I just attempted to have my '78 smog tested in So CA and both Test Only Facilities did not want to perform the test. As of Dec 1, 07 the state has implemented a new Low Pressure Fuel Evaporative Test. I am attempting to contact CA DMV representatives but they were sent home early due to a storm?? Any advice.

 

Why didn't they want to do the test? Do they not have the proper equipment yet?

 

They said the hoses would propably break. I thought that is why they tested the vehicles. Looks like I will replace the canister hoses and give it a shot elswhere.

 

That's a new one on me. Did they describe the test at all?

 

Never heard of that. I would like to know more. Almost as much as where you get to go home because of a storm.

 

According to what I read on the state web site - they pressurize fuel evaporation recovery system with 'low' pressure nitrogen - through the gas tank opening - remove a tube from the vapor cannister and determine if the system is leaking. If it leaks it fails. This was something new to me. Two years ago it passes the smog test with no issues.

 

Just out looking at the vapor cannister - can you gain access to the tubes from the top? Maybe the testers noticed that? As for being sent home due to a storm and concerns over employee safety - only in California.

 

That sounds like a pain for an old carburated model, they usually seeped fumes out of the carb vent etc especially if the factory air filter was replaced.
We don't get to go home for storms unless its -40 and there is 6' of snow with 100mph winds

 

You complaint is more directed at the state of california bureau of automotive repair. they are the smog police, they licence all the smog techs and shops and also regulate the program. Dmv is only concerned with the electronic transfer when the vehicle passes in order to renew registration.

Are the hoses easily accessable because it would take like the old bb trick in the hose to prevent egr operation back in the day.

 

I have contacted them and they intern provided a number for a 'state smog referee' (?). Unfortunately that 1-800 number was busy for the 2 hours I tried it. I did confirm the number.

 

Here's the local number for the office (BUREAU) in my area 408-277-1860 ask for Lance and you dont know how you got the number.

 

NAme and number? How? Who?

Thanks so much! My patience wear thin with these types of issues. Well, so do my wife's, with me, when I get this way.

 

Here is my California Smog inspection report from Feb 8, 2006...I am due for another inspection on Feb 10, 2008 (next month)...
I am going to replace all hoses to/from the canister/fuel tank before the next inspection,including valve seals....



If,for some reason I do not pass as well I did in 2006,I will apply for a two year waiver (you can do this and still drive vette) and drop a ZZ4 in the turkey...when I passed the smog inspection in 2006, I had 126,512 miles on the original L-82 engine...today,I have 135,153 miles on the same engine,so I know I am pushing my luck...

One other thing about the new law change...if,when your vette is started at begining of the test this year, ANY smoke (however slight )comes from your exhaust,you will fail...period...

Anyway,the new test protocol enacted in October 2006,shall consist of sealing the vapor hose by means of pinch pliers as close to the charcoal canister as possible. The tester may use either nitrogen or compressed air to pressurize the vehicle fuel tank...

In short,this is a complicated test based on state requirements on the smog test station...my bud and I are certain we can defeat this test rather easily..I will post up my results here in Feburary...

Rich

 

This California smog testing is outta control and a pain in the ***. Hey Rich... that ZZ4 you mentioned, or joked about, aint gonna come close to passing smog on a 78- without alot of modifications. I hope that just your frustration talking.

 

I already know it can pass with appropiate "tweaking"... I have two friends running ZZ4's and they pass...Here is how this works..my friend has an engine analylizer that measures all the same crap the smog stations do..(without their software).so we put it on his machine,and "tweak" till numbers look good...the run it over to a test only station for the test... That is how I passed last time...anyway,there is no guarantee I will pass next month,but we shall see...besides,I still have my 69 which is smog exempt,so the rubber bumper one can sit in the garage till I figure out what course to take...

Rich

 

It's possible to get an extension and still receive your registration? That's another short term option.

 

two year waiver is allowed...

 

What's a smog test?

I recommend getting out of the People's Republic of California and come to a state where freedom reigns supreme! That'll eliminate your worries about passing these smog tests.

 

Its getting to the point where there gonna want to hook a mask on the tester and put it on the driver. If you can breath it, you pass!

 

I wonder how long it will be before they ban auto racing(or make them run cleaner) and smoky Top Fuel burnouts?