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California Smog problem 1976

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Old Apr 25, 2022 | 10:15 PM
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Default California Smog problem 1976

i replaced the side pipes on this car with 2 new Cats. one bank, one pipe one Cat. same on both sides. Cats were CARB approved. So I go to the smog shop and on the inspection come to find out the original 76 has both cylinder banks flowing into one pipe then it splits into 2 further down the line. The tech. tells me if he puts the probe into one side or the other the machine will know that it's only reading one bank not two and I would be flagged..
Are these machines really that smart? the tech. says even though my setup is more environmentally friendly the Jackasses in Sacramento who don't know squat about cars make no exceptions for that..
Changing it means a lot of cutting, fitting and welding wish I could find a friendly smog station.
Anyone want to chime in?
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Old Apr 25, 2022 | 10:23 PM
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I'd modify it so it uses only one cat for smog testing (bolt in). Once done, if you wish, you can then swap back. Probably the easiest thing to do.

Originally Posted by hitekcm
i replaced the side pipes on this car with 2 new Cats. one bank, one pipe one Cat. same on both sides. Cats were CARB approved. So I go to the smog shop and on the inspection come to find out the original 76 has both cylinder banks flowing into one pipe then it splits into 2 further down the line. The tech. tells me if he puts the probe into one side or the other the machine will know that it's only reading one bank not two and I would be flagged..
Are these machines really that smart? the tech. says even though my setup is more environmentally friendly the Jackasses in Sacramento who don't know squat about cars make no exceptions for that..
Changing it means a lot of cutting, fitting and welding wish I could find a friendly smog station.
Anyone want to chime in?
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2022 | 11:20 PM
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Originally Posted by hitekcm
i replaced the side pipes on this car with 2 new Cats. one bank, one pipe one Cat. same on both sides. Cats were CARB approved. So I go to the smog shop and on the inspection come to find out the original 76 has both cylinder banks flowing into one pipe then it splits into 2 further down the line. The tech. tells me if he puts the probe into one side or the other the machine will know that it's only reading one bank not two and I would be flagged..
Are these machines really that smart? the tech. says even though my setup is more environmentally friendly the Jackasses in Sacramento who don't know squat about cars make no exceptions for that..
Changing it means a lot of cutting, fitting and welding wish I could find a friendly smog station.
Anyone want to chime in?
Personally I'd try to X-pipe it after the cats but who knows if that would pass.
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Old Apr 26, 2022 | 05:19 PM
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Interesting.
Never thought about machine knowing about how many cyl fire in relation to exhaust.
One thing is the numbers would be half of what they should be and that maybe the issue.
Burning to clean? because only 1/2 engine is
being tested?
I have seeing testers put the sniffer wand into one then the other on dual ex, I am not sure why?

Anywho, a "referee" is your right and it used to be 500 bucks cap on getting car to pass as long as all equip was there.

I have to say never heard about this specific deal before.

Letter of law says "as factory" equipped and that you even have sidepipes is curious.

good luck
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Old Apr 26, 2022 | 05:39 PM
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Yes the system is testing the exhaust and needs to know how much to look for. You VIN tells the software what to test for.

Because stock it split after the cats they would use a dual probe. Really should not be any different at the smog shop.

Pay for a pre check and see what the results are. If your good have them retest and send the data to the DMV.
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Old Apr 26, 2022 | 09:25 PM
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dual probe makes sense! the tech. guy who I am familiar with did not suggest that nor did he say they now had dual probes?
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Old Apr 26, 2022 | 09:27 PM
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Maybe these newer machines don't have dual anyway he said if he put it in one pipe the machine would detect a problem. Nuts huh?
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Old Apr 26, 2022 | 09:28 PM
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I am thinking I might try that at another shop. thanks
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Old Apr 26, 2022 | 09:29 PM
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Not so easy but thanks
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Old Apr 26, 2022 | 09:31 PM
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I was thinking of that also but due to the side pipe configuration that could only be done further down the exhaust which would mean cutting into the side pipes. thanks
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Old Apr 26, 2022 | 09:44 PM
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Agree. You're at the wrong smog shop.
What does this guy usually do when a dual exhaust car comes in?

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