Date:         Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:39:57 -0700
Reply-To:     Robert Fisher <refisher@MCHSI.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Robert Fisher <refisher@MCHSI.COM>
Subject:      Re: Smog test failed - here is my plan
In-Reply-To:  <BAY132-DS38C6C340AF6D0E6181746A0180@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

So if you had excessive HC at idle that went away at 2500 rpms, what would
you look for? Does that narrow it down any?

Cya,
Robert

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Dennis Haynes
Sent: Wednesday, July 22, 2009 5:12 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Smog test failed - here is my plan

Actually high hydrocarbons does not mean it is running rich at all. That
would show up as excessive CO. High HC is the result of fuel that is never
ignited. On the Waterboxer it is often the result of a cylinder running
leaner than the others resulting in what is known as lean miss fire. It can
also be caused by ignition issues, a valve or ring problem or a simple
vacuum leak. Over advanced ignition timing on the Waterboxer can also cause
high HC. Point is, just going after fuel mixture is the wrong approach. Good
trouble shooting is in order here.

Dennis


-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Roland
Sent: Wednesday, July 22, 2009 3:03 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Smog test failed - here is my plan

Yes, one of our favorite subjects:  good old CA smog test, '89 2.1.  It has
passed twice before without needing help, but not this time.

It has high hydrocarbons at idle, which means it is running rich.

So, I plan to change cap, rotor, plugs which is the advice I gathered from
the archives.  Also will use a bottle of injector cleaner for the next few
days.

Actually, I am going to let the shop do it, since they have a pre-test
capability and work with the local official smog check station to get it
passed.  VW Paradise (http://www.vwparadise.com), north San Diego County,
have had some work done there before, seem like pretty good guys.  Seems
there are always 4- 6 vanagons there in various state of repairs.

I would do those "tune-up" items myself, but by the time I get it done, and
maybe adjust the AFM (which I've never done), I'd be guessing, and then go
back to get it checked again, and if it fails, then guess again, and go
back.  The process stinks, given all the governmental stuff in CA, I am
getting sick of this state anyway (sorry for the editorial).  Recent reports
show the smog test system as useless:  now there are so many newer cars on
the road which don't go bad, that this whole smog test junk is just a tax on
older car owners.

Things I learned from the Smog Test station (who is a really good guy):
- don't use premium fuel - it will increases the probability of failure.
- don't ever buy ARCO gas, he was adamant about this!
- California has a CAP program which my Van qualfies.  I have to mail in an
application, then if approved I go to a CAP qualified repair facility, and I
pay the first $100.00 of smog repairs, then the state pays the next
$500.00.  But many of these "certified" CAP stations refuse to touch
vanagons.  Takes about 2 weeks to hear back from the state after you send
the application.

Any comments appreciated.

Roland