Emissions -- Bah Humbug!

[ittlfly]

I'm going to PM you witha suggestion where you might want to take your car for some ''help'' in passing smog in the So Cal area.

[gbmidyear66]

Mike, an Innova 3120 will not read live data (e.g. O2 sensors) on an OBD 1 car - ask me how I know...

You need an AutoXray 6000 (for sure), or an Actron 9150 or a Craftsman 2500 (I believe the latter 2 will).

[SoCalZR1]

Originally Posted by gbmidyear66

Mike, an Innova 3120 will not read live data (e.g. O2 sensors) on an OBD 1 car - ask me how I know...

You need an AutoXray 6000 (for sure), or an Actron 9150 or a Craftsman 2500 (I believe the latter 2 will).

I'm afraid to ask but I figured that was the case. I was looking at the AX 6000 since it is easy to get at a good price. It might help me pin down this problem. Thanks for the info.

[tomtom72]

Mike, I'm glad that some one had the answer about the scanner, because I didn't. That's weird. I thought all scanners read live data? Otherwise what's the use of the tool?

Look, I don't want to be a wise guy on this but the plug gap should be set back to OE specs for the testing. The techron will help keep the injector tips clean, I use it once every two months in my car.

Also, take out the PCV's and shake them. If they don't make a clear metallic clicking noise, change them out. Also, make sure the PCV rubber connections are air tight. Also, check the MAP hose for oil build up, that needs to be clean.

You are correct on the O2 sensors, at 20 yrs old they proly are a bit tired. I changed mine out for the same reason.


Tom

[SoCalZR1]

Update...

I have managed to talk to a guy at BAR (Bureau of Automotive Repair), we have it all here in California.

If you passed smog in 2009 you may not next time its your turn:

- Emission standards on our cars changed this year. I was not imagining it. The max levels have been changed to what the car had to meet as new. For example, what was an HC limit of 110 PPM last year on my 1990, is now 77 since that was the threshold on the car when new. I managed 70.

- I passed NO the first time and failed the second. The BAR guy looked it up. He knew my results and he knew the temperature that day where I had the test done. He says the tester did not follow proper procedure. When the ambient temp is above 74 the tester must use a large fan to provide airflow and keep the car as cool as possible. He did not and so the BAR tech believes that is why NO failed since combustion temps would have been high compared to real world conditions.

- I mentioned that if it turns out the CATS need replacement they are not available anymore. I was told to call the State Contracted Parts Locator ( 800-622-7733) and they can confirm and issue a certificate that parts are no longer available, and then a "referee" will issue you tags for two years with no smog test. There is one exception... there is a new "visible smoke test" that must be passed. If it fails then no tags can be issued until fixed. Here is a link to the process: http://www.smogcheck.ca.gov/80_BARRe...08-09%20V3.pdf

If you do pass you go through the process again when 2 years are up.


- Curious what you emission thresholds are in California? They are called "cutpoints" and can be looked up here:

http://www.smogcheck.ca.gov/pubwebqu.../ShowMake.aspx

Well, that's enough good news for now. I am going to go try again later this week. And, by the way, the BAR tech said a lot of people are upset that they are not passing.

All for now.

[Coupe89]

I didn't know the smog stations need to put a fan in front when temp is over 74...

Thanks for the info.

[SoCalZR1]

Originally Posted by Coupe89

I didn't know the smog stations need to put a fan in front when temp is over 74...

Thanks for the info.

I don't think they are trying to make it easy for us. I saw the fan there and even asked if the car wasn't getting hot. No answer.

[Nacho_ZR1]

Originally Posted by ittlfly

I'm going to PM you witha suggestion where you might want to take your car for some ''help'' in passing smog in the So Cal area.

HeHe another option may be for u Cali boys to register your car in another state? I don't see this getting any easier in the years to come.