hey guys. that dreaded time has come! any tips on preparing for smog? I have one burnt wire so I know ill need to replace that for sure. Should I just do a full tuneup? I was thinkin maybe seafoaming it before I do the plugs/wires...

 

The only suggestions I'd have are to:

Run the "Pass or Don't pay" formula through the fuel system(read directions thouroughly).

Fill up an entire clean tank(without formula) with Chevron with Techron.

Make sure engine is warm when you get there, let it idle before you pull in for the appt.

Make any visable or known problem areas fixed and talk shop to the tech(last bit optional, lol).

 

lol thanks Daniel. I havent havent tried that additive but ill be sure to try it this time. I usually run mid grade chevron anyways. thanks for the input dude.

 

BTW, I burn 1 qt. between changes and have 225k+ on the original motor.

 

replace the o2 sensor if you havent' yet or in many miles.

 

Also the fuel filter.

 

thanks guys. Need to put off smog for a bit due to EGR being shot! Once I have the EGR off I was told to shoot some carb cleaner or brakleen down the port and let it soak up for a bit. Then scrape it out with a coat hanger. Would this be harmful when all that carbon drops down into the motor?

 

If its loose carbon it will just go right out the exhaust.

 

definitely seafoam it!

 

I just went through this nightmare. Gawd help us if they go to once a year for cars as old as ours.

See if the smog tech will allow you to a test run. If you have any doubts it will fail, ask for this. You don't want to get on a "gross polluter" list at the state level you'll do this. I'm already getting mail about scraping my car because it failed so miserably the first time.

A general tune up isn't a bad idea. New plugs, wires, cap, and timing check will be worth it anyway. You can try a bottle of these "smog passing" additives but it's all hype IMO unless you run a whole tank of ethanol in which case your engine probably isn't tuned to deal with that in the first place.

Modified exhaust? Old cat? If yes to either of these, your best bet may be to make sure the system is HOT when you bring it in there. Drive it down the interstate in 3 instead of D or around town in 2 never staying down on the RPM's.

I ended up passing with some replacement hoses on my vacuum system, replacing my EGR, and making sure the cat was hot when the test was run. When it passed, the numbers were very low... much different than the original test where I was sure the system was operating well.

Good luck.