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Penryn
Dodge Dakota
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8/31/2004
14:05:38
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 Subject: CA Smog Test Problem
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Message:
I just had a nightmare smog test experience here in CA and wanted to see if anyone knew of anything I could do to fix it.
I've had my 1995 3.9 for 10 years now. Smog came up so I took it to a local place here in San Jose, where I'm going to school. Test took 40 minutes and was $80. The guy went over every inch of my truck. Anyway, I asked him if anyting was up a couple times and he said "No, everything's fine." So he gets done, starts writing on the paper and tells me he's failing me because my aftermarket air assembly doesn't have a CA ref #, or isn't in their book, or he can't find it, etc.
I put the standard 14" Edelbrock cleaner on 7 years ago and I've passed smog with it before. I got it at Pep Boys and use a standard (restrictive) paper filter with it. I don't have any cold air piped up to the top of the hood, or anything whacky going on.
Anyway, he immeditely told me about the retest fee, which makes me think that he failed me to get the extra $. I don't know, I'm really jaded about it right now. I realize that they're just doing their job. My NO #s were almost to max and I'm afraid if I test again, with any assembly, I'll fail. Also, the setup at this place was different from other places I've gone to. HUGE fans blowing on the car, etc, which I hadn't seen before when I lived in SoCal.
I went to a bone yard right now that had a primo yard, but there were no Dakotas. No Daks in the bone yards, woo! Anyway, no luck on getting an old assembly.
Anyway, just a poor student. Can't register the vehicle and I'm out $80 and don't have $ to retest. I want to try and fight it, or see if Edlebrock can give me a CARB # or something.. anyone have any ideas? Also, do I have to retest at the same place? I really, really don't want to go back there, unless it's to yell at the guy, or throw some legit #s at him.
--Penryn
1995 Dodge Dakota Sport 3.9L
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Penryn
Dodge Dakota
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8/31/2004
14:19:14
|  RE: CA Smog Test Problem
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Here are my #s -- am I reading this correctly that I have a pretty effective burn? Why are the NO #s so high?
15 MPH, 1667 RPM
HC: MAX(88) MEAS(26)
CO%: MAX 0.64, MEAS 0.07
NO: MAX 508, MEAS 506
25 MPH, 1573 RPM
HC: MAX(53), MEAS(6)
CO%: MAX 0.78, MEAS 0.01
NO MAX 761, MEAS 584
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Joe.C
Dodge Dakota
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8/31/2004
16:43:46
|  RE: CA Smog Test Problem
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Message:
The only solution I could give you is to move out of that Socialist state. Is that governor you people elected doing anything to relax the emmisions test.
Looks like to me as long as you pass the CA EPA test you souldn't have to pay nothing!
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Bob Lincoln
Dodge Dakota
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8/31/2004
19:09:30
| RE: CA Smog Test Problem
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Message:
Bottom line is, your numbers passed. make him show you in writing what regulation you're failing. Tell him if he won't, you'll go the state attorney general, and you want his name and inspection station number.
NOx higher than normal can mean engine running hotter; EGR problem if so equipped; wrong spark plugs; excess carbon in cylinders. But the fact is that you passed the pollutants test.
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?
Dodge Dakota
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9/01/2004
13:22:15
| RE: CA Smog Test Problem
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Message:
Yes your #,s are OK
Seems as if Cal has tightened the numbers down
Contact Edelbrock and/or get more info from that miserable ' turkey'..
Problem if you go to another garage is that they will probably want the full " $ 80.00 " for a
test...
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another mark
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
9/01/2004
13:39:57
| RE: CA Smog Test Problem
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Message:
They put your truck on a dyno? I haven't seen anyone doing the
IM240 test in California yet. I live up in San Francisco. I would
not go back to that tester he ripped you off on the testing fees.
You can get your truck tested for $40 easy at Arco Smog Pros
who have a don't pass don't pay test. I would try finding the
stock air filter assembly at car-part.com or there are many
wreckers in the Sacramento area who I'm sure would ship to you.
Bottom line, if it don't have a CARB# on it it should never been
on during a smog check. Good luck.
I'd also highly recommend a tune up. My 99 Dakota is like 10
times below the legal limits of everything. Are you running a
lower than 195 degree thermo? That could help clean things up.
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Penryn
Dodge Dakota
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9/01/2004
15:45:08
| RE: CA Smog Test Problem
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I am running a 180 degree thermo. Still, made sure to warm the car up before the test. I have a big project in the works to port/gasket match the intake manifold, grind down the runners a bit, clean out the EGR, etc.
The high NO may be due to the EGR not functioning properly. I bought a gasket for it, need to get in there with a wirebrush and clean it out. I imagine my whole exhaust system is pretty clogged up. I didn't want to touch it until after I pass smog, though.
Any idea how long it is until my next test, after this one? 5 more years?
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Jason L
Dodge Dakota
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9/02/2004
04:51:54
| RE: CA Smog Test Problem
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Where is the shop? I live in San jose and I don't want to goto that shop.
01 4x4 4.7 QC
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Penryn
Dodge Dakota
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9/02/2004
05:53:20
| RE: CA Smog Test Problem
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Message:
Large 76 garage / test only center on the corner of Almaden Expressway and Blossom Hill.. right past the 85, near Costco, etc.
I'm going in tomorrow to get the regulation # from the guy, along with something written from him stating the regulation #, etc.
My numbers passed, so I'm pissed. I also got ripped the hell off. I'm REALLY concerned that in order to get the half price retest, I have to retest at that particular shop.. in which case I'm really going to raise hell.
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smog man
Dodge Dakota
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9/02/2004
09:50:19
| RE: CA Smog Test Problem
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let this be a lesson for everyone. before taking your car for a smog test, TUNE IT UP and change ALL your filters and install plugs that are rated one more number hotter. and DONT FORGET to change the pcv valve too. if you have something thats going to fail visual, TAKE IT OFF and replace it with your stock gear. you may get written up for not having carb approved equipment. yes, its time consuming to do all that, but look at the alternative. need i say more?
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wildhawk
GenIII
9/02/2004
16:08:51
| RE: CA Smog Test Problem
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If you end up having to start over at a new station, try the Chevron station at the corner of Branham Lane and Meridian Ave. Almost everyone I know goes there and it's only a few blocks away from the one you went to originally.
Also, in the same shopping center as the Chevron is a parts store called Allparts Auto. They have a much better selection of parts and more knowledgeable people than Kragans, Napa, etc. They may be able to help you with your Carb sticker problems.
Good Luck!
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Penryn
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
9/02/2004
17:04:18
| RE: CA Smog Test Problem
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Message:
Thanks guys, for all the info. Really appreciate it.
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Sneezer
Dodge Dakota
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9/03/2004
10:55:43
| RE: CA Smog Test Problem
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www.carpart.com
I bought a stock aircleaner assembly through them before in order to finish an intake mod I am working on. Cost me 30-40 shipped I think. Came with the snorkel, lid, box and PCV breather tube.
Check the Edelbrock site. If the part had a CARB# it should be listed there.
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