Michael,
You have my sympathy, my 72B no longer has to pass emissions in Oregon, but
I went though that hassle for years, passing some years and not others. I
always put in new plugs and points, changed the oil, air filters,
synchronized my carbs (which you don't have to do) and give the B a good run
to get everything warmed up. If you have to wait in line too long, I always
revved my engine up to 2500 or so and held it to clear everything out before
it was my turn. High hydrocarbons could be just about anything, too rich,
too lean, timing off, etc. If the car is running good and idling smoothly,
you might also have a tiny amount of choke on, which will elevate the
hydrocarbons. If you have an automatic choke that is another reason to give
the car a good warm up run before trying to pass. On my kids car, an 86
chevy, I finally put in a CRC product called "Guaranteed to Pass". You run
a tank full of gas with this additive in it then refill the tank and go for
the test. It worked for my kids chevy, my brother-in-law's caddy (around
the same year) and a couple of other people that I told about this product.
One other thing that can lower the hydrocarbon if it's just a little high,
try removing the air filters for the test, it should lean the car up just a
bit. Above all, don't give up, some people actually go to mechanics to have
their cars tuned specifically for the emissions test.
Let us know how it comes out.
Dave
-----Original Message-----
From: Michael Jose <mwjose@u.arizona.edu>
To: mgs@autox.team.net <mgs@autox.team.net>
Date: Monday, February 14, 2000 12:24 PM
Subject: emissions and my future as an LBC hobbyist
>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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