Getting ready for smog check

[mkmachine]

it's coming up on time for a smog check for my 82 FJ60. I remember seeing some excellent suggestions/threads on here a while back, and I can't seem to find them by searching.
The first question is, does anyone have a suggestion for a smog check place in the San Francisco, bay area, preferably Oakland, that would be sympathetic to my old truck, and test it off record so I can see and fix problems before it becomes permanent record?

The truck runs a little rough when cold, but more or less perfect when warm. So, I'm not expecting problems, but I don't want to take chances.

also, I remember suggestions about getting the truck super warmed up before hand. also about putting "heat" in the tank. Is this just fuel dryer (alcohol)?
any other suggestions?

thanks
mk

 

[2mbb]

My registration says that I must take my 85 FJ60 to a "test only" facility. The place I go in Walnut Creek (it's a chevron gas station--nothing special), does offer an "off the books" test, for a charge. I think some of that charge may be refunded when you get your official test. However, because it's a test only place, they don't even attempt to fix what's wrong.

If you go this route and the truck doesn't pass and you don't have the emissions manual and are not up for trouble shooting the problem, my recommendation is to take it to someplace that really knows the 60 series. Some years back Gary Kardum at Mudrak in Sonoma told me he could do smog repairs/test, but that was before the new smog test equipment and test only shops were initiated. But Gary can troubleshoot and fix your problem.

Regarding what you should do before the test: Make sure all your vacuum tubing is in good repair and properly connected, it's best to have the truck tuned up and have the valves adjusted (depending when that was done last), get the emissions manual and make sure all your smog systems pass operations tests. There is a new state test this year that pressure tests the fuel evaporation system. mine failed this test and I replaced all my EVAP system tubing and it passed the second time.

Good luck!

 

[Spike Strip]

There are some threads where people have put a couple of gallons of Denatured Alcohol (about 25-50% mix, I think, Heet is denatured Alcohol ) then take it in - it passes - then they drive around the corner and fill up. I've never done that - yet.

Also, even though your reg will say "check only" station, you don't have to take it there. Take it to a "Gold Shield" station, preferably one that knows cruisers. The check only designation is just to steer you to a place that keeps the program going, but it's a crock because if you fail at the "test only" they are not authorized to do repairs, so you have to take it to a repair place and pay for the test again, after repairs.

Check the CA DMV website for smog check - it's all there.