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Date:         Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:02:47 -0700
Reply-To:     Roland <syncronicity1@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Roland <syncronicity1@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Smog test failed - here is my plan
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

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


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