3.6L Running Issue - Resolution?

[widebody911]

Ok, I picked the car up at the shop today, and now the wallet's a bit lighter. The car runs *much* smoother now, but it's too early to tell if the CO issue has been resolved. I'm going to test the oil again in about 1000 miles (http://www.youroil.net/) and go from there. If that doesn't fix it, I'll probably replace the injectors.

Here's what they did:

• basic tune up (valves, plugs, oil, etc)
• fixed my shifting issue: new factory short shifter was binding (it was a ******* to get it assembled, but I didn't know any better)
• some jackass (yours truly) had put a jack (get it?) under the pan just fore of the trans, and bent it all upwards, binding things up good.
• adjusted the clutch
• put my stock crank pulley back on
• brought the CO down

The car runs great, although I didn't get a chance to wind it up, being stuck in rush-hour traffic. I have more fan noise with the larger lower pulley, although that's rendered irrelevant with the B&B exhaust... I suspect I'll have better heater flow, too!

[emcon5]

They figure out the gas in the oil thing?

Tom

[widebody911]

Not conclusively. It was running very rich, so that may have been the issue. I'm still in 'wait-and-see' mode.

Originally posted by emcon5
They figure out the gas in the oil thing?

[emcon5]

You ever get that thing smogged?

Tom

[widebody911]

Still working on it. I failed the first time: CO% was too high (by .2%!) and I failed the visual: they told me I needed a "Check Engine Light" and I didn't have the hose to the charcoal cannister hooked up. Adrian sent me docs to show that the CE light didn't happen until 1991, and I hooked up the hose myself. I had a re-check scheduled for last Tuesday, but it was running poorly, so I opted to have the shop work on it instead. My re-test is now scheduled for the 19th. Remember, since this is an engine change, I'm going thru the referee, as I want everything to be above-board and legal. Hopefully next Friday afternoon I'll be headed home with the Magic Sticker on my door post!

Originally posted by emcon5
You ever get that thing smogged?

[emcon5]

Thanks for the update.

What are the rules regarding engine swaps in California? I am guessing you need to keep all the emissions equipment of the engine, assuming it is newer than the chasis. Is this correct?

Can you put in an engine older than you car? For example could I put a turbo engine from a 77 930 in my 82SC?
Strictly a hypothetical question, at this point.

Anyone know?

Tom

[82SC]

you can back date the engine but I think your smog requirements are still going to be held up to the standards of your more "modern" chassis...with a 930 engine I think you would be fine...

Incidently I think CA has a loop hole where you can back date your engine and register the car with your engine VIN and not your car...so for example if you wanted to build a 2.7Rs with a SC chassis, you could get away with PMO's or MFI...

I thik they take 500 applications a year for this loophole...
the Spyder replicar's use this loop hole becasue sometimes their cars are registered as 1995 Becks...

[stlrj]

Engine Replacement and Rebuilding Guidelines

Overview
Engine changes continue to present problems and challenges to car owners and technicians. Here are some tips to keep you and your customers on the straight and narrow.

Our recommendation is to rebuild and reinstall the original engine, transmission, and emission control configuration.

When rebuilding an engine, it must be rebuilt to the original equipment specifications. However, if you do decide to change the engine, these guidelines must be observed to ensure that the vehicle will be eligible for smog certification or registration.

Remember, these are guidelines for performing engine changes -- not certification procedures. All exhaust emission controlled vehicles with engine changes must be inspected by an official referee station and must have a Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Vehicle Identification Label affixed to the doorpost.

Remember also, state and federal anti-tampering laws generally prohibit any modification to the vehicle's original emission control system configuration as certified by the manufacturer. And, Section 3362.1 of the California Code of Regulations prohibits any engine change that degrades the effectiveness of a vehicle's emission control system.

California Certification
A federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified (federal or 49-state) engine cannot be used in a vehicle that was originally certified for California.

Certification Standards
Make sure the engine and emission control configuration on exhaust - controlled vehicles are certified to the year of the vehicle or newer, and to the same or a more stringent new vehicle certification standard.

Classification
Don't mix engine and vehicle classifications which will degrade the emissions certification standards. For example, a heavy-duty engine cannot be installed in a light-duty exhaust-controlled chassis even if they have the same displacement. Non-emissions controlled power plants such as industrial or off-road-use-only engines may not be placed in any exhaust-controlled vehicle.

Computer Controls
If a computer-controlled engine is installed in a non-computerized vehicle, the "CHECK ENGINE" light, the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) diagnostic link, and all sensors, switches, and wiring harnesses needed to make the system fully functional must also be installed.

Emission Control Configuration
Mixing and matching emission control system components could cause problems and is generally not allowed. Engine and emission control systems must be in an engine-chassis configuration certified by the California Air Resources Board (ARB) or U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The engine must meet or exceed the requirements for the year and class of vehicle in which it is installed.

Emission Warranty
Voiding the vehicle manufacturer's emission warranty is not allowed.

Engine Modifications
No internal or external engine modifications (cams, pistons, intakes, etc.) may be performed unless the parts are ARB-exempted or EPA-certified for use in the installed engine. Use the database on this site to search for aftermarket parts covered by ARB Executive Orders.

Original Equipment
The installed engine and host chassis must retain all of their original emission control equipment. Diesel-to-gasoline conversions must have all gasoline engine and chassis emission control systems installed (such as fillpipe restrictor, catalytic converter and evaporative emission system).

Smog Inspection
These vehicles must pass a complete smog inspection (visual, functional, and tailpipe).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.smogcheck.ca.gov/StdPage.asp?Body=/Geninfo/Publications/Engine_Change_Guidelines-Jan_1994.htm

Cheers,

Joe Garcia