Smog test prep reveals heat related damage and deferred maintenance

[GRNSHRK]

Yes, I will once again try to go through a "legal" smog test, which up until a few years ago was not a problem, until the glorious state of CA decided to fail me due to non-CARB compliant headers

What started as a simple check of the air filter and checking out the spark plugs, I found a lot of issues which were due in part to old age but also the excessive heat that comes off the headers, as they never had the correct gaskets with the built in heat shields

In the pix you can see that not only was the spark plug wire loom warped, but also 2 of the wires actually had partially melted insulation

I also found that the breather/vent hose had not only cracked, leading to oil everywhere, but also crumbled upon removal

The second set of pix shows all back together now, with the proper heat shields installed, new spark plug wires, and even a little bling on the wire loom

That's just pinstripe tape which will likely blow off in a few miles, but it looks cool at least for now

First, the before pix

[GRNSHRK]

And, the "after" pix

[GRNSHRK]

Follow up, after finally finding a smog shop that would actually perform the test without any issues with my headers and exhaust, I had to go THREE TIMES to finally get her through the process

The first time the tech couldn't perform the evap test as they didn't have the right adapter to fit the tank filler neck

They called me back the next day as one of the other techs claimed that they could bypass that test, so I sent back the next day, only to develop a misfire, WHILE on the dyno

Since I hadn't changed the spark plugs or O2 sensor, since who knows when, both the tech and Klaus suggested that I swap those items out for new, and Klaus talked me into trying NGK plugs instead of the Bosch silver

The O2 sensor was a real bitch to remove and I had to buy the proper offset socket to get it out

But I went back yesterday for the third time and passed, all good

Here's a shot of the old O2 sensor and the green shark on the dyno

[kronus]

nice, glad it's passed!

are those headers grandfathered-in stahls? or did they wave you by?

in case it's useful, I do have my old set of E12-based M90 cast headers and downpipes kicking around. Just tripped over them earlier today, in fact.

[GRNSHRK]

The headers are so old that they are not CARB compliant

Years ago I went to a referee, thinking that was the process for getting grandfathered in for life, silly me

This the only smog shop that I found, thankfully local, that would do the test and look the other way regarding the headers and custom exhaust

And keep those M90 manifolds and down pipes

I may eventually decide to go that route, should I hit a snag in the future

[GRNSHRK]

Got my new tags yesterday

So I decided to take the opportunity to peel off the past quarter centuries worth of previously issued tags

Super glad to be done with this for another 2 years and have found a smog shop that is actually willing to perform the test, regardless of my exhaust

[jps635]

What's the penalty for driving un-smogged if thats a word and do they actively police ? What if u're visiting from out of State?

[kronus]

no issue if out of state, provided you're either visiting or get in-state plates within a certain amount of time.

incomplete smog will prevent your registration from renewing.

[GRNSHRK]

Dmitri, you have a PM

As far as getting caught with out of date registration, luckily the "men in blue" have a lot bigger problems on their hands than us "law brakers"

That said, and while I don't want to find out the hard way, I surmise that your car could be impounded for repeated lack of current registration

Here in California, we're considered quite the "nanny state", with the most harsh laws against cars like our beloved 6ers, which we drive so much

[oilcooler]

nice to hear you solved your problems with your shark. yes, the 2 year emissions test is annoying and yes, some smog techs are nice when "not noticing" carb complaint components...especially if the parts do not affect the emissions results.

the deferred problem is real and i also had to replace many vacuum hoses due to age, but replacing the hoses actually made my shark run better, so it was a blessing in disguise.

[jsspagg]

Bobbo... now take those new parts off or order a second set to have on hand in a couple of years to repeat the process.

So... Dad's 80' grey market Euro import got its first CA tags in 84. Over the years it has been problematic to get the smog cert and went non-opp in 2010. In 2020 I took on the project of a full suspension/subframe/drive train and cosmetic restoration. Did not do anything major in the engine bay as the car drove into the garage. Only engine related items were water pump, T-stat & oil pan gasket. I have the original M-90 headers, a set of euro downpipes, a new middle muffler, new end muffler and new O2 sensor. A new exhaust system needs to be fabricated with those components and a CARB compliant cat converter placed in the system. I do not look forward to the day I go to smog, but hopeful it will pass.

[sansouci]

We are lucky in NY as they realize there are few 25+ year old cars doing much milage. So there's no smog test. It's only a $10 "safety test" brakes, lights, wipers, tires, etc.

[GRNSHRK]

Hey Jeff, not sure if I understand what you are suggesting

Bobbo... now take those new parts off or order a second set to have on hand in a couple of years to repeat the process.

I did get the M90 exhaust manifolds and down pipes from Dmitriy when we attended RADwood in July, so I do have these parts which would be about as close to factory/stock that I could get, if the need arises in the future

I had to repair a few things on the manifolds, removal of the old studs, including one that was broken off flush, and repair a crack as well using JB Weld ultra high temp adhesive

I would still need to have a bung welded into one of the down pipes as well, but won't bother with that unless I need to

All good for now, had her out yesterday wine tasting, er, drinking, ran like the usual scalded dog