SMOG TEST-Only Stations -- Advice Needed for East Bay, CA

[steve911]

I just got my DMV renewal and I'm directed to go to a Test-Only station for my '85 Targa. Anyone have any experience with any of these type stations in the Walnut Creek/Concord/San Ramon area?

The website gives a list of a bunch of stations, but I have no experience with any of them.

My car is totally stock, but does smoke some on start up, so I'm a little concerned. Tips on what to do are greatly appreciated.

I just put in zip 945xx into the station finder below:
http://www.smogcheck.ca.gov/StationList/StationList.aspx

TIA

[Nine9six]

Just make sure to get your car up to normal op temp prior to testing. If you passed two yrs previous, chances are you will have the same results.

[makaio]

Ditto to what Nine9six said. Make sure your car is nice and warm. I like to run my car hard through the twisties at high rpm's for 30 minutes or so right before my appointment.

[robkep]

It seems that I always get the Smog Test Only now with my car, but haven't had any problems passing the test.

[aigel]

I did a smog test only at a station called "quick check" IIRC. It was no problem. My gas cap wasn't tight. They sold me a new gas cap and I passed fine. It was one of the hottest days of the summer, I had driven the snot out of the car to warm things up, and sure enough, was high in the NOX. This time of the year though that is of no concern. If I were you, I would make sure that I have an appointment and drive it for half an hour on the interstate to warm it up. Then try to never shut it down once you get to the station. The cat works best when it's nice and toasty. There is no worry, you will pass fine.

George

[steve911]

thanks guys - making me feel better already

[banjomike]

Check out the "Ultimate California Emissions" Thread. Several pointers, and you will know what to expect. FYI. Every Calif 911 owner I know has been directed to Test Only stations this year. This may be something we have to live with for a long time. Biggest key in passing is make sure that the engine is warm, and don't let it sit and cool down. Make an appointment and show up with a warmed up engine.


Ultimate California Emissions Thread

[juanbenae]

no high octane gas that tank either. go with the low grade.

[tobluforu]

High octane for high HC cars, low octane for high NOX cars. How do I know because I have gone through test only hell with another car of mine in the last 2 weeks. 3 times and it still has not passed, but I'm doing all the work. Run your car hard, pull over and smell the exhaust. If it smells like unburned fuel, dumped high octane gas in it. I ran my car with both grades of gas in it and you would not believe the the difference in PPM on both HC and NOX because of this.
At the shop I went to you are able to pretest on the rolling dyno for half the price-well worth it. Of course I did not know this. They are not allowed to give you any advice at all, unless they are cool and don't care. I would tune your car up first and make sure timing is spot-they will fail you if it's not.
Good luck

[vash]

steve, valhallas will give your car a smog setting for free. then just take it back after the test, and the setting is put right back to optimum. you just have to give them a call first.

cliff

[steve911]

Cliff--
Great heads up. I was going to call John and ask him who he recommended for a test-only setting.
thanks
Steve

[MOMO3.2]

My 87 Carrera passed with flying colors twice at Check Only stations. Both times, it was pretty damn hot out and I did run the hell out of the car and pull right on to start the test. My motor has 160,000 with no work. It will blow a puff of smoke at start up after sitting for 12 or more hours. It passed by a big margin. I am sure your test will be fine too.

Mike

[steve911]

Car passed - thanks guys! All it cost me was the smog test and a new gas cap. Guy said that my cap wasn't properly valved. (Its a standard Porsche cap).

Anyone need an OEM red Porsche gas cap? $8 shipped...