Calif Smog and Inspection?

MPDano · MPDano's Garage

I am trying to gain some info on what Calif Smog Inspectors will be looking at. Do they just look at the RPMs while running tests? Since my Speedo doesn't seem to be working, will this be a red flag? Does my Dashboard need to be in? Insight and Suggestions?

FYI, the DMV is only requiring a Smog Certificate for my Registration Renewal.

Thanks!

diverdan · diverdan's Garage

I believe that the important parts will be the visual inspection of the required emissions equipment including such things as the right gas cap and its seal. in years past it was the just an idle sniffer and the rpms were monitor by a wire to the distributor. If they have gotten more advanced with a rolling road then their machine would pick up the speeds. An instument panel should have nothing to do with a smog inspection. (I have been out of Ca. for many years, but bureaucratic procedures usually change little if at all.)

Diverdan

rhjames · rhjames's Garage

we don't need no stinkin' smog cops............

--Russ

Danglerb · 01-01-2009, 02:09 PM

Visual test.
The tech starts by inputting the VIN and/or the BAR sticker info to the tester, and it pops up a series of questions and check boxes for him to answer. One by one he has to locate each component of the smog system and verify it is operational and connected properly. Signs of tampering are checked for, and cats etc may get looked at.

Idle test.
If you pass the visual a sniffer goes in the tailpipe, and the idle test is performed. Tech checks the timing manually with a light, and hooks up a inductive probe to track rpm. Idle speed needs to be stable and within the spec range.

Roller test.
If you passed the idle test the tech makes I think one or two speed or rpm based checks, 1500 and I think 2500 rpm, but it could be speed. Its important for our cars that a gear with reasonable rpm is manually selected.

Radiator cap.
Simple pressure test, but these joints sell a LOT of expensively priced caps. If you don't buy it on the spot, you fail and need a full retest.

Gas cap.
Same thing.

Canister vent.
Lack of a 928 specific gas cap adapter save us from this test, so far anyway.

Arizona_928 · 01-01-2009, 07:44 PM

they test at 15 mph and 25 mph. plus all the visual as stated above.

MPDano · MPDano's Garage

All good info. I think I better wait till I get my dash back in since it holds one of the VIN Markers. I also think I need to make sure I get the Gas Cap seal too. I was at the CA DMV yesterday renewing my License, so I asked questions on the 928 Registration Renewal and my luck it's now $50 starting Jan 1st to get a monthly pass (red square put on vehicle glass) so I can try and get it smogged within a month. It was free before 2009. Could kick myself since I was trying to hold off insuring it till I really needed to, which is why I couldn't register it on Dec 31st. Grrrrrr

nosnow4pc · 01-01-2009, 08:47 PM

I had my old 82 smogged a few months ago and the gas cap cannot be tested as they don't have an adapter for it. I have yet to ever have a radiator cap tested during a smog check but then I'm in NCal. I believe you have to have the dash in place as the tech will want to view warning lights and guages (even if they are in german), but I'm not certain. I don't think a working speedo is a factor as they test on a roller which gives a specific speed/rpm through the smog computer.

I suggest calling a smog only shop and asking the questions....

MPDano · MPDano's Garage

Yes, I was also thinking of that radiator cap test. I would say go ahead and try to take that cap off when it's hot. I will get the gas cap seal regardless, Also my Pod is mounted right now without the dash, but I think I will fix my dash and mount it first before getting it smogged.

Danglerb · 01-01-2009, 09:27 PM

Could be it was the gas cap, all I remember is being PO about having to buy a new one to replace something just a few months old.

15 and 25 mph sounds right too.

They refused to give me a red tag, temp operating permit, without first failing a smog test.

I can't imagine a smog test place giving test details over the phone. They don't seem to even want to let you ask questions or watch very close during a test.

Landseer · 01-01-2009, 09:49 PM

You guys need to move.

devilinblack · 06:35 AM

I passed smog in August and I think you guys have hit on everything. One thing though, make sure the car is hot when you take it in and don't shut it off. I neglected to do this but the tester left it idling (and smoking from the rear cam cover oil leak) for a while while he tried to find the info about what to look for on the 928 (after asking if it was a 911) and it passed with flying colors.

Good Luck!

MPDano · MPDano's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by devilinblack

I passed smog in August and I think you guys have hit on everything. One thing though, make sure the car is hot when you take it in and don't shut it off. I neglected to do this but the tester left it idling (and smoking from the rear cam cover oil leak) for a while while he tried to find the info about what to look for on the 928 (after asking if it was a 911) and it passes with flying colors.

Good Luck!

This is the type of Smog Inspector I am looking for, one who will ask "ME" where everything is

The Euro has been a Cali car since the early 80's and has all it's Federalized Smog Stuff and I didn't alter anything. I just need to get the A/F right before the actual test.