Update 7-13-2010 - Passed the Smog Test Today !

Two weeks ago had the CAT replaced at a Smog Repair Shop. The car still had the original factory converter.
A Pre-Test was run to confirm the car would pass.

Took the car to the required "Test Only" center, it passed with very low numbers on HC, CO, and NO.
Speed - 15 mph (test RPM 1532)
Measured : HC- 8 PPM, CO- 0.00 %, NO- 0 PPM

Speed - 25 mph (test RPM 2493)
Measured : HC- 6 PPM, CO- 0.00 %, NO- 6 PPM

Two Smog Techs tried to check the ignition timing, but my 4 cylinder Duke has the DIS ignition system.
On the issue with the ECM - stored code 44 - O2 Lean, that was most likely due to a fuel sender unit failure.
Ran out of gas with the gauge reading one quarter full, a mechanic suggested that the coiled wire on the fuel sender has slipped.
Keeping Gas can in trunk !

Sounds like you need to clean the fuel sending unit to
get the gas gauge to read properly again. I had the
same thing on my 88GT and just cleaned it up as
it can get dirty/corroded over time. Mine too read
1/4 tank when it was actually empty. You have to
pull the gas tank to get to the sending unit. If you
pull the tank, then might also be a good time to
go ahead and put in a new fuel pump.

I also just went through having to get my 88GT
with a 3.4L crate engine to pass CA smog. I was failing
for Nox. Nox is usually due to the EGR system.
I had to put my old EGR valve back on the car
and use a new EGR solenoid to pass. Timing can
also effect the readings. I read 600-700 for Nox
and the limits for the 2.8L are 799PPM. I think
I also get higher readings as mine is actually the
3.4L and looks like I still have the 2,8L.

Anyway, good to hear you passed. On one hand
I think it's good to tighten the limits to get those
bad cars off the road, but are a problem if good cars
are having to go through hoops to pass.

Congrats on passing, stockgt and larry...we were all three going through
the smog process recently & all passed. It feels like winning a jackpot
at Vegas when that pass comes up on the smog computer!

I just took my lambo replica in, everything was fine until it came time to check the timing, the darn thing was set at 24 degrees!! The tech said it should be at 10 degrees. Why would someone have it set so high?? I was thinking to make it idle faster so it would have a more exotic sound which it does. I backed it off to "around" 10 degrees, I will take her back Friday to finish up. She did burn very clean though, I have an aftermarket small cat and straight pipes, no muffler.

OH forgot to say congrats on passing the smog police!

[This message has been edited by RUNDLC (edited 07-15-2010).]

quote Originally posted by RUNDLC: I just took my lambo replica in, everything was fine until it came time to check the timing, the darn thing was set at 24 degrees!! The tech said it should be at 10 degrees. Why would someone have it set so high?? I was thinking to make it idle faster so it would have a more exotic sound which it does. I backed it off to "around" 10 degrees, I will take her back Friday to finish up. She did burn very clean though, I have an aftermarket small cat and straight pipes, no muffler. OH forgot to say congrats on passing the smog police!

It's possible that your harmonic balancer outer ring has shifted a bit. The only way to really tell though is comparing it with a known accurate balancer or finding out the exact top dead center (TDC) of the #1 piston and verifying the accuracy of the timing mark. It's also possible that your timing is really set that high!

RUNDLC
Did you notice if the Smog Tech used a jumper on the Diagnostic connector A and B terminals as required for setting the timing ?

[This message has been edited by StockGT (edited 07-15-2010).]

re the jumper, my first tester did that and butchered up the screw getting the cover off as he didn't
have the correct screwdriver, next time i will bring mine. I assume you're talking about
the terminals by the cigarette lighter. Must be a new procedure as never did this on past smogs.

Fiero,, yes I think it's that high (was) The guy used a digital type timing light that actually showed 24 on it.

@stock, yes I did see him ground out the pins. I am gonna go back today after re-timing.