California Smog
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Newbury Park CA
California Smog
I had the pleasure of taking my car to get smogged today. So I bring the car in and the guy begins his inspection of the car. He pops the hood, making sure nothing is out of order. I am very at ease, I had just replaced the air pump last fall, and I just replaced the cat, last week. So I leave, and go get a croissant from the bakery. I return and the tech is wrapping up his work, and he tells me, rather flately, "It failed." :confused: Im pretty astonished so I ask why. He said he had to fail me due to my.... GAS CAP. :banghead: The stock gas cap none-the-less. The car passed the actual emissions with ease. Crazy Ca regulations.
[Modified by 1985vette, 2:39 AM 4/14/2004]
[Modified by 1985vette, 2:39 AM 4/14/2004]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 9,464
Likes: 1
From: Modesto CA
Re: California Smog (1985vette)
I return and the tech is wrapping up his work, and he tells me, rather flately, "It failed." :confused: Im pretty astonished so I ask why. He said he had to fail me due to my.... GAS CAP. :banghead: The stock gas cap none-the-less. The car passed the actual emissions with ease. Crazy Ca regulations.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 827
Likes: 1
From: Henderson NV
Re: California Smog (65Z01)
This is the insane BS that some FED or State geek making $100,000 + a year puts out as "RULES". He in turn, probably drives a hybrid car to save the mealy worms or something equally as important! :banghead: And I'll bet you $1,000 that he doesn't know a radiator cap from a valve cap! :mad I don't think anyone really understands how much money these "save-the-planet" types have cost hard working stiffs. It's gotta be up in the gazillions! :mad
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Re: California Smog (1985vette)
So I leave, and go get a croissant from the bakery.
Do you really think your gas cap leaks? :skep:
Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 466
Likes: 1
From: Laguna Niguel California
Re: California Smog (redwing76)
What is the deal with the gas cap. I don't inderstand why it failed. What does the gas cap have to do with that? Thanks
PS. find a mechanic who is a friend who does emision testing. We had to get my friends car to pass, 82 porsche with no catalitic converor :D . We took it out and got the engine hot, then when we brought it back the mechanic tuned down the airbox or something and the car passed with flying colors, lets just say better than a hybrid. And of course the car was back to normal configuation before we left.
PS. find a mechanic who is a friend who does emision testing. We had to get my friends car to pass, 82 porsche with no catalitic converor :D . We took it out and got the engine hot, then when we brought it back the mechanic tuned down the airbox or something and the car passed with flying colors, lets just say better than a hybrid. And of course the car was back to normal configuation before we left.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Newbury Park CA
Re: California Smog (LT1CORVETTE)
QUOTE: What is the deal with the gas cap. I don't inderstand why it failed. What does the gas cap have to do with that? Thanks
The guy said that the gas cap failed to vent properly. How that impacts the overall emissions of the car, and in venting what I have no idea. Trust me, I was even more bewildered then you guys. When he told me I failed due to the gas cap of all things.... :beatdeadhorse:
The guy said that the gas cap failed to vent properly. How that impacts the overall emissions of the car, and in venting what I have no idea. Trust me, I was even more bewildered then you guys. When he told me I failed due to the gas cap of all things.... :beatdeadhorse:
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,179
Likes: 673
From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
Re: California Smog (1985vette)
WTF! A gas cap? You mean the SOB didn't give you a chance to replace it on the spot to avoid another fee? Should left a $20 under the mini trunk door and asked him to check it again!
So how do I get a registration in Nevada?
-JRC-
So how do I get a registration in Nevada?
-JRC-
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Re: California Smog (1985vette)
The guy said that the gas cap failed to vent properly.
Why don't you explain the vapor-canister purge system to him...
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Re: California Smog (redwing76)
They test the cap with a vacumm.
Oh, nevermind, that never happens. :rolleyes: :mad
Instructor
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas NV
Re: California Smog (TIMSPEED)
whenever I took off the gas cap, I never got the hissing of pressure being released. It happens in my parents Trooper, but never the Vette. It is supposed to keep pressure in there? Also, there was always a strong smell at the front, don't know if it's gas or exhaust. Is it normal?
Oh, the cap's an aftermarket locking one.
[Modified by WEB_War84, 2:05 AM 4/15/2004]
Oh, the cap's an aftermarket locking one.
[Modified by WEB_War84, 2:05 AM 4/15/2004]
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,179
Likes: 673
From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
Re: California Smog (TIMSPEED)
Quote; No need to "cousin". Why do you think I live in Sonora?
:D
[Modified by JrRifleCoach, 12:26 PM 4/15/2004]
:D
[Modified by JrRifleCoach, 12:26 PM 4/15/2004]
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 721
Likes: 10
From: Irvine CA
Re: California Smog (JrRifleCoach)
Raw gas vented to the atmosphere is a very bad thing. If the cap leaks, get a new one. If the guy is selling caps than I may question his integrity, if not, go with the flow. That is why I like smog check only stations.
The penalty if he gets caught cheating is huge, and they do get checked.
The rip off is in the CARB number for after market parts. The state charges to get the number and the car still has to pass when inspected. If it runs clean, what's the purpose of the number? ($$$)
:steering:
The penalty if he gets caught cheating is huge, and they do get checked.
The rip off is in the CARB number for after market parts. The state charges to get the number and the car still has to pass when inspected. If it runs clean, what's the purpose of the number? ($$$)
:steering:
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: Modesto CA
Re: California Smog (Yellow95)
The gas cap check has been part of the smog check ever since they went to the dyno test. I bring a replacement cap still in the package just in case to fails. Funny thing is that I don't remember what car it's designed for. The cap sits in the garage waiting for smog testing on one of three cars I own.