SC failed Ca. Smog....my suspicions on why...??

Drdogface · Drdogface's Garage

My '78 SC has been showing perfect numbers for years....until just last week. I have some ideas on why but would like input. Both numbers were high in the 3+ range and need to be below 2. Tech said it was running rich but can easily adjust that if need be.

1. Car had not been driven in two weeks and I did not take it out and run it hard for half and hour like I suspect I should have before going in for smog.

2. Tech had trouble getting computer to boot up so he let the car just idle for about 15 min which I HATE to do.

3. Computer had difficulty recognizing RPM's and never really agreed with the tach on the dash.

4. Been using Premium gas for years but some say that Regular will help with smog results. ??

5. Friend rec a gas additive

called 'Blue Sky' to help with emissions. I never heard of it ....anyone ?

This was a pre-test only and am due to try again in a week.

Advice Please...

mikester · 09-07-2008, 07:29 AM

Probably the biggest thing that hurt was not being at operating temp.

ANY Car taken cold to a smog check will likely fail.

Drdogface · Drdogface's Garage

Well, it wasn't cold exactly, it was up to 180 when I drove in but then sat at idle for 15 min. That said, I agree, and I'll run it a while next time.

craigster59 · craigster59's Garage

Drive for 45 minutes, lean it out and test it. That's worked for me. Like Mikester says, you have to drive the $h*t out of it before testing.

Noah930 · Noah930's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by craigster59

Like Mikester says, you have to drive the $h*t out of it before testing.

Is there any other way to drive a 911?

I've smogged my car in three states, so far. The one time it failed (in Oregon), it was due to being cold. I drove it around (repeatedly dipping into the boost) for about 20 minutes and retested; success.

KNS · 09-07-2008, 11:27 AM

Porsche used the five blade fan in the 2.7s to run hotter and help clean up emmisions. Bring it back to 'em nice and hot.

Zeke · 09-07-2008, 11:38 AM

I don't know if a '79 is a cat car or a pump car, but cats don't last forever. I put a new one on and ran really, really low numbers. A 4th of what's allowable.