California Smog and my results today.

[4dmalamute]

Well, I took the beast down to get smogged today. I had a funny feeling that it wouldnt pass. Maybe because the guy who put my exhaust on said the cat. Converter was shot. Anyway, turns out, the beast (has just over 250k on it) failed for two reasons. First, the check engine light is burnt out. s***!!! I just tore apart the dash a few weeks ago to replace the "D" light and I guess I moved it around to much and the check engine light blew out. Also, the other reason was at idle, the high they allow of HC is 100, and my beast was 110. Double s***!! Anyway, my idle is actually really low so I will adjust it to idle a bit higher (any tips on how to do this would be great!) and I will replace the light.

Anyway, I was thinking the beast would be worse off (I know, no faith in the beast...................I have no idea why either!) So, in the next few days I will do the stuff needed to get her to pass. Once again, anyone have any hints or ideas on how to get the idle to be correct would be great to hear. Thanks, Chans

 

[e9999]

how did they find out the light was burned out?

 

[hoser]

When you turn the key to the "IGN" position, the CEL will illuminate. Standard test procedure.

 

[CJF]

Also, the other reason was at idle, the high they allow of HC is 100, and my beast was 110.

The following info. is valid on a 3FE 91-92, maybe or maybe not on later years:

Unless they insist your idle be at the recommended 650rpm, simply adjust the "golden screw", which is the big, butter knife adjustable screw staring out at you from the front of the throttle body. Bring the idle up to about 900rpm (do this *immediately* before testing, as the ECU will slowly compensate and bring it back down) and you should be fine.

Curtis

P.S. Unless they've been replaced, the "real" fix, which would probably also improve mileage/performance, is most likely the O2 sensors.

 

[4dmalamute]

P.S. Unless they've been replaced, the "real" fix, which would probably also improve mileage/performance, is most likely the O2 sensors.[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the idea on the turning of the screw. As for the "real" fix, if my 02 sensors where the issue, then, my numbers would have been alot worse. (I know this due to my last 80 had the 02 problem.
I will try the screw thing tomorrow. Any other advice would be great as well. Thanks

 

[e9999]

When you turn the key to the "IGN" position, the CEL will illuminate. Standard test procedure.

yes, but do they normally check that? I didn't notice my guy doing it... does make sense of course

 

[4dmalamute]

yes, but do they normally check that? I didn't notice my guy doing it... does make sense of course

Yep, they check it. Part of the visual inspection.

 

[Jason Andrews]

There was a recent thread on this...One thing I know is too run it hard right before the test. The warmer the cats are the better they work, so cleaner you will be.