Honestly, I bought this car a few months ago and I haven't done jack to the tuning. It could probably stand a comprehensive tuning. It runs good, but I was always pretty sure it was rich. Today I verified that assumption with my emissions test. I passed everything but loaded CO and I barely failed that. Without asking a bunch of questions about timing and Q-Jet tuning (I can use the search), how hot should my car be when tested? It was warm but not as hot as it can get. I would guess it was around 170 or 180.

 

I always take mine for a long run on the freeway before i go. When I get mine really hot it passes easier.

 

Agree....

Change your oil as well...

 

And yes... if you've got too much CO you don't have enough air to completely oxidize your fuel... lean it out a touch.

 

If you only failed CO (and not HC), and you onlly failed by a small amount, simply screw your idle mixture screws in about 1/2 turn each and make sure your idle speed is not too low. It will pass.

 

where the heck do you still have to pass a '73 through emissions? I want to mark on my map as places to avoid living :P

 

My thoughts are the same? I have a 73 in Cali and have not had to smog it in many, many years sine I was told it was exempt. Mind you all my components are still in working order.

 

Where do you live? Fill out your profile.

 

I would guess by the username that AZJason is from somewhere in Arizona. The following is from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Web Site:

"Unless specifically exempted, all 1967 and newer vehicles (including diesels) that are registered in the metro Phoenix (Area A) or Tucson (Area B) emission test areas must receive an emissions inspection no more than 90 days prior to registration.

Your registration renewal application from the Motor Vehicles Division will say "Emission Test Required" when it is time to have your vehicle tested.

If you work in the emission test area, but are registered outside of the area, Arizona law requires that you have the vehicle inspected in the area to which you commute. Note: Pima County emissions tests are not valid for registration in Maricopa County.

Automobile dealers are responsible for having vehicles emissions tested prior to sale. You will be notified by Motor Vehicle Division when you need to re-register your vehicle and if it is due for emissions testing.

Vehicles to be tested must enter the inspection station under their own power. They may not be on or pulling a trailer.

Exempted Vehicles

Model year 2003 or newer, except reconstructed, vehicles
Model year 2005 or newer original equipment alternative fuel vehicles
Model year 1966 and older vehicles
Vehicles designated as "collectible" (requires collectible vehicle insurance, reported to Arizona Motor Vehicle Division by insurer)
Electric powered, golf carts or vehicles with engine displacement of less than 90cc
Motorcycles registered in the Tucson metropolitan area
Apportioned vehicles (licensed in more than one state)
Vehicles leased to a person residing outside the emission control areas
Vehicles transferred between dealers (wholesale)
More Information regarding exemptions for New Vehicles, Vehicles Registered Outside of Tucson or Phoenix or Vehicles Out of State at Test Time

See also:
VEI Testing Areas A & B (Interactive GIS eMaps)"

 

Oops my bad. I haven't spent much time here since joining. I updated my profile.

I live in Scottsdale AZ. We have emissions back to 1967. Stupid I know. Actually, after I went to emissions I realized I can get an exemption. Recently AZ passed a law, if your car is 25 years or older and has a classic insurance policy, you are exempt. Its new and I forgot that I qualify for it. I was kind of curious to see how it would do.

 

I had to take a '48 LaSalle through emissions here in Colorado in order to get plates on it... Any car, regardless of age, must be emissions tested in Colorado in order to get plates. Any car older than 25 years can be licensed with "Collector" plates once it has passed an initial emissions test, thus avoiding bi-annual testing, but the car must be re-tested if it ever changes hands and is re-registered. Another worthy government project...

 

Jason...
Arizona just changed its emissions law regarding "hobby cars". If the car is covered with "collector car" type insurance, you no longer have to pass the emissions requirements. This law was enacted earlier this year, but became "operational" around June. If your car is covered by a standard auto policy, you may still have to meet the emissions requirements. The greater concern I would have for you is that you likely are not covered with an "agreed value" for loss of your vehicle if in an accident [if you have a standard auto policy]. If this is the case, you really should look into getting "collector car" coverage with higher limits on allowed mileage, etc. Hagerty and other companies carry such coverage.

 

if you get collector car insurance you don't need emission testing

 

Yeah, I forgot about this until after I tested the car. But like I said above, I was curious to see how it would do.

I do have a classic policy with my insurance provider (American Family). I called them and they emailed me a declaration page that says my policy is in their "Classic Program". I hope this satisfies the MVD jokers. What did you guys show the MVD that proved your policy meets the requirements?

 

Go ahead and follow Lars advice, even if you decide to go non-emissions.

 

I failed loaded CO, how much would the idle screws affect a loaded reading?

 

I have a '70 L-46 and tried the test here in Tucson, just to see how it would do, and yes, it failed. I was going to get the collector insurance anyway, but now that I failed, I can fix the problems, go back, and get the test the second time for free.

Such a strange state, this.

 

It depends on the load... If the load simulated light load cruise (which is less than 40 horsepower on the engine), the carb is operating primarily on the transition circuit and idle circuit. Leaning the idle circuit does lean out the cruise mixture since idle fuel is discharged at light cruise.

 

I live in Scottsdale and I have a 1970 with Historical vehicle plates and classic car insurance. I called MVD and they looked up my vehicle and they said it was already part of the program and was showing in the system as not needing an emissions test. I did not have to provide any info at all. Don't know if the historical plates had anything to do with it or not. I used to have to switch back to my q-jet carb just to pass emissions.