Quick tips to pass emissions?

[Z06C5R]

I've got to take my new 944 to emissions before I can register it this weekend. Carfax says it last passed NY emissions in '02 with 68k on it. I've got to do CT emissions with 76k - not sure how CT and NY compare, but I'd guess they're similar so I'm not hugely concerned...

At any rate, this is my only daily driver and it NEEDS to pass for me to drive it. I'm wondering if there are any quick things I can do (like the night before) to help boost the result. I believe my father filled it with regular on the drive home after buying it so the computer will probably have retarded the timing a bit (if it does that?). I did a search and turned up some good info about cleaning the injectors, changing plugs, oil, and O2 sensor, but I don't have time to do that. I was thinking of pulling the air-filter out to make sure the engine is getting enough air to run at the right mixture - is this a good idea? Any other hints?

What an annoyance! My '71 Z is a good 12 years exempt, so I've never had to worry about it before. Bah! At least this will be the last one for the Porsche before it too is exempt, whew!

[nynor]

well, a full tune-up is certainly helpful. also, a good brisk run to clean out the catalytic converter is probably in order. a bottle of techron, perhaps. i recently used STP injector cleaner (the store was out of techron) and i was simply amazed at the results.

[OnTheRun2]

A FEW QUICK TIPS FOR PASSING SMOG TEST:

1. Change your oil within days of the test.

2. Replace the air filter.

3. replace or clean and re-gap your spark plugs.

4. Be sure you have driven enough to heat up the cat. before the test.

5. If all else fails you can try one of the "Never Fail" products on the market.
These are products you put in the gas tank just before the test. I would not try this unless you have failed and are going for a re-test.

Most of these cars run very clean. The last time I had mine tested, the guy that did it was very surprised that it was cleaner than most new cars. There have been a few of these that have passed smog with-out a cat. installed.

Good luck.


The 2 main problems you may have are a bad O2 sencer or a clogged Cat.

[Z06C5R]

The oil in there supposedly has no miles on it, but has sat in the car for 3 years... Potential problem?

[jcommin]

I would change it along with coolant and brake fluid.

[nynor]

your oil will oxidize and break down over time. change it.

[Z06C5R]

I'll certainly change it, it just won't happen before emissions. The stupid DMV is only open for 4 hours on the only day of the week I can get down there, and I have to do an emissions test, vin check, and registration in that time.

You'd think with all the money we pay them they could afford to make some improvements in their hours and operational efficiency, huh?

[looneybin]

HAHA - you used the words "DMV" and "operational efficiency" in the same sentence.
That's the classic oxymoron

[mistahsinclair]

Well, I'm going to register my 944 in CT tomorrow having just gone through an emissions fiasco, but you probably won't have as much bother as I did.

The car I got had failed emissions in 2000 in CT, then never been put through it. After several fails (on NOx) it got through...I won't go into details because they likely won't apply.

As a quick item I would probably throw some octane booster in and make sure the car is warmed up before taking it to get tested (as OnTheRun2 suggested).

[hpservertech]

If the car has sat for 3 years, change that oil, oil filter and air filter. Do new plugs the day before you plan on getting the inspection. Also drive it a good hour of a mix between highway & stop & go traffic. Then take it right in and have them do the test.

I wouldn't worry about it too much till you go through it at least once though. If it does fail the first thing to check is your vacuum lines (get the lindsey kit).

[wilde1]

what year is your car? i just registered mine and didnt have to do anything. kindof shocked me. just before you go in make sure you rev it to clean it out incase it loads up. also bring a gas cap . if it fails for that you can change it there. if you dont need it just return it

[Z06C5R]

It can fail for a gas cap? Jez, this is becoming a headache already.

I like Jeremy Clarkson's approach to emissions:

"Go and buy a range rover and warm this country up again!" - Top Gear

[hpservertech]

Or you can just move to MO. Cars older then 96 dont have to have emission tests here anymore.

[Z06C5R]

Just 2 more years for me here in CT - this should be the last one.

[Todd157k]

Check this out.

http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/showthread.php?t=375233

[Dave L]

Originally Posted by Z06C5R

It can fail for a gas cap? Jez, this is becoming a headache already.

yes if it doesnt have an air tight fit it will affect the results. I was paranoid when I brought mine in too. I changed the plugs, air filter, oil but left the O2 sensor. The car passed but one reading was a little high (sorry cant remember which) I asked why that may be and was told that it was probably the O2 sensor. I didnt warm up the car or add any guarantee to pass liquids to the car.

With 3 year old oil you should change it asap, smog test or not you dont want 3 year old oil in your car. I would also change coolant, brake fluid and the timing belt with a special emphasis on changing the timing belt.

[Z06C5R]

Timing belt was changed within the last 600 miles by the PO.

[nynor]

yeah, but was it changed in the last three years?

[Z06C5R]

I believe it was done in 2006.

[nynor]

i'd probably change them again. they wear out just from time and if the car has been sitting at all, that is even worse.