Now I REALLY hate the Kalifornia Smogmonster! The Final Chapter...

[AnnieL]

Yup, she failed...not really bad, but failed...ARGH!!!!!!!!

I truly think it's a faulty brand new PCV valve-

Needless to say I am so pissed I can hardly see straight! :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

Down to 29 Palms in a couple days-after having to pay DMV ANOTHER $50.00 just to be able to drive it for more than one day to get the problem solved. Have a friend down there who doesn't do enhanced smog, but we're putting it onto his machine, and then I'm gonna let him figure it out. My ribs-have had it.

Yep, I'm fuming...

And BTW, if you go to a TEST ONLY station-(which most of us are stuck with)-they do not, and will not tell you SQUAT about why you failed, but they'll be happy to highlight the failed areas for you, and tell you to take it to your mechanic.

[Ristow]

annie,put the numbers up so fellow smog victims can tell you what to look at.

[Wagoncrzy]

I'm worried about mine. She's currently tagged in Mo but will soon need a Pa tag, and will need to pass a visual... :hide:

[AnnieL]

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i82/Sahara81/983a7009.jpg

[710 Burner]

annie,put the numbers up so fellow smog victims can tell you what to look at.
Good idea. We may need a sticky on that one.
You smog people make me thank God I don't have to put up with that.
(thank you Lord) :fsj:

[AnnieL]

Oh and another tip-
Make sure your gas tank is 3/4 or more full...
As soon as they tip the rear end of your rig on that stupid dyno-whatever-it-is-she'll sputter to a stop-

Tech swore to gawd I was outta gas-I wasn't-they pushed her off of that stupid thing, and she started-I had to go to the gas station, get more gas so it wouldn't happen twice-

What a pain in my ***!

[710 Burner]

I'm worried about mine. She's currently tagged in Mo but will soon need a Pa tag, and will need to pass a visual... :hide:
From my experience, a visual is easy. No CTO's with missing hoses on the hose barbs, AIR injection visually appears to be connected and working, Cat converter in place, etc. Oh, and I failed once because the cold air intake hose was missing. Stupid crap. :(

[AnnieL]

Visuals are getting harder here-at test only stations-
They're sending all of the techs to mandatory continuing education classes now (I know of someone who jsut had to do this) and at the test only stations (especially Gold Seal stations which ARE permitted to perform repairs) they are looking to fail you any way they can, because then they get the bux for fixing whatever is wrong-something as trivial as a small vacuum leak could cost ya several hours labor, plus parts.:mad:

[bigun]

Sorry to hear about your troubles, but glad that they are yours not mine.

[Fiodh. Argus]

changing your oil to very fresh is supposed to cut hydrocarbons quite a bit - it looks like that's the only place you failed? Also I have heard great, great things about the "guarantee to pass" additive - a good trustworthy friend of mine ran a bottle through his ferrari 308 and it passed last year - he only discovered this weekend that his cats were actually empty, hollowed out by the PO, and it still passed!

Also the timing at 6 degrees?

good luck

[AnnieL]

Just changed the oil last week-and timing was just done too...:(

New fuel pump
fresh oil, filter
new air cleaner filter
new fuel filter plus a clear inline filter to catch anything before it could get into my new fuel pump...
freshly rebuilt carb...

Gotta be that stupid PCV valve...and I'm not changing it again myself, it's a PITA to get to.

[Clean RC]

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i82/Sahara81/983a7009.jpg

The Co's and Nox are low and good, so the secondary air injection is working very well. Typically the Hc's means there is a lean miss fire(unburned gas), like a bad plug, wire, or a float level too high.. So I would start with a generic tune up, cap, rotor, wires, and plugs. Then have your freind pre-test it.. I always spend the extra 50 bucks and pretest before running a smog test.. I had a Gross Poluter 7 years ago because the cat was junk, and had to test every year for 5 years instead of every other year... I hope this helps..

[AnnieL]

The Co's and Nox are low and good, so the secondary air injection is working very well. Typically the Hc's means there is a lean miss fire(unburned gas), like a bad plug, wire, or a float level too high.. So I would start with a generic tune up, cap, rotor, wires, and plugs. Then have your freind pre-test it.. I always spend the extra 50 bucks and pretest before running a smog test.. I had a Gross Poluter 7 years ago because the cat was junk, and had to test every year for 5 years instead of every other year... I hope this helps..

Thanks for the post.

New plugs, wires, cap and rotor not 10K miles ago. Oh yea, also new air injection tubes two weeks ago...

I'm so frustrated!:banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

If I didn't love her so much, I'd take the state up on it's 1K offer and take it to a certified dismantler.

[710 Burner]

If I didn't love her so much, I'd take the state up on it's 1K offer and take it to a certified dismantler.
Now your'e just talkin' crazy talk.

[AnnieL]

Not crazy, just broke!

[andy d]

How old is the air filter? Lower float height too mebbe

[AnnieL]

I serioulsy doubt I've got a float problem, the carbgod rebuilt this carb-

All filters are new, incl the air filter.

I'm so fed up-and so sore (ribs)-I just can't do this anymore. She's goin' to an old school shop down south-the guy loves old Jeeps so this will be fun for him. He's smog certified, but doesn't do enhanced smog. I'm letting him figure it out-I can't hardly get off the couch. I'd like to enjoy driving her for a change.

[J.J.]

Does it burn much oil?

[cu4whln]

I serioulsy doubt I've got a float problem, the carbgod rebuilt this carb-

All filters are new, incl the air filter.

I'm so fed up-and so sore (ribs)-I just can't do this anymore. She's goin' to an old school shop down south-the guy loves old Jeeps so this will be fun for him. He's smog certified, but doesn't do enhanced smog. I'm letting him figure it out-I can't hardly get off the couch. I'd like to enjoy driving her for a change.

Tough duty you California folk have.. Ugh.
I hope your Jeep mech finds the issue.

Why so sore ?/ Was it the Run 4 Life, or something else?

[AnnieL]

It would be much more helpful to live in this state if they'd just tell you what's wrong rather than make you go thru hell...but they want it off the road, so rules, rules and more rules!

She doesn't seem to burn oil any more than any other rig with high mileage- (144K) Probably add a quart twice inbetween oil changes.

Yea, a little sore from Relay for Life, but I did it with 2 cracked ribs-so I am fairly miserable right now...and will be a couch potato for several weeks. :( No more wrenching for me right now.

[PlasticBoob]

That really sucks Annie, I hope you get it sorted out soon. There are few people I hate more than the scum-sucking test-only guys. :mad: Every time I hear that someone failed smog, I go out and hug my '74. :D

Guess that means you won't be up for a meet & greet we're talking about having a few weeks from now? The So. Cal. forum should descend upon your house like smoggy locusts and wish you well. ;) :)

[AnnieL]

Don't count me out quite yet!!
I'd bet my shirt it's the PCV valve I installed...I think it's faulty overseas crap!

At least once this guy gets under the hood, as he fiddles around with everything, he'll be able to put it on his machine to see what's up and won't charge me for that.

[letank]

As said High HC, is unburned gas.... the fact that your NO are good, means that the cat is good. The did the roller test at low rpm, 16xx is a bit low, when we had the stick shift...if always passed w a higher rpm, but with the auto your are limited.

you need the good PCV, which is the black one for the V8, the next thing to look at is the crapped out power valve. If you have a border line burned valve, it will crap your power valve.

The guarantee to pass is a good product. Basically the HC is a measure of the hexane content.... so the "guarantee to pass is low on hexane" so it will not be detected by the gas analyser, it is more alcohol.....

the other item is the egr valve... but the newer rigs are harder to test, it is not check for the valve to maintain vacuum, it is a dynamic EGR valve, and I have no idea on how to test it.

Oooops, I forgot that you have to make sure that your engine was really warm.... so drive 10-15 miles... and let it idle before driving it to the testing bay... do not turn off the engine.... and right before you give it to the tester or drive it to the bay... rev it up to high idle 1500-1800 rpm for 15-20 seconds. Also remember that being a TF 727, the idle should be done in neutral.... not in Park so the tranny fluid is being cooled....

The other item that will fail you, is the gas tank and evaporative functionnalilty, C arb want to be sure that you are not releasing gasoline vapors into the air. So have a new gas tank cap... and good hoses.... but at least you passed that one.

As for the state giving you $1k for the rig..... they are only offering $650 for mines... but the feds are giving you $3500 for a SUV and $4500 for an efficient new vehicule.... Rats, I cannot find the article... it was on the saturday or friday NYT.

[littlebuck23]

Im so sorry your going thru this. The problem with CA is the state government lets anyone pull on its heart strings. If the environmental wackos get annoying enough OR there is money in it (SMOG/GAS TAXES) , California makes laws to facilitate great misery.


good luck and feel better.

[greasemnky9]

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i82/Sahara81/983a7009.jpghave your buddie check egr?? I had a 1983 280zx that failed and traded my dad for a 1984 F**d diesel w/mt title when i could not find the problem:drivin:

[budojeepr]

My dad would always tell us to put in a cup (8 oz) of rubbing alcohol in the tank of gas.

I'd say in addition to the tuneup suggestions above (I know you already did!) try advancing your timing just a bit, make sure the air intake allows plenty of air (new filter, riser not plugged or stuck).

Any progress today?

[newtojeeps]

The money the Feds are giving away, is if you trade your old smog maker in on a new fuel efficient car. Like a smart car. Yeah I know they have a full cage. But they are so lite, if they are hit buy a heavy vehicle they would be like a billiard ball.

[AnnieL]

She's going in the shop Wednesday. I did take out the "new" PCV valve I'd installed last week, I just couldn't stand not looking at it to see if there was something wrong there.

I think it IS defective-and yup, it was a cheap piece of overseas garbage. China in little teeny tiny letters on it...I needed a magnifying glass to see it.

I got a good one this afternoon from Napa, at least this one is made of METAL and says made in the USA. Even after I install it, she's going to the doc-I want this problem over and done with. Until she goes in I can still drive her up here on the dirt roads, these are private roads, so the fuzz can't touch me. :D

[AnnieL]

Well, she's been admitted to the hospital.

Here's hoping I get some good news and soon.

I have no idea how long she'll be away from home. :(

[jaber]

Be sure to take 'er flowers so she knows you love her.... Or at least a flower air scent thingy.....:D

[AnnieL]

FINALLY just got a call-
They found two vacuum leaks that I didn't, and now that those have been fixed, they ran her on the dyno again.

Now she failed ALL THREE emissions tests this time-and...at low RPM's as a gross polluter.:banghead: $#*&^*!!!!!!!!!!

I won't know why (probably until Tuesday)

Skuze me while I go into a corner and cry.

[jaber]

Oh man..... I saw you updated and thought you were going to say she passed..:banghead:

[AnnieL]

If only I could trype how angry I am...I'd get tossed offa here in a split second!

So I've been doin' my research-if I have to spend more than $450.00 on "smog related repairs", after I hit the $450.01 mark, I can then go to a smog referee.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

http://www.bar.ca.gov/80_BARResources/02_SmogCheck/Referee_Centers.html

"Repair Cost Waivers are available to everyone who has a vehicle that fails a biennial inspection and whose emission system has not been tampered with. It allows a vehicle to be registered without passing its Smog Check inspection by providing a temporary (two year) extension of time to complete all emissions-related repairs. To qualify, at least $450 in emissions-related repairs must be made to the vehicle at a licensed Smog Check station. The waiver may only be used once by a motorist during their ownership of the vehicle."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sooo....the referee can give me a two year grace period to get whatever still needs fixing sorted out after I spend the money. But holy crap, she is NOT running THAT bad.

I am dying to know what is causing this, and now with a holiday weekend, I am gonna have to wait until Tuesday.

She must be lonesome in that big shop all by herself...:(

[vintagetrks]

It would be much more helpful to live in this state if they'd just tell you what's wrong rather than make you go thru hell...but they want it off the road, so rules, rules and more rules!

She doesn't seem to burn oil any more than any other rig with high mileage- (144K) Probably add a quart twice inbetween oil changes.

Yea, a little sore from Relay for Life, but I did it with 2 cracked ribs-so I am fairly miserable right now...and will be a couch potato for several weeks. :( No more wrenching for me right now.

Have you tried running a higher viscosity oil in it?

[vintagetrks]

Glad I don't live in Ca. Don't have to worry about smog or Liberals regulating my big gas guzzling boy toy? But seriously my heart goes out to you. It sucks having to go through all that crap. I hope you get her fixed up and pass their B.S. test. Best of Luck to you. :fsj:

[Kodiak Commando]

I know I'm chiming in here a bit late, but I agree with the fellow that mentioned your power valve now that you have your vacuum lines fixed. These are really easy to fix and relatively cheap. If you have any trouble with starting and get low mileage (less than 9), that would also point that direction.

[4x4Dad]

For what it's worth, not all smoggers are demons. I took mine to a shop that does mostly routine maintenance, tire sales, and smog checks. The technician who worked on my 88 GW put in some quality time tweaking/tuning the engine to get it to pass. Unfortunately, the first time out I failed the sniff test. He told me where the sniffer went nuts (by the tank, probably the rubber fuel hoses back there) and how much he would have to charge to fix it. I mentioned I had done some other work on the Jeep, and he said, "You can definitely fix it yourself. Here's what's probably wrong: X, Y, and Z." I changed the hoses to and from the sending unit in the tank, along with a new sending unit and O-ring from BJ's, and then took it back to him. He did another sniff test for free before running the entire smog test again, just to see if I'd taken care of the problem. I did. He ran the smog test, and it passed.

Also, as much as it can become a nightmare for some of us, after having lived/worked in the Riversmog--uh, Riverside--area south of you for five years, I wouldn't mine a bit more clean air.

I sure hope you get your rig working right, Annie. It's clear how much you like it (when you don't hate, like the rest of us here). Here's hoping your old school guru figures out the HC puzzle.

[Mark Wilde]

Power valve/idle mixture/timing. In that order.

Make sure the power valve has vacuum and is not dripping gas out of the vaccum hose attachment.

Turn in the idle mixture screws 1/4 to 1/2 turn.

Make sure the timing is advanced enough and the vaccum timing advance is working.

Just my $.02, but always worked for me when we had emissions here.

[jeeper63b]

I'm worried about mine. She's currently tagged in Mo but will soon need a Pa tag, and will need to pass a visual... :hide:
im from PA and ill tell ya its a joke! the guy is gonna look to see if you have cat, do a gas cap test then ur done.. toooooo easy!!

[AnnieL]

im from PA and ill tell ya its a joke! the guy is gonna look to see if you have cat, do a gas cap test then ur done.. toooooo easy!!

Wish it was that easy here...you guys better be beyond thankful. Laws start changing and you all are gonna be REALLY PO'ed (and broke!)

Thanks for all of your suggestions, everyone!

This is such a PITA-she never had problems like this before-

She's still in the hospital all by herself. :( I do love my rig-she's gotten me through all kinds of stuff.

Hopefully, I will have some real answers tomorrow. I'm SO sick of waiting. I have about as much patience as a 10 year old kid on Christmas morning, and this weekend has dragged on and on... in slow motion...

I think am having withdrawls...

[AnnieL]

For what it's worth, not all smoggers are demons. I took mine to a shop that does mostly routine maintenance, tire sales, and smog checks. The technician who worked on my 88 GW put in some quality time tweaking/tuning the engine to get it to pass. Unfortunately, the first time out I failed the sniff test. He told me where the sniffer went nuts (by the tank, probably the rubber fuel hoses back there) and how much he would have to charge to fix it. I mentioned I had done some other work on the Jeep, and he said, "You can definitely fix it yourself. Here's what's probably wrong: X, Y, and Z." I changed the hoses to and from the sending unit in the tank, along with a new sending unit and O-ring from BJ's, and then took it back to him. He did another sniff test for free before running the entire smog test again, just to see if I'd taken care of the problem. I did. He ran the smog test, and it passed.

Also, as much as it can become a nightmare for some of us, after having lived/worked in the Riversmog--uh, Riverside--area south of you for five years, I wouldn't mine a bit more clean air.

I sure hope you get your rig working right, Annie. It's clear how much you like it (when you don't hate, like the rest of us here). Here's hoping your old school guru figures out the HC puzzle.

Was this a test only station? Cuz that is where DMV makes me go...every flippin' time. I hate that dyno.
IT IS THE ENEMY!

Agreed about R'side. I couldn't live down there and wouldn't for free, that air is SO bad. A 90 degree day in that nastiness is enough to make anyone feel like keeling over.

The test only shops up here don't do ANY work, not unless they're gold shield certified (meaning they can also do repairs.) And those guys won't mess around, they get undercover inspections to make sure they are in compliance. No way they want to take a chance after what those dyno machines cost...

It seems to be more of a hurdle every time I have to get a test. (Have you seen the new California catalytic converter law jsut gone into effect in January?!)

The techs at the test only centers will not give any advice, period. They don't even have any real tools in those places. Just a garage with the dyno and the computer...

Times have certainly changed from the days when they opened the hood, just put a tube in the exhaust for 20 bux, and out the door ya went!

[grand_wag_85]

I thought you said you were running some of that snake oil magic give your Jeep redbull wiings stuff in the GW?

[jaber]

give your Jeep redbull wiings stuff in the GW?

On a lighter note, I saw on the news last night that a company in Germany found traces of cocaine in Red Bull and have out lawed it in several states over there. The news casters said you will get more traces off of American currency then from a Red Bull. LOL.

Sorry, just sounded like you could use a chuckle....

[AnnieL]

I thought you said you were running some of that snake oil magic give your Jeep redbull wiings stuff in the GW?

Naw, the rig has been on a non-op for the past 18 months...and this is the hell I get to go thru to get her back in shape. :( I had what I thought was a carb problem when I put it on non-op because I was broke and couldn't do anything about it, but I think it's probably the catalytic converter. (ooh that is gonna be painful if its true, the new Kalifornia smog nazi model is more than $300.) :( :( :(

I do, however, use that awesome snake oil in my van. (Dodge, 318-also a gas hawg)

Increased my mileage by 17%-not too shabby, much of the $ I saved on gas I put away, to pay for my lift on the rig. :D

I used to use some other stuff in the rig that seemed to work pretty well, but can't remember what it's called. I haven't seen it for sale in a long, time now that I think about it...

[AnnieL]

On a lighter note, I saw on the news last night that a company in Germany found traces of cocaine in Red Bull and have out lawed it in several states over there. The news casters said you will get more traces off of American currency then from a Red Bull. LOL.

Sorry, just sounded like you could use a chuckle....

YA, that is too true. Try to go visit someone who is locked up after handling money, that "sniffer machine" they use will tell the guards you are a drug user. :(
I saw an oooooold lady once get told she couldn't visit her son, because that sniffer maching said she tested positive for cocaine...this lady was like in her 80's-a cocaine user? I highly doubt it!!

Outlawed red bull...oh man, what are all the redbull addicts in Germany gonna do, smuggle it?:D

[tgreese]

...

Agreed about R'side. I couldn't live down there and wouldn't for free, that air is SO bad. A 90 degree day in that nastiness is enough to make anyone feel like keeling over.

...
I grew up in Orange, CA and lived through the smoggy summers of the '70s. I know that Riverside is in the path of the onshore flow from LA... that area gets a lot of the pollution from the basin when the weather is right.

However, the air quality in SoCal is MUCH MUCH MUCH better now than it was in the '70s and '80s. Scoff if you like, but the air quality regulations in CA have been a great success, in that they did what they set out to do.

IMO the AQMD and CA has improved the air quality so much that they are entering a realm of diminishing returns. Each incremental improvement of the air quality is getting harder economically and putting more and more of a burden on the people who bear the cost of new regulations.

It's also very difficult to find a way for these agencies to declare victory and go home. Without new regulations and new reasons for their efforts, they will stagnate. In general, such bureaucracies are self-sustaining and constantly look for new projects to extend their power and influence, and to grow (ie CO2 is now a pollutant, creating a whole new world of regulation).

This is something to consider when some of you out there want to rip out all your smog devices. They may be confusing and frustrating, and they may cost you money, but they do work ... I've seen the change (literally seen the improvement in the color of the air).

Hope this does not seem like too much of a rant - I think the current laws re emissions in CA are dumb and mean-spirited. Better regulations would allow you to meet the tailpipe standards only and not be focused on the devices (can you say fuel injection?). However, you can't deny the good results.

[AnnieL]

I grew up in Orange, CA and lived through the smoggy summers of the '70s. I know that Riverside is in the path of the onshore flow from LA... that area gets a lot of the pollution from the basin when the weather is right.

However, the air quality in SoCal is MUCH MUCH MUCH better now than it was in the '70s and '80s. Scoff if you like, but the air quality regulations in CA have been a great success, in that they did what they set out to do.

IMO the AQMD and CA has improved the air quality so much that they are entering a realm of diminishing returns. Each incremental improvement of the air quality is getting harder economically and putting more and more of a burden on the people who bear the cost of new regulations.

It's also very difficult to find a way for these agencies to declare victory and go home. Without new regulations and new reasons for their efforts, they will stagnate. In general, such bureaucracies are self-sustaining and constantly look for new projects to extend their power and influence, and to grow (ie CO2 is now a pollutant, creating a whole new world of regulation).

This is something to consider when some of you out there want to rip out all your smog devices. They may be confusing and frustrating, and they may cost you money, but they do work ... I've seen the change (literally seen the improvement in the color of the air).

Hope this does not seem like too much of a rant - I think the current laws re emissions in CA are dumb and mean-spirited. Better regulations would allow you to meet the tailpipe standards only and not be focused on the devices (can you say fuel injection?). However, you can't deny the good results.

Hi Tim, I grew up in San Jose-and oh yea I remember the smog days too. Stage bad stage 2 and to stage 3 I'd be coughing my guts out-smog induced bronchitis/asthma and it was NOT fun...

My stepdad was the regional AQMD manager for the Bay Area of California until his retirement about 10 years ago, and yes, the differences are incredible...there is no denying that. It isn't that I don't want to contribute to clean air, it's the hurdles that they make us go through to comply. Its like they make it difficult on purpose.

I don't so much object to the smog laws as I do the way they put us through such expense and the difficulties in remaining compliant. A perfect example is this new catalytic converter that is for use in California only as of Jan '09. Why couldn't the state just purchase them in massive bulk, and maybe offer then to California consumers at 10% over cost instead of letting these companies (Magnaflow is a huge one) who are raking in millions-this state is in financial turmoil, yet they don't use what could be very simple ways to accomplish two things:

1. reduce pollution by HELPING consumers to comply with these laws

2. Decrease the deficit by offering state sales of these catalytic converters. Even at a 10% profit, that's a LOT money they never would have seen.

But-who can expect state officials to use common sense?! They just toss us laws that are financially difficult-and incredibly frustrating.

Even my woodburning stove is EPA II certified-I'm happy to do whatever I can for clean air-but at the same time I am NOT happy with the way this issue is handled. They'd get a lot more flies with honey than vinegar-and vinegar they've got plenty of.

I think a lot of it has to do with job security-make it a bigger problem than it is, keep those high paying jobs...and massage the wallets of those who manufacture the new cats.

Magnaflow must be having record profits-from what I've seen they're so far the only ones who make a new California compliant cat for my rig.

Fortunately the area I live in has clean, beautiful air.

I agree about tearing out smog stuff...while it would be nice-I also know what its like to choke in dirty air...
I just wish there weren't so many double standards (diesel vehicles, ships coming in from all over the world at the coast belching tons of crap into the air...) But it seems like I am the one paying for everyone else, not just me.

[tgreese]

... Its like they make it difficult on purpose...
Oh clearly the laws intentionally make it difficult to keep old cars on the road. No question.

I agree with you 100% about the rest, except maybe I'm not so enthusiastic about any state-run business like selling CCs. Businesses run by government entities have a terrible record of efficiency. My feeling is that they should set the tailpipe standards and let businesses and consumers work out the most efficient way to meet the standards. The new converters conform to some more stringent anti-tampering law. I have not been able to figure out (so far) exactly what kind of tampering the state is preventing, but it does somehow require a different design.

To me, this seems like a fine example of the anti-motorist bias built in to the law. By managing the technology rather than mandating the result, the state has radically increased the bureaucratic barriers to compliance. With all this built-in hassle and rigid specification, they prevent the formation of businesses who might come up with novel (legal!) ways of keeping older cars in compliance, and made it hard for motorists to be in compliance any way other than buying a new car every few years.

My feeling is that these laws aren't aimed at old car owners so specifically, as much as they codify the sentiment of the lawmakers. In some circles, the internal combustion engine is vilified, regardless of how much social and economic progress it has brought.

I should stop here. Thanks for writing your reply Annie - I read it with great interest.

[4x4Dad]

Was this a test only station? Cuz that is where DMV makes me go...every flippin' time. I hate that dyno.
IT IS THE ENEMY!

[...] The test only shops up here don't do ANY work, not unless they're gold shield certified (meaning they can also do repairs.) And those guys won't mess around, they get undercover inspections to make sure they are in compliance. No way they want to take a chance after what those dyno machines cost...

[...]The techs at the test only centers will not give any advice, period. They don't even have any real tools in those places. Just a garage with the dyno and the computer...

I went to an actual mechanic. The DMV didn't require me to go to a test-only station. Why would they make you do that if you can get it tested and fixed by the same folks? That's a prime example of excessive regulation.

It seems to be more of a hurdle every time I have to get a test. (Have you seen the new California catalytic converter law jsut gone into effect in January?!)

Haven't heard a thing about this. Does it apply to our older rigs?

As I said before, Annie, I do hope you get this figured out cheaply so that your ride can see public roads.

[tgreese]

Small addendum - looks like the CARB approved CCs have a date, serial number and manufacturer plate on them that says "CARB approved." There are some additional record-keeping requirements for the installer. Plus you get an extended warranty.

Also, existing stock is exempt, if you can find the pre-CARB type you need on the shelf somewhere.

[AnnieL]

I went to an actual mechanic. The DMV didn't require me to go to a test-only station. Why would they make you do that if you can get it tested and fixed by the same folks? That's a prime example of excessive regulation.



Haven't heard a thing about this. Does it apply to our older rigs?

As I said before, Annie, I do hope you get this figured out cheaply so that your ride can see public roads.

Tucker, check out my post at: http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=103283

If you are in CA and need a new cat, oh heck yea it applies...

[AnnieL]

Small addendum - looks like the CARB approved CCs have a date, serial number and manufacturer plate on them that says "CARB approved." There are some additional record-keeping requirements for the installer. Plus you get an extended warranty.

Also, existing stock is exempt, if you can find the pre-CARB type you need on the shelf somewhere.

And have fun finding one!!!

I've been looking for DAYS with no luck, just in case that's what I need...:mad: They've got retailers scared to death about selling anything like that after january 1. In fact, none of the online retailers will even send one to a California address!

[Headhoncho]

I tried everything I could to get my truck to pass emissions in Jersey and I ended up replacing the Cat. It passed with flying colors. Granted the old one was completely worn out but it may be what it takes to get yours through. Hope they get it figured out so you can test out that new lift and tires before they sag and dryrot. :(



JR

[grand_wag_85]

Naw, the rig has been on a non-op for the past 18 months...and this is the hell I get to go thru to get her back in shape. :( I had what I thought was a carb problem when I put it on non-op because I was broke and couldn't do anything about it, but I think it's probably the catalytic converter. (ooh that is gonna be painful if its true, the new Kalifornia smog nazi model is more than $300.) :( :( :(

I do, however, use that awesome snake oil in my van. (Dodge, 318-also a gas hawg)

Increased my mileage by 17%-not too shabby, much of the $ I saved on gas I put away, to pay for my lift on the rig. :D

I used to use some other stuff in the rig that seemed to work pretty well, but can't remember what it's called. I haven't seen it for sale in a long, time now that I think about it...

Go to your local big chain parts store and on their chemical wall there will be little bottles of smog pass stuff. The bottles look like the 5 hr energy drink bottles. I haven't used them but I hear good results. Have you tried upper cylinder lube or anything of the likes in the gas tank?

[fulsizjeep]

All I can say here is I am very happy to not have to smog these beasts in SW CO. ;)

[AnnieL]

Go to your local big chain parts store and on their chemical wall there will be little bottles of smog pass stuff. The bottles look like the 5 hr energy drink bottles. I haven't used them but I hear good results. Have you tried upper cylinder lube or anything of the likes in the gas tank?

Yea, I tried the only two that were still available for sale in CA, and neighter of them worked...

Just gotta wait this out-they're working on mine inbetween all the other stuff that comes in...:banghead:

[AnnieL]

I went to an actual mechanic. The DMV didn't require me to go to a test-only station. Why would they make you do that if you can get it tested and fixed by the same folks? That's a prime example of excessive regulation.

That may very well depend on your zip code...and you may very well be in for a shock next time your renewal shows up in the mail...especially if you are on a biennial smog check...and having an older rig, that almost guarantees you will be required to go to a test only station. Tests run about 50-65 bux, plus certificate and transfer fee (computer sends it straight to DMV.)

[grand_wag_85]

Ever think about buying land out of state?:noevil:

[letank]

Time to go shopping for a cat at the zone in las vegas.....

[cu4whln]

Hmm, what a pain in the arse..

Could a "member" buy an NOS cat somewhere and ship it privately to you for installation ??:rolleyes: ;)

Maybe you could ask... there are NOS parts stashes around here....
and give us the part number[s] to look for??

Not that any of "us" would do anything illegal :cool:

[TPICherokee]

I've been looking for DAYS with no luck, just in case that's what I need...:mad: They've got retailers scared to death about selling anything like that after january 1. In fact, none of the online retailers will even send one to a California address!

I will, just so you know.... :thumbsup: What law?

[babywag]

Just an FYI....I bought 49 state cats for my '01 Taurus, and they failed it on visual due to the cats.
They know exactly what to look @, and ANY excuse to fail you = $$$ for them.

Not saying it won't work, but be **** sure the place you're testing it @ will pass it or you're just pissin' $$$ in the wind.

[Randyzzz]

We did a bunch of these when I worked for Jeep...about 10 years ago...

There was a recall on some late model FSJ's which involved replacing the catalytic converter. Both mine were 1990's- I don't remember the year span. Check with your dealer if this might apply to you. You can just call in with the vin and have them run a dial function 70. If I remember right, this was a voluntary recall, not EPA mandated. So the dealer won't offer unless you ask.

I actually have one of the recall cats...in my shop...never installed...brand new... if you need one, I'd be happy to sell it. I don't remember if it was for a CA or FED vehicle. Of course, I don't know if that was an issue back then.

[AnnieL]

http://www.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/happy/happy0005.gifhttp://www.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/happy/happy0071.gifhttp://www.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/happy/happy0064.gifhttp://www.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/happy/happy0120.gif

http://www.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/jumping/jumping0045.gif http://www.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/jumping/jumping0023.gif
!!!!!!!WOO HOO!!!!!!!!
SHE PASSED!!!

They're picking me up right now to go get her...

It was a brand new part that was faulty-nobody's fault, just crappy bad luck!

[tgreese]

Great news! Congratulations!

Road trip time. :fsj: :fsj: :fsj:

Which part?

[Jeepstress]

Far out, Annie! That is great news!!

[djongeward]

Right on, right on :thumbsup:

But we still want to know what part it was and how it got fixed.

[jaber]

AWESOME!!!!!!:thumbsup:

[AnnieL]

Brand spankin' new power valve was bad, even though vacuum said otherwise. Like I said, nobody's fault!

She passed by the skin of her teeth-on HC only. Everything else is good!

I think once she's had her legs stretched for a couple hundred miles of real driving, her numbers will be MUCH better, so does the mechanic. She's running GREAT!
:dancingbanana: :dancingbanana: :dancingbanana:

[bigun]

Congrats!!

[Ristow]

Brand spankin' new power valve was bad, even though vacuum said otherwise. Like I said, nobody's fault!


WHEW!!

:lol:

[AnnieL]

WHEW!!

:lol:

LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[manimal]

:thumbsup:VERY COOL! Congrats!
-Lance

[Sian09]

What a relief! Until next year!!

[newtojeeps]

Hopefully you won't get on the gross polluter program and have to go every year.
Great job kept swinging:thumbsup::fsj:

[DAHoyle]

Glad you got thru it.

I live just north of Denver, just so I don't have to deal with the smog people.
I made that mistake when I first moved here, and had a van fail because the check engine light came on, even tho the engine passed with flying colors.

Moved my Great Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley Moogley out of the metro area, and haven't looked back.

Anyway, Congrats on getting her back on the road.

Doug

[letank]

Super, look what i found: cats at $80ish

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/pts/1182061069.html

As for the power valve, i have been blowing a few on the 85 wag in 3 or 4 months.

[AnnieL]

Whoa, that would be worth a trip to Van Nuys...thanks for that, I'm keeping a note of it. NO WAY I'd find a deal like that out here.

Every few months... I wonder why? Is someone manufacturing crappy power valves? They should last one heck of a lot longer than that. :(

I am still positively stoked she passed...I was really beginning to get worried there for awhile.

The guy who did most of the work on her was all smiles when I arrived-asked me if it was OK to take her for a romp since I had to get all my paperwork, etc. (the hwy is right in front of the shop) so I said heck yea, go for it, ya earned that!

He was gone about 20 minutes. When he got back, he said he used to have a '79 years ago, and then said..."I really wish I hadn't done that, now I gotta have one again." :D

[AnnieL]

Glad you got thru it.

I live just north of Denver, just so I don't have to deal with the smog people.
I made that mistake when I first moved here, and had a van fail because the check engine light came on, even tho the engine passed with flying colors.

Moved my Great Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley Moogley out of the metro area, and haven't looked back.

Anyway, Congrats on getting her back on the road.

Doug

A check engine light is an automatic fail out here too.

It could run as clean as an electric car and it's FAIL, FAIL, FAIL.

Such a stupid rule.

I think the thing that gets to me most is that I live in one of the most rural areas of California. No smog problems out here.

I'm happy to do my part to help keep air clean but good gawd. Watch what an earth mover or a semi truck belches out in a single day...I honestly don't think my rig could create that kind of pollution in 10 years, even if she was running badly. They're going after the wrong people.

[seventynine]

Sweet! Now it's time to find another state to live in before the next test is required;)

Dean

[janie]

thats awesome news annie.:thumbsup:

[Ristow]

Watch what an earth mover or a semi truck belches out in a single day...I honestly don't think my rig could create that kind of pollution in 10 years, even if she was running badly. They're going after the wrong people.


you obviously haven't seen the ridiculous NEW regulation put in effect on commercial carriers in your state. get ready,it WILL affect your pocketbook.

[AnnieL]

Nope, haven't heard anything about this-??

[4x4Dad]

Hey look, there goes Annie! -->:drivin: :fsj:


Congratulations, Annie! This is great news.:alc:

[AnnieL]

Now this is what I mean by the skin of my teeth...

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i82/Sahara81/1ec344c4.jpg


Hopefully that HC will go DOWN quite a bit as she gets more miles..but at least she passed. Can't get any closer to failing than this!:eek: (Note the HC @ 15 MPH!)

[bigun]

Mike I had heard that they had scaled back on their demands because they realized they didn't have the people to inspect all the rigs coming in. The company my brother and SIL drive for is/was planning on having dedicated Komifornia rigs where the other drivers would drop the trailer at a warehousing facilaty just outside of Komifornia and the dedicated rigs would take it from there