Hello all,
My current problem is a very difficult one.
After almost a year of ownership, I am currently unable to drive my car
because of emissions laws in AZ.
What I am asking for is any help from those who have had experience with
passing emissions in AZ or CA or a state with similar standards for
later cars.
If I can't get the car to pass, I can't drive it. If I can't drive it,
I don't see any reason to keep it, and I would sell it to someon in a
less regulated state to enjoy, and use what's left of my investment to
buy another car.
Let me give you the statistics on my car, so that you fine fellows can
assist:
79 B roadster, north american spec.
The original engine overheated last May, and I replaced it over the
summer with a used engine in good condition.
It passed the equipment inspection, meaning that the EGR, gulp, and
check valves are installed, the air pump is installed with a belt
driving it, all the hoses seem to be going to the right places.
It still has the original Stromberg on it, and is automatic choke, no
AC, no overdrive, no fancy anything.
I recently had the exhaust replaced with brand new, except the manifolds
and catalytic converter.
The timing may be out of whack, but I havent' had any time to play with
it, considering the car is in Phoenix and I am in Tucson.
The car fails the emissions test especially in hydrocarbons.
I have been considering entrusting the car to Glenn Frost of The MG Shop
in Tempe until it passes, but a friend of mine said that Glenn had been
unable to get my friend's car to pass.
So what do I do?
I want to try all suggestions to make this car pass, but after that, I
dont' know what to do. I could sell it for a loss to someone out of
state so he can enjoy it; I can save up and buy another car to drive
whil I let this one sit until something happens or I move; I can buy an
earlier body in good condition and transplant the gear from my car into
it; I could convert to a different carb, or electronic ignition, or
even an engine from a more modern car, such as a Mazda rotary.
Any suggestions to a man who really misses his car?
Mike Jose
Arizona
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