So I took my car in to get safety and emissions. The guy testing was a complete idiot. When he was doing safety he had to check my rear drums and set my chrome center cap face down on the concrete... I picked it up and politely said I didn't want it getting scratched. But to my point, I failed low idle, but he never let it idle. Computer said between 400 & 1200 rpm, he held the pedal sporadically around 1100-1150. Could this contribute to the failed test? I Got 804 on hc, where max allowed is 600. If the idle isn't the issue how can I improve it? Here is report:
if the guy was moving the gas pedal during the test it will fail on hydrocarbons. when the pedal is moved the accelerator pump pumps extra gas in creating a rich condition. that will cause the hydrocarbons to increase. you want your car fully warmed up for a smog test. in california arco gas has the highest alcohol content in it. its the cleanest gas to goto smog testing on. it also gets the worse mpg. finding the highest alcohol content gas will help also
HE may have done it on purpose for your center cap comment. Just a thought. Like bryant said if he hits the accelerator pump at idle or even the transfer circuit at that rpm HC will fail. Im assuming your idle speed isnt 1100??
Thanks. Do you think it can make up 200 points on hydrocarbons? I already filled with premium, from chevron. Hopefully that is good enough. The guy at the shop said I should try running richer, does he just not know what he's talking about?
So, if you spend the 100 bucks, to you get an automatic "pass" ? or do you have to go through the test again?
I don't know? I have receipts that cover that value. For new plugs, air filter, cap and rotor, wires, all of which can improve spark and emissions...
Call the number and ask, if you read what it says, 68-81 model year cars just need $100 worth of repairs. Buy a new PCV valve and some other stuff....
premium gas doesnt mean it will run cleaner or better. you need to be running the right octane for your motors compression. chevron around here i one of the company's that has lower alcohol levels. heres your best chance of passing adjust your idle speed up to 1000 rpm. then dial in you idle mixture screws using a vacuum gauge till you get the highest vacuum reading. there used to be a product called guaranteed to pass. its just alcohol, put it in you gas tank and go back and retest. it should pass. the tester throttling the gas pedal can easily raise the hc by 200
I don't know the cam, the seller didn't have the cam card for it. The heads are stock, but soon to be replaced by some ported gt40 heads. Well, within the next year...
the 600 double pumper is just fine on your motor. the secondaries dont have idle circuits so it wont be too rich at idle.
Ok, I'll try alcohol and have the guy last off the pedal brogue I spend $100 just to get a pass. But if I have to that isn't a bad option either.