help with 1982 Jeep CJ7 smog

[DRONE]

Well just put in a 258 6 cylinder along with plugs cap wires fuel pump and Carburetor and was expecting to pass smog timing set at 7deg. Failed as a gross polluter at the low speed part of test for High CO of 4.36, continued to the high speed test and it passed with a .92 so I'm at a loss of what to do next, any suggestions on next steps would be appreciated.

[DRONE]

I was thinking maybe a new distributor, maybe vacuum advance has gone south?

[Avanti]

Apologies to all here as its not a Porsche but smog stuff is of interest to many old car people in CA. I can offer generic suggestions as your Jeep is an AMC (All Makes of Cars) and has GM, Ford and Chrysler technologies.

Obviously getting too much fuel by the numbers. Probably smells like rotten eggs out the tailpipe too cause the cat is cooking. Even the low speed CO is high. A high float level in the carb can cause these readings. Did you rebuild the carb? If yes, check the float level again. You likely have a computer controlled carb with an O2 sensor but I would not replace the O2 unless it is not switching. With such a rich mixture, it may just reat high voltage around .8 or .9 v all the time.

Your engine swap has me suspicious. I would check the wiring to the carb, locate a Haynes manual or similar to check if the needle solenoid for the carb is functioning. You will need a dwell meter but if it is clicking you can "assume" its working and check the next thing. Check the hoses from the evaporative canister to the carb. There is usually is a vacuum operated purge valve in between and if it is missing or stuck open (incorrect vacuum hose connected), it will allow excess fuel vapors to be sucked into the engine (intake) causing a rich condition. You really need either a CO meter or a tech that has one and can make corrections and adjustments while watching the CO readings. I would pinch off the evap line I mentioned and see oif the CO readings go down. Don't waste money on distributors or ignition parts. Your problem it too much fuel is entering the engine and not lack of spark which would cause VERY high HC. I'm sure your HC is high too but below the cut points or else you would have failed on that reading too. HOpe this gives you some direction.

[Solamar]

If your using the original Carter carb I would bet it is your main problem. It is known to be very dificult to rebuild and tune correctly.

AFAIK, there are two CA legal fuel injection upgrades. Holley, single throttle body, or Mopar multi port.

Putting money into the Carter is probably a losing proposition.

[brighton911]

I would go to the Jeep forums and post there. While you might catch a Porsche guy that knows Jeeps here, your chances of more answers are better there.

[DRONE]

Thanks all,
I bought a brand new Carter Carb. and assumed that it would be set to run correctly
I'll contact the Engine re builder for his advice they assured me that if all smog parts were present the re build would pass no problem.
the smog station passed the visual check so all smog parts are there I'll get some replacement vacuum hose and replace all. I'll see if I can replace the O2 sensor and then back to the smog station, they have an older tech. that the younger Tech. that preformed the test says is the answer man
I have looked into the EFI setup they cost almost what I bought the Jeep for in the first place
but as my Jeep friends say JEEP stands for Just Empty Every Pocket
I posted here to tap into the brain trust and as usual all my Porsche brothers are willing to help
Thanks Ian
North county San Diego

[eastbay]

Put a new cat on it and it will pass. Been there, Jeeped that.

[Solamar]

The last time I smogged my Jeep, prior to selling it, I kept failing with high NO. I installed a new Cat and all the numbers dropped substantially. Passed no problem.

Wholesale Performance Muffler in Escondido provided and installed the cat for 300ish

[DRONE]

Most everyone I've talked including the engine re builder to has suggested that I have a bad cat and recommended I change it out to get the smog check passed biting the bullet and having Wholesale Performance Muffler in Escondido replace it Tomorrow $650 (prices for the CAT have gone way up over the last year) for the finished job My wife is not too happy but the jeep does me no good parked wish me luck!
Ian

[Arizona_928]

Yeah in March the epa really clamped down on things.

Nice extra tax. Enjoy the jeep.

Where I'm at in az i have no emissions, no inspection. You drive what you can get running

[KFC911]

^^^ LOL ... as a teen I bought a new '78 CJ5 Renegade with the 304 V8 .... immediately voided the warranty by installing headers and side pipes

Wish I still had it ....

Catz meow

[DRONE]

Well installed the new cat and went on my merry way to the smog station, No joy, it did drop the CO number by 2% but still need another 15 drop to pass still not sure why it passes the higher RPM test and fails the low RPM
Ian

[LWJ]

I am shooting from ancient memory here.

Let's assume high RPM means that the jetting is correct. Which is good.

The low RPM is idle, I assume? Is the mixture determined by the float height at idle? Many (most, I believe) carbs had this function.

If I were in your situation, I would double check the timing. You could be correct about the advance.

But, what I would also do is lean the crap out of it at the float. It may not start well and won't run the best. BUT, you have a pretty good chance of passing.

After you pass you may make further adjustments.

Also, remember that this advice is worth exactly what you paid for it. Very very little. I am not an expert and it has been years since I dinked around with a down draft carb.

[Zeke]

Does that new Carter even have idle adjustment screws? Also, how hot is the engine when tested? I've been known to place cardboard in front of the radiator. It's been awhile but there was nothing said from the smog place about the cardboard.

A 50 mile freeway trip does wonders for smogging.

[Nostril Cheese]

Warm the engine up, add a gallon of denatured alcohol to 1/4 tank. Does wonders.

[Arizona_928]

Originally Posted by Nostril Cheese

Warm the engine up, add a gallon of denatured alcohol to 1/4 tank. Does wonders.

I've heard the and with e85....

[DRONE]

OK heading off tomorrow to get a gallon of denatured alcohol at Sherman Williams paint and will add to the 1/3 tank of premium gas. Getting the gas I noticed that the gas tank seems to be pressurized well beyond anything I ever noticed on any other car I've had so looks like my fuel pump is getting an extra boost, maybe why it is running extra rich maybe I can get them to run the test with out the gas cap on?

[JackDidley]

If the tank was pressurized the EVAP system is faulty. Vent from the tank should go to a carbon filter that returns vapors to the carb. I ddo not know if that is causing you to fail. I am not a Jeep guy so I dont know that exact system.

[A930Rocket]

I used to leave the oil fill cap loose on my 911 SC to help it pass. Not sure how it worked but it did.

Can you do something similar?

[DRONE]

well I went and ordered the Howell EFI kit got it installed over the last couple of days and today was the 1st start fired right up with no known issues (as far as I can tell at this early stage) so off to the smog station Tuesday wish me luck