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View Full Version : Legal Test-Only SMOG (CA)


adey
02-16-2004, 07:54 PM
Hey Guys,

Now that my '93 S13 hatch is running (rejoice!), I need to get it smogged at a test-only place then insured, then registered.

However, I'm having a few problems at idle, blowing a tiny bit of grey/black smoke at startup and initially when on gas.
At Idle, the engine shakes a LOT (almost hitting my ebay spl strut bar) and kind of sputters. Idle is high too, around 900+rpm.
On the gas the shaking gets better, but on accel, puffs (like I said) just a little bit of black/dark gray smoke. I pulled an "all clear" (55) code from the ECU.

I'm missing one out-of-view resonator (I think it should be ok, it's not visible at all unless you take the clutch fan etc off) and a charcoal canister.
I plan on doing the following before I actually get it smogged:

Clean AIV (air intake valve?)
Clean MAFS with carb cleaner
Clean air filter (OE panel type)
Clean EGR valve
Find/install new charcoal canister
Change spark plugs

What else can you guys (who're smog-familiar) recommend? I plan on going to a legal, clean test-only place since I have no engine mods at all. One note -- before, when the car did run, I think I was running rich. What can I do to make it run a little leaner (at least at idle)?

FWIW I have lost the intake piping from airbox to unibody so it's an airbox but just hanging in the corner, with a KN panel filter in there. Only other "mod" is spark plug wires.

Any recommendations before I go into this test-only center? Tips or tricks? ... I also plan on getting the engine nice and hot before going in, in hopes that my cat will stay warm through the 1/2 hr to 45 min. wait that they'll probably make me sit out.
Thanks in advance for any help!

-AD

JagdStealth
02-17-2004, 08:25 AM
Change out the PCV valve
Put a new generic air filter in there

Both are easy and cam help you pass the test.

wylin
02-17-2004, 09:49 AM
clean MAF with automotive electrical contact cleaner not carb cleaner.

dball33
02-17-2004, 12:03 PM
Great to hear your car's up and running again! :D

Ghettokracker71
02-17-2004, 12:09 PM
clean MAF with automotive electrical contact cleaner not carb cleaner.
I think carb cleaner will mess up the reading?

wylin
02-17-2004, 02:21 PM
carb cleaner is oil based and does not dry up very easily, electrical contact cleaner is similar but it drys in like very short intervals.

adey
02-17-2004, 07:13 PM
Thanks for the suggestions! Does electrical contact cleaner come in pressurized cans too - for easy application? Or are they packaged differently?
As for the PCV Valve... what is this, and where does it go?
I was thinking of just cleaning and re-oiling my K&N, that should be as good (if not better?) than buying a new paper filter, no?
Keep the suggestions coming, and dball - yes, the car's sort of alive! i'm stoked. :)

stillmatic
02-17-2004, 07:30 PM
You can use brake cleaner to clean the MAFS. Kragen usually sells them for 2 for $4.

adey
02-18-2004, 05:59 AM
Hmmm brake cleaner vs. electrical contact cleaner... I've tried brake cleaner, but ECC just sounds so much more appropriate. :)

Has anyone tried both and prefer one over the other? Other opinions? Cheers guys!

JagdStealth
02-18-2004, 08:29 AM
Brake Clean will work just fine on it, it's made to remove grease, drit, and grime and dry almost instantly (dont' want your brakes oily!)

I'll have to look at a pic of a KA to find where the PCV is, it should be labelled on the vacuum routing diagram sticker on the hood though. It's a cheap $5-7 part at any store.

The oil from your K&N might cause some issues, a paper filter is $5 and it garuntees it's new and will work good.

Ghettokracker71
02-18-2004, 09:40 AM
Brake Clean will work just fine on it, it's made to remove grease, drit, and grime and dry almost instantly (dont' want your brakes oily!)

I'll have to look at a pic of a KA to find where the PCV is, it should be labelled on the vacuum routing diagram sticker on the hood though. It's a cheap $5-7 part at any store.

The oil from your K&N might cause some issues, a paper filter is $5 and it garuntees it's new and will work good.
I got mine for 3 bucks!(PCV valve) but even with a diagram I can't find the bitch.....:(

Kid Zelda
02-18-2004, 02:05 PM
I got mine for 3 bucks!(PCV valve) but even with a diagram I can't find the bitch.....:(

Located under the rad' thermostat housing .. Adjacent to the ALt... little black box. (this is for DE, not E)