I need some work done on my car cause I just failed my smog test and I have some other problems to take care of. I finally got the money to take it to Don Lorentzen, but I just found out that he threw out his back (poor guy). I really need to get my car fixed cause I dont have registration or plates and I need my car really bad, or I wouldnt even take it anywhere else. I was wondering if you could recommend any other mechanics in the So Cal area. BTW- I live in Glendale, which is in the L.A. area, but I'm willing to drive as far as O.C. if the place comes highly recommended. Thanks again.

 

What is exactly that you need? Maybe I can get someone to help me.
Don>>>

 

Don, theres three main things that I am concerned with, the first being primarily to pass smog. The next problem I got was what I was describing to you last time I was at your shop. Sometimes when I drive around for a few minutes, just running errands in town, I turn off the car and when I come out it won't start. The battery is fine, had it checked out, as well as the alternator. If you just let it sit there about 10-20 minutes it will miraculously start, sometimes. (Other times it tends to be moody, and takes longer) I've read on some of the boards from others who have similiar experiences with this, but the problem seems to vary person to person (im not gonna try and diagnose it myself). Last, I think my timing might be off cause on the results page at the smog test it said I failed the ignition timing test. The result of this problem is a very unstable idle at stops, to the point where I have to be on the accelarator and brake pedals at the same time to keep my car from stalling. Those are pretty much my main concerns...I'm just trying to keep the engine alive while I do other mods and prepare for a swap in the future. Thanks a ton Don, hope you feel better, by the way.

 

Try changing the solenoid. I had a similar problem that fixed it.

 

If you can't pass smog, but need your car, you can get a 60 day temporary operating permit from the DMV to let you drive your car and have time to get necessary repairs done to pass smog. When you see a car on the street with @ 3" square pink paper taped inside the rear window or on the corner of the windshield, that is a temporary operating permit.

 

Russ, how would I get that permit? @ the DMV?, is there any way to avoid the trip to the DMV?

 

You can go to a AAA office and talk to them.