Darn Smog!

[crackdpot]

Have 84 FJ60 that had manually plugged EGR Valve when bought out of state. As I'm in Ca, I can't just tear out the smog equipment as I'm tempted. I purchased replacement Valve and before I take it to the shop, I had a question. She started running rough and I temporarily "fixed" it by sticking a vacuum pump on the top EGR hose, helping the diaphragm to seat I guess. Now it's running rough again and I'm also getting a hot smell from around the Catalytic converter somewheres. What are the symptoms of a clogged Catalytic converter? It runs rough and sputters 'til dead at low idle. When at freeway speeds, it keeps running 'til I come to a stop. Could this be the clogged Cat. & maybe be the reason that someone else purposely plugged the EGR to begin with?

 

[zuluzeugma]

I've seen a plugged CAT actually glow red before... If its doing that, its probably shot...

 

[crackdpot]

I can't pretend to know what I'm doing.
Once I have theory, I pretty much understand tho.
Would a clogged Cat act like that?
Would the plugged EGR do anything in trying to route around the problem?

Tanks Mon!

 

[crackdpot]

750-4, sweet.

Had 2.

Got 550-4 waiting on new wire-loom and carb clean.

Fun Bikes!

 

[bri368x]

Have 84 FJ60 that had manually plugged EGR Valve when bought out of state. As I'm in Ca, I can't just tear out the smog equipment as I'm tempted. I purchased replacement Valve and before I take it to the shop, I had a question. She started running rough and I temporarily "fixed" it by sticking a vacuum pump on the top EGR hose, helping the diaphragm to seat I guess. Now it's running rough again and I'm also getting a hot smell from around the Catalytic converter somewheres. What are the symptoms of a clogged Catalytic converter? It runs rough and sputters 'til dead at low idle. When at freeway speeds, it keeps running 'til I come to a stop. Could this be the clogged Cat. & maybe be the reason that someone else purposely plugged the EGR to begin with?

I share your pain. There are not a lot of shops in NorCal that will do smog work on cruisers, and the parts are really, really, expensive. If you want I can PM you the name of the guy I used, and he completely rebuilt my smog system and replaced the carb for me. He is in Petaluma.

 

[crackdpot]

Thanks,

I'm in Mendo. County but would be glad for his contact info.
Actually moved from Petaluma a number of years ago. Have a mechanic in Ukiah that's gonna take a look & sounds like he knows his way around.

Gracias.

 

[Toadhopper]

Not sure exactly on the signs and symptoms of a clogged CAT, although what you're describing sounds like stuff I've read on a bad EGR. The emissions manual is actually cheap (< $20) so you may want to get one and check through it before you spend alot of money w/a mechanic. There are several interdependent systems that work together, but Gary at mudrak (in Sonoma) is really good at LCs in general, although I know even he flinches a little when you're needing smog work. If you still have the OEM CAT in there after 24+ years, its probably needing to be replaced. You can put a new cat on there and it'll probably pass smog even if there is something else thats not working properly.

 

[bri368x]

Thanks,

I'm in Mendo. County but would be glad for his contact info.
Actually moved from Petaluma a number of years ago. Have a mechanic in Ukiah that's gonna take a look & sounds like he knows his way around.

Gracias.

You are outside the Bay Area air quality district correct? It ends at Santa Rosa?

 

[zipnman]

Get the emissions manual like toadhopper suggested. I had a bad egr which made my cruiser run bad, but also had other vacuum switching valves which were bad. You should troubleshoot with the manual you will be supprised how many different problems you may find with the emissions system. Run through the manual and you will have a very happy cruiser.

Good luck

 

[crackdpot]

Replaced the busted EGR with a Replacement from S.O.R.
Runs without dying now. No Hot Cat Smell, at least until I
heard a bump on the way back from my test drive.

I'll try'nd replace the plugs wires, cap and rotor and see where that leaves things. Just don't make no sense to spend money if I aint got to!

May be something else in my smog system, but I hope not.

 

[Toadhopper]

I'll try'nd replace the plugs wires, cap and rotor and see where that leaves things. Just don't make no sense to spend money if I aint got to!

[/quote]

IMHO the smog manual is a really good investment. Its a better bet than many other things you may try in order to pass smog!