1986 Ram 50 2.0

[BradMph]

oh boy! lol. Now that your living in California I think the law states that a garage can only charge up to $200 to make it pass (if I remember correctly as long as all the original parts are there). At that point you need to think how you want to fix it. Pay over $200 and get all the parts and crap and then have a garage inspect it that is a legal state approved garage or go to a garage and get porked for $200 and have the slip of paper to pass it. It's up to you. Most the time a new catalyst fixes it all, but that IMO only. You sort of want to know for sure it will pass next time. Some garages will tweak it so much it runs crappy, so be sure to ask what they did exactly so your able to turn it back if you like.
Do the timing yourself if you have a light handy. Good tool to have.
Also, look online for smog recheck coupons available, you may find one at a local smog repair garage that is close by.
http://www.smogtips.com/six_things.cfm


Gross Polluter, that's funny!

About emissions and the causes.
emissions.pdf

The 6 Smog Check Passing Tips - before you visit the smog test center!



1. Running Right - Do not subject your vehicle to a Smog Inspection if it does not run right. Chances are that it will fail the smog check and you will lose your inspection fee. Seek repair assistance first. This will save you time and money, and insure your vehicle will pass the smog test.

2. Take a Drive - Drive your vehicle for at least 20 minutes prior to arriving at the smog station. This will ensure your vehicle is properly warmed up and is running at it's optimum level. Remember your engine is a fuel burning machine. To ensure proper combustion it needs to have sufficient time to warm-up and this can be accomplished through driving for at least 10 to 15 miles.

3. Use Additives - The use of fuel additives such as Blue Sky Clean Air, can be very helpful in lowering emission levels and helping your car, truck, van or SUV pass the emissions inspection. Fuel additives are generally poured into a vehicle's gas tank during fuel refueling. The additive is mixed withyour vehicle's fuel. The purpose is to clean carbon deposits within your engine's intake and exhaust paths, allowing for both fuel and air to flow freely within its passages, thus lowering emission levels, improving combustion, increasing overall engine performance, and helping you pass the emission test. These types of products offer helpful solutions to various vehicle emission and smog test problems.

Note: Read your fuel additive's instructions regarding having your vehicle smog tested while using the additive. Fuel system additives and fuel system treatments, such as Blue Sky Clean Air, require using the complete application and refueling with fresh fuel prior to the smog check.

4. Inflate Tires - During the smog inspection, the smog technician may need to drive your vehicle on a dynamometer as a part of the smog test process. Making sure your vehicle's tire pressures are even and correct will allow the vehicle to be driven with greater stability and accuracy during the smog exam. This will improve the overall emissions output of your vehicle by allowing the engine to maintain a constant and steady load. Correct and even tire pressure may be the deciding factor between a borderline vehicle failing or passing the smog test.

5. Change Oil - If it's close to your next oil change interval, go ahead and do it before the smog check. The PCV (positive crank ventilation) system of your vehicle is designed to allow your engine to breath fumes located in oil compartments (oil pan, ect.). The fumes are then burned through the combustion process. If the oil in your engine is contaminated due to inadequate oil changes it may very well cause your vehicle to fail the inspection.

Contaminated oils are high in Hydrocarbons (HC) and will present a rich mixture to the engine chambers. Avoiding oil changes not only causes pre-mature engine wear but can also cause your vehicle to fail the smog inspection. Change the engine oil.

6. Check Engine Light Off - Make sure your vehicle's Check Engine Light or Malfunction Indicator Lamp is not illuminated. A constantly illuminated Check Engine or MIL light is an automatic smog failure. A certified repair shop can diagnose the check engine light condition and offer you an evaluation and estimate. The home mechanic may also diagnose a Check Engine light malfunction via special Check Engine codes retrieval tools, available at most auto parts stores. Note: A smog technician can not refuse to test your vehicle based on the fact that he or she notices an illuminated light. The smog technician must perform the smog check and fail your vehicle. This is California State law. Be aware. Get a pre-test.