"Gross" failure of SMOG test! Going for the retest soon!

[944tothefloor]

Thanks in advance to everybody! I am a frequent lurker here though I am only beginning to post more.

Well, I failed smog in a scary way, and it's not even Halloween yet!! D:
I got 'gross polluter'.

I need to go back in tomorrow already to pass and to make sure I can keep her (1986 951; 112,000k mi) on the road. Engine was hot for the test.

I didn't take out my 2 autothority chips, buy I will for tomorrow. I'll put acetone in the tank I guess. What else? Does the data below suggest a bad cat?

I'll be responding to ideas/questions in the thread ask me anything and thanks in advance to everybody! Please help...

[John_AZ]

Hello "Gross Polluter"

Rogue_Ant on RL has a few answers.
Check your FQS settings.

Here are the links that may help--CA focus:
Failed CA smog... - Page 3 - Rennlist Discussion Forums

Seriously failed smog test - Update 6-/18 - Rennlist Discussion Forums

GL
John

[944tothefloor]

Thanks, John. I just read both of your posts.

I'll add that I just did a major tune-up a month ago. Plugs, oil+air+fuel filters, oil, dist. cap, rotor

[matty89]

Originally Posted by 944tothefloor

Thanks, John. I just read both of your posts.

I'll add that I just did a major tune-up a month ago. Plugs, oil+air+fuel filters, oil, dist. cap, rotor

is ur Airfuel meter drilled meanning is there a door inside ur "MAF" or barndoor air meter

[Gawernator]

You live in California but aren't getting a CA smog test? I don't get it.



I wonder how my car will do now, with all my repairs and upgrades. That was immediately after I had bought the car and had the 26 year old cat welded back on. The cat had only been on for an hour lol.

[flash968]

[Rogue_Ant]

Way too rich... definitely take out the APE chips. Additionally, the APE chips generally required a 3bar fuel pressure regulator - stock chips need the 2.5bar unit. Otherwise you will be adding ~10% more fuel, which you definitely don't want.

How long did you drive/run the car before the test? If you can put your hand on the tailpipe, then it isn't hot enough...

A good possibility that your cat isn't working very well too.

John is correct, check your FQS position. Your first test is so far off, that it is hard to even use it as a "baseline". Start with the FQS fully counter-clockwise (position 0, the factory-shipped position). Furthermore, a California car should have the "coding plug" installed, which tells the DME to use a more aggressive closed-loop feedback.

Also, how old is your O2 sensor?

[flash968]

in case nobody figured it out, the image above should have hinted at a dead cat

[944tothefloor]

I'll try to get a new cat + o2 sensor tomorrow. No records of a change for either. This is a bummer because I don't have time to do my own work. Any ideas on cost at a shop?

Also, where is that FQS control? Thanks guys, for your help.

[kdjones2000]

FQS is a little rotary switch located on your DME in the passenger footwell. Different settings are for richer fuel mapping, timing, etc.

[gmorken]

Originally Posted by 944tothefloor

I'll try to get a new cat + o2 sensor tomorrow. No records of a change for either. This is a bummer because I don't have time to do my own work. Any ideas on cost at a shop?

Also, where is that FQS control? Thanks guys, for your help.

I got a new universal cat installed for less than $200 at a reputable shop... O2 sensor was fine and not replaced. Multiply my Tennessee cost by 150% since you're in California.

[Gawernator]

CA cat = about $200 plus maybe $100 to have it welded on.

[944tothefloor]

Originally Posted by Gawernator

CA cat = about $200 plus maybe $100 to have it welded on.

Right on the nail. Went to the shop today. Quoted about $300 for new Ca cat to be installed along with a new Ca o2 sensor for $70.

Next I'll use the rest of the ideas here.

[Tom944]

Would it be cheaper to move to New York? There is no emissions test here for cars without IBDII and only a really quick $10 inspection for cars over 25 years old!!!

[944tothefloor]

The car passed, amazingly! And the numbers were crazy good! Thanks to everybody for helping.

The only things I did were remove the APE equipment (klr and dme chips, and modified banjo bolt) and had a new cat put on. No new o2 sensor! Everything else I left the same. Also, I went for 2-hour drive to prepare the engine. Right before the smog test, I drove at ~4k RPM for about 2 miles to bring the engine to a high temperature.

The smog guy couldn't believe it passed! Looks like I'll be avoiding a $200 parking ticket!

Originally Posted by flash968

in case nobody figured it out, the image above should have hinted at a dead cat

[vintagecarlover]

Alex, pls give me a call to finalize my long overdue refund. Does anyone know this seller?

[mytrplseven]

Parking ticket? Glad you got past the evil clutches of the government regulators.

[jwmc1]

Move to Michigan!!!

[vintagecarlover]

Alex, I thought u wanted to pay me what u owe. It's important for pelicans to know what kind of guy u are. It's up to u if everyone knows what a schmuck u are or a good guy. Right now, I say schmuck. Make me change my mind.

[jwmc1]

Originally Posted by vintagecarlover

Alex, I thought u wanted to pay me what u owe. It's important for pelicans to know what kind of guy u are. It's up to u if everyone knows what a schmuck u are or a good guy. Right now, I say schmuck. Make me change my mind.

What is this all about?