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Re: Maryland State Inspections

To: Tommy Morris <morris@tmed.tatrc.org>
Subject: Re: Maryland State Inspections
From: Bob Sykes <s1500@worldnet.att.net>
Date: Fri, 26 Jun 1998 17:57:46 -0700
Hi Tommy, you wrote:

[Interesting business practices snipped]

> Does anyone on the list know what Items are required on a 1977 triumph
> Spitfire to include smog equipment to pass Maryland State inspections.

First off there's no "Clutch Safety Switch" on Spitfires.
The '75 model (maybe '76?) had a "neutral detect switch" which
more or less performed the same function.  This switch was 
mounted on the gearshift linkage, not the clutch pedal.

The high-beam & hand-brake warning lights should be easy to fix.
If the "brake specs" are disc/drum thickness, these numbers appear
on the respective parts.

wrt smog equipment, the following list is based on my assumption
that 77 & 78 models are identically equipped.  This is what NC
service stations look for, MD should be similar.  I use their
terminology and translate where appropriate:

CAT = Catalytic Converter

EGR = Exhaust Gas Recirculation (valve)

PCV = Positive Crankcase Ventilation [the hose runs from the rocker
cover to the carb.  There is NO PCV VALVE on your car.]

AIR = Air Pump

ECS = Evaporative Control System - The charcoal cannisters and
associated plumbing.

ESC = Electronic Spark Control [electronic ignition - yes they can
fail you for "points"]

UFR = Unleaded fuel restrictor (or "fill" restrictor) the bit that
fits inside the fuel cap, preventing using the older leaded fuel
larger diameter nozzles.  They can fail you (here) if it's missing,
also if the "unleaded fuel only" labels are missing/defaced.  Both
the label by the filler cap, and the on the fuel guage are required.

TAC = Thermostatic Air Control On later Spits, this is the "flapper"
valve that controls whether warm air is drawn from the exhaust manifold
area, or cool(er) air from the engine bay.  It's mounted on the air
cleaner and controlled by a bi-metallic strip.  I've had to convince
some inspectors that there is NO vacuum operated door in the air-
cleaner snout as was fitted to 'merican cars of the same vintage.
In conjunction with this, they can fail you if the warm air tube
connected to this is leaky or missing.

Aren't you Brits glad your Spits didn't come with these "features"?


-- 
Bob Sykes
"You can't beat your brains for entertainment."


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