I've got an '84 Vanagon GL that I can't get to pass smog because it won't idle between 2250 and 2750 RPM. It will idle lower, and if it idles a bit quicker, something in the engine shuts down the idle speed after just a few seconds. It will idle much faster, but too fast for the smog test. Other information: 100K on car The OxS light is on. 30,000 mile service done 6 months ago at Bug & Hare in SF. Muffler probably needs replacing. Last piece of tail pipe fell off. Transmission may be ready to fail. It had trouble engaging in drive when first started. I.e., sometimes it took several minutes to engage in drive, and then a terrible thunk. I was ready to junk the car, and then I put in TransX and the problem immediately went away. Supposedly, there are some cracks in the heads. I.e., the compression is low. Very little coolant is lost. There is a leak in the gas tank when completely full., I think that the least to diagnose this problem would be $125. However, the car seems to drive just fine right now. Is it worth it to pursue fixing this beast. I like the car, but I think that it may be ready for donation to my local charity. I already bought a new minivan, but I lik e having the old one for taking to the beach with my sandy/salty windsurfing gear. Has anybody had a similar problem with passing smog? Are there any quick and cheap fixes? Thanks for any information. Justin |
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