CA Smog Test Update

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Aug 1, 2003 | 07:57 PM

November Soul

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Oct 2001

Posts: 421

Likes: 0

From: Simi Valley CA

CA Smog Test Update

Took my 86 to be smogged today, and it failed. The emissions were fine, the the timing was way off 12pts - FAIL!

Had it reset at the dealer for a rip-off $80, took it back and it passed. :)

However, now I've got some tailpipe vibrattion - possible from the test probe dislodging something perhaps? Will new tips make it go away?

Aug 1, 2003 | 08:24 PM

don hall

Safety Car

Joined: Aug 2002

Posts: 3,842

Likes: 230

From: SANTA CRUZ CA

Re: CA Smog Test Update (November Soul)

Quote:

...... the timing was way off 12pts - FAIL!......

I suggested that you check your timing before the test.......(remember? you are allowed 3 degrees, plus or minus, from factory spec)

Aug 1, 2003 | 08:33 PM

ductape

Drifting

Joined: Mar 2003

Posts: 1,828

Likes: 214

From: Charlestown IN

Cruise-In V Veteran

Re: CA Smog Test Update (November Soul)

I'm sorry. I just don't buy into this vet (vehicle emissions testing) testing! We were sooo close to doing away with it, and they are talking about keeping it. In my area it's a joke! 2 counties in the south and 2 in the north. Here your car is worthless and in the next county it's fine?!?! :rant: A lot of people stop a block before the test site, turn the distributor, run it through, go a block and reset it! I want clean air but I think they are blaming us as if we built the cars. Until recently, we didn't know what emissions were! ...... Anyway, do they put a probe in both sides or just one? I would not put it past them to mess something up. Maybe a bracket/hanger was damaged. I've heard terrible stories.

Aug 1, 2003 | 09:28 PM

bill mcdonald

Le Mans Master

Joined: Oct 1999

Posts: 6,366

Likes: 34

Re: CA Smog Test Update (November Soul)

Quote:

Had it reset at the dealer for a rip-off $80, took it back and it passed. :)

:eek:
OUCH!
for 80 bucks? I can do mine in about 5 minutes.
did they do anything else to it?

Hows it feel now with the timming changed from where it was?

[Modified by bill mcdonald, 6:29 PM 8/1/2003]

Aug 1, 2003 | 09:41 PM

November Soul

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Oct 2001

Posts: 421

Likes: 0

From: Simi Valley CA

Re: CA Smog Test Update (bill mcdonald)

Next time I need it doing, I'll come and see you Bill :yesnod:

Yeah $80 is steep, but I didn't want to drive home, get out the manual, look at what was involved, get my hands dirty, do it wrong, etc etc etc.

At least I'm good for another couple of years :steering:

It does feel different, a bit more torque (I didn't think that was possible), and there's no drop off thru the gear shifts like before. Hopefully my gas mileage will improve too (14.2 Average MPG right now)

Aug 1, 2003 | 09:41 PM

oldace84

Race Director

Joined: Aug 2002

Posts: 13,356

Likes: 0

From: tucson AZ

St. Jude Donor '04 & '05

Re: CA Smog Test Update (November Soul)

I can't see that tiny probe offering any problems.
No new tips...check if anything is loose. How many miles on your wonderful vette????
Yes the smog test sucks, but we must pass it to drive our vettes out here in CA.
tony
:chevy :chevy :flag :flag :chevy :chevy

Aug 1, 2003 | 09:44 PM

November Soul

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Oct 2001

Posts: 421

Likes: 0

From: Simi Valley CA

Re: CA Smog Test Update (Oldman)

Quote:

I suggested that you check your timing before the test.......(remember? you are allowed 3 degrees, plus or minus, from factory spec)

Yes, I know - but because I had a major service ($700 worth - my dealer sucks), I thought that would have been okay. Oh well, it's only money.

BTW: While I was at tghe dealer I picked up some plug wire retaining clips - guess how much.... $3.51 each :eek: I nearly died!