California Smog

[GRAT]

I have been required to have my upcoming smog test at test only facility. Does anyone have any experience with this type of test ? What can I do to ensure that I pass ?
The engine runs O.K, but a two spark plugs are kind of dark, vacuum is about 17hg. Any suggestions are appreciated.


79 Chero/WT 360 TH400 2.5 Dynomax

[MonsterMash]

Make sure that your motor is at the high end of the normal operating temp. Make sure your air cleaner is clean & pcv valve is functioning properly. Make sure all of your orig. equip. emmissions components are in place (even the heat riser tube--I had to retest my Dodge because it was disconnected even though it was there and the dude coulda' stuck it on himself).

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'84GW360--"Spinner"
And on the eighth day God created Jeep so man would not be bored.

[Dave _S]

To be absolutely sure you pass:

1) Take your car into a smog shop and have the carb adjusted while the sniffer probe is in the tailpipe. Have the tech adjust the airfuel ratio so that it meets the smog requirements. This way you will be sure to pass tailpipe emmissions test. Also, have the timing and idle speeds adjusted as well. You will fail the test if your timing is off by more than 3 degrees.

2) Next, make sure that all other emissions stuff is hooked up so that you will pass the visual part of the test.

3) Go to the test only station and relax. You will pass.

One thing to note: If you adjust the air/fuel ratio yourself using the lean roll idle technique with either a tachometer or a vaccum gage you may well fail the test. Although, old cars with carbs run better (IMHO) with the air/fuel ratio set this way, the lean roll idle method gives you an air/fuel ratio a little to rich to pass the smog test.

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1977 WT Cherokee, 401V8, TH400, PT Quadra-trac.

[Ralph]

You might try a fuel additive such as RxP Gas Kicker or Super 21.

[Dave _S]

One other thing. Full time four wheel drive cars are exempt from dyno testing in CA. Probably, the tech at the test center will not realize that a '79 chero may have full time four wheel drive, so if you have a QT you will need to tell them. Needless to say putting a full time QT on a dyno may cause serious damage to the transfer case among other things.