CA Smog test results

[SanCarlosQ45]

California just started a new certification system for testing stations called star test stations at the start of this year. Gotta love CA changing things like clockwork. Anyways I just had a smog test this morning and was disappointed with the results. I did pass but just barely. Here are the numbers:

15mph:
HC-> MAX=56 -> MEASURED=55
CO -> MAX=0.32 -> MEASURED=0.07
NO -> MAX=475 -> MEASURED=318

25mph:
HC-> MAX=31 -> MEASURED=29
CO -> MAX=0.30 -> MEASURED=0.12
NO -> MAX=478 -> MEASURED=152

The HC and NO numbers are high, which could mean O2 sensors or Cats right? Well as it happens I have a bad rattle coming from the area of one of the main cats, which it could be the heat shield. I think it could be something internal though. Really my only option is aftermarket cats as I dont think any shop will weld in used cats. The only thing I have changed since the last smog test was a used MAF sensor. I passed with a huge margin the last time so I dont know what happened.

Tomorrow I will hopefully get the computer hooked up to the car to see if anything is out of the ordinary. I will also take it to an exhaust shop to see if its an easy fix or a failing cat.

[BadQ45t]

Hey, San Carlos, I am in Half Moon Bay. It does seem around the 20 year mark it gets harder for smog stuff. My 84' Z used to pass (in CA) with flying colors and around year 20 the fun of geting a smog test started. One by one I replaced every single part that is involved in the smog process. If your willing to go up to the airport area Richard's Auto Repair is a little hole-in-the wall place that is great and they have the full smog test capbility there. I take my Z to them and they either get it to pass or do something to make it pass, but I have done EGR, cat converters, etc over the last 10 years. If you need help they are good, ask for Barry and tell him Jeff Leeds sent you.

[SanCarlosQ45]

Thanks, I'll keep this place in mind. I actually took it to a shop today and they found an M8x25 bolt stuck between the heatshield and the cat, so I feel a little better. I think part of the problem is I didnt run the car long enough before the test, I saw moisture still coming out during the test.

I talked to the technician and he said that many smog testing stations were shut down because of this new certification process. Also it sounds like 2000 and newer cars will not have to do the rolling dyno test anymore, just a computer scan. Not sure if thats going to happen but it would make things easier.

Its been cold here huh, it was 29 in Redwood City. How was Half Moon Bay? Also have you tried the 76 on woodside yet?