02 pm

I have to wait until the car is 30 years old. Not too many '75 Mustang II's that I would want to own...

75Coug:
My car is CFI which are notoriously hard to adjust correctly for emmissions. Hopefully your 86 with SEFI will be easier. All they did was make a minor adjustment and a couple of things to pass the visual inspection (heat riser tube and a charcoal filter)

75coug · Post by **75coug** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 5:26 pm

At long last, the car passed the emissions test. I am going to pick it up from my friendly mechanic this afternoon. I am dreading learning the tab. Once I know the damage and have sufficiently recovered from the heart attack that will no doubt follow, I'll let you boys know what it cost me.

mustang marty · Post by **mustang marty** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 6:53 pm

I'd love to hear what parts were bad or needed adjustment. Mine was pretty painless, but that could be the difference between CFI and SEFI systems...

75coug · Post by **75coug** » Wed Jul 13, 2005 11:57 am

Ok, here is the report. The total was $790.69. He replaced the spark plugs, throttle position sensor, mat (?) sensor, coolant temp sensor, thermostat and gasket, two oxygen sensors, fuel filter, oil & filter and pcv valve. He also did a motor vac and tune.

The parts were $332.74 of the $790.69.