You gotta love Cali Smog Tests (help)

[Deuce]

So I go get the ride smogged (93 5SFE). Passes all the visual tests, all the emission tests well below max levels at 15mph and 25mph, BUT failed 1 functional test. Ignition timing is at 18 BTDC instead of 10, and I have to get it down to 11 BTDC. How easy is that to DIY, or should I drop more $$$ and take it to a shop for a 5(?) minute adjustment?

[Hatch]

i dont know much about cali laws....but functional test? the car wasnt running properly?

[CrawlingEye]

Up to you, you can get a timing light and retime it yourself if you want, but otherwise I'd consider just taking it to a shop, it shouldn't be very expensive.

[88 LE]

Originally posted by B Deuce
Ignition timing is at 18 BTDC instead of 10, and I have to get it down to 11 BTDC. How easy is that to DIY, or should I drop more $$$ and take it to a shop for a 5(?) minute adjustment?

You can adjust the ignition timing yourself.

You need a timing light, a little piece of wire, and ratchet + socket (14mm).

More info at link below:

timing - 1992 2.2 liter

[wed3k]

yea, the camry didnt pass as well, so my dad paid the mechnic 25 bux to adjust the timing and it passed but felt soooo weak.

[Rapeacivic]

God, Cali smog laws suck. I'm sorry to hear that Deuce.

(Pssh- here's a secret go to Autozone and buy a timing light. When you're finished with it return it and say that you didn't use it because you couldn't figure out how to use it )

[Deuce]

^^especially since my registration notice said I could only go to a Test-Only station.

Only 1 problem out of all the ones they tested and that's enough to fail. And the notice said that my car fits the profile of a high polluter. But a Chevy Lumina from the same year as mine isn't. Anyone ever notice the rides with tailpipe emissions that you can see all the time are all from the Big 3?