Ca Smog Question

[Erichter]

I took my '86 Carrera in for smog check. It failed the fuel system pressure check. HC and CO numbers were fine. I replaced all the evaporate hoses in front including the one in front of the left front tire. I also replaced the fuel cap gasket. I took it back and it failed again. They of course wanted me to leave it with them and they would "take a look at it" but I declined. Any ideas of other things to look for or replace. I did a search but couldn't find anything on this site.

[911obgyn]

Check the charcoal canister and the big fuel fill hose and vent hose for the fuel fill. They only check my gas cap I am not sure how they would check fuel system pressure. I usually take mine to a test only station so they dont have an incentive to fail.

[Tori]

I work at a shop that does CA. Smog tests. We just smogged my '87 yesterday. I believe what your saying is that you failed the Evap. system test. On a normal car they are lightly pressure testing for leaks in the Evap. system (lines) The Charcoal canister is eliminated from the system by pinching off the hose before it.
Now, on almost all European cars, you cannot test this part of the system. If you cannot access the lines to the canister, then the test is NOT APPLICABLE. That is what the smog tech needs to enter on the smog machine when prompted to perform that test.

Call them back tomorrow and run this by them. If they don't agree and realize their mistake, find another shop. Preferably one that is familiar with European cars.

[Erichter]

Thank you Tori. Yes, it failed the Evaporate test. I couldn't remember the correct term. I'll actually go by there and read them your post. Thanks again.

[Tori]

From the BAR manual:

[Erichter]

Went by the smog shop this morning and had them read Tori's post. He said he was able to pinch the hose. If I'm looking at the correct hose, there is a small amount of hose below the fuse panel before it connects to the hard line that goes through the body and down to the canister. Not sure what to do now. I have replaced my gas cap gasket but since this is my first Porsche, I'm not sure how tight the cap gets. Mine will just keep spinning but will tighten every 1/2 turn then loosen again. Is that normal? I ordered an inexpensive cap from Pelican to see if that helps.

[DRACO A5OG]

Yes, that is normal for our caps, once it is snug it will not allow you to tighten anymore.

[Tori]

Originally Posted by Erichter

... If I'm looking at the correct hose, there is a small amount of hose below the fuse panel before it connects to the hard line that goes through the body and down to the canister.

Post a pic of the hose he is pinching. Lets confirm here that it even goes to the canister. I don't know the car well enough to advise on that. I know the hose your speaking of, but you can't see where it goes.....

You can always go to another smog shop. If they point out that it failed elsewhere, tell them it was due to timing.

BTW, where are you located?

[love911]

Tori Is %100 correct,the test is N/A.
You can't pinch any hose to test the evap on these cars,the canister is hidden and not accessible. Take it to another shop and try again.
Later if you decided to file a complaint with DCA, you"ll get your money back from the first shop.

[86 911 Targa]

Originally Posted by Erichter

I took my '86 Carrera in for smog check. It failed the fuel system pressure check. HC and CO numbers were fine. I replaced all the evaporate hoses in front including the one in front of the left front tire. I also replaced the fuel cap gasket. I took it back and it failed again. They of course wanted me to leave it with them and they would "take a look at it" but I declined. Any ideas of other things to look for or replace. I did a search but couldn't find anything on this site.

^^^^^
Every time I see a "Smog Test" post,
I'm reminded of this.

Also, some-one I know who trains "smog test"
technicians was queried about this rule.

The instructor responded by stating-
"We are the state, and can do whatever we like......"

And, that's the truth.........

Gerry

[dicklague]

my Chevy pick up failed evap.

I replaced the hose they pinched with a softer plastic one. I also filled the gas tank very very full at the station next door before I rolled in to the smog test.


Passed after failing 2x previously

[Erichter]

[QUOTE=Tori;9238931

BTW, where are you located?[/QUOTE]

I'm in Santa Barbara.

After looking at some parts diagrams, I thought the charcoal canister was located in the left front wheel well. That is actually a expansion tank. Where is the charcoal canister located? I'm not sure what hose he was clamping now. I'm inclined to go back again but I am going to go to a different shop

[Tori]

Crap, if you weren't in an enhanced area, i'd tell you to drive 1.5hrs north and come see me. We don't do enhanced smogs up here. You require a dyno.

[Erichter]

This is my second time smogging the car. They didn't put it on a dyno. Are you in San Luis Obispo?

[Tori]

Yes.

[HaroldMHedge]

I too thought it was located by the fuel tank on the left side. Thanks to this tread, Autopsy Photos - Charcoal Canister, I located it mounted above the oil thermostat in the right rear fender well.

It also explains the connections on the canister.

[Erichter]

I did a search and it doesn't appear that I'm in an enhanced area. I'd be more than happy to drive up to San Luis.

[Tori]

check your PM's

[oldskoul]

I just got a 81 911SC Coupe. I need to get a smog check, it has always passed but not sure under what circumstances. Can anyone reccomend a shoppe or PM me. I live in W. LA.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/u8u3y57xy4q1qqd/20161012_171538.jpg?dl=0