My dad taught me to do this many years ago.
I do this on all my cars but I'm not sure if it really helps or not.
But.....I keep doing it cause dad said it works.
He said it "cleans up the gasoline" and makes the car pass easier.

Just wondering if anyone else out there does this and/or whether
this is a sound practice?

Kit

It makes a difference! I checked it at a test station when I worked at one (years back). I forget the difference but the ratio to gas does matter. Run almost empty (1/4 on gauge for Fiero) and put in 1-2 gals premium and 2 pints (1qt) 90% rubbing alcohol.

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Why fight to be accepted by people you don't actually want to be like?

quote Originally posted by fierocarparts: Run almost empty (1/4 on gauge for Fiero) and put in 1-2 gals premium and 2 pints (1qt) 90% rubbing alcohol.

Mine would be empty if I ran it that low. Ran out once.

They used to sell something in a bottle at the auto parts stores that claimed to help you pass emissions. It was probably just rubbing alcohol.....$7.95 for 16 oz

The gasoline here is 10% ethanol anyway. I would imagine the effect is similar.

quote Originally posted by Frizlefrak: They used to sell something in a bottle at the auto parts stores that claimed to help you pass emissions. It was probably just rubbing alcohol.....$7.95 for 16 oz The gasoline here is 10% ethanol anyway. I would imagine the effect is similar.

The "guranteed to pass smog" products sold at Autozone are probably safer. (and they give you a refund if it doesn't pass - small print says though, that they won't pay if there is anything mechanical that causes it not to pass. (The cynic in me says: ... Catalytic converter, EGR, Vacuum leaks, etc. ) )

quote Originally posted by Austrian Import: The "guranteed to pass smog" products sold at Autozone are probably safer. (and they give you a refund if it doesn't pass - small print says though, that they won't pay if there is anything mechanical that causes it not to pass. (The cynic in me says: ... Catalytic converter, EGR, Vacuum leaks, etc. ) )

The cynic in me says that if there is nothing mechanically wrong with your car it will pass anyway, so I doubt that they have ever refunded anyone's money. Around here when you fail, first thing they want to do is replace your EGR or Cat, or look for vacuum leaks. So if they fix anything there goes your $7.95 refund.

Personally I think the alcohol might give you a little breathing room if you are borderline, but a car in good mechanical condition should pass easily. Everyone of my Fieros have failed miserably at one time or another, but something was wrong that needed fixing. That reminds me I have one expiring tomorrow, wish me luck.

We've used a product alled "FUEL ON Power" for yeasrs with great results. The tailpipe emissons are in some cases so low that they can't even get much of a reading. I don't know whats in this stuff but it works.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, 3.4" Pulley, N* TB, LS1 MAF, Flotech Exhaust Autolite 104's Custom CAI 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

Everything I run is 10% alcohol. Sounds the same to me.

Good thread just in time - got to get the XTC through inspection on Monday. I am fairly confident it will pass - I have repaired, replaced and adjusted just about everything on this car. My only concern is the Cat - it looks rough on the out side but there are no leaks. I am going to look around in the Auto stores tomorrow for some "magic" juice.

Pat

quote Originally posted by katatak: Good thread just in time - got to get the XTC through inspection on Monday.

Don't they use Two speed Idle in El Paso? The TSI test is much easier to pass in the first place so I wouldn't worry about it. Around here you can sometimes convince them to use TSI because the Fiero is too low to fit on the dyno, but not too often.

quote Originally posted by jscott1: Don't they use Two speed Idle in El Paso? The TSI test is much easier to pass in the first place so I wouldn't worry about it. Around here you can sometimes convince them to use TSI because the Fiero is too low to fit on the dyno, but not too often.

All I know is that they put the sniifer in the exhaust pipe and run the car at a certain RPM for a certain amount of time, Then at idle for a certain amount of time and then check the gas cap for seal? I have had a few 2.8's go through with no problem but this is my first Duke. It runs great, does not smell rich so I think it will be OK.

i've passed the sniffer test in 2 cars that I wasn't confident about. first one was the black 86 fiero in my sig when i first got it back in 2005. Second time in 2007 with my 91 camaro with a bigger motor, carb, and no emissions equipment except for a cat.

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1986 Coupe w/ Duke
1987 GT w/ F355 kit & L67 Swap

quote Originally posted by jscott1: Don't they use Two speed Idle in El Paso? The TSI test is much easier to pass in the first place so I wouldn't worry about it. Around here you can sometimes convince them to use TSI because the Fiero is too low to fit on the dyno, but not too often.

Yep, they use the TSI in El Paso. Pat, take it to Huguley for the test....

Both of my Fieros passed when stock. One duke, one V6, both over 100K miles. ..the 2M8 is another story. I'm running on expired inspection for now. 4 more years until exemption...

quote Originally posted by Frizlefrak: Yep, they use the TSI in El Paso. Pat, take it to Huguley for the test.... .

The TSI is a piece of cake. The dyno adds more layers of complexity. First of all, they inspectors have to drive the car...I've had them smoke my clutch because they try to start in 2nd or 3rd gear.

Or with my Indy they could never find first gear. Admittedly my Indy is tough because the select cable is loose and the pattern moves around. Luckily the Indy is exempt.

And there is always the hilarious moment when they put the front wheels on the dyno. I had one inspector argue with me that my car was front wheel drive. I had to take my keys away from that moron. Then they always drive around with the parking brake on, or generally abuse the car. It's a nightmare. I can't wait until the 88s are exempt.

I would have a coronary if someone did that with my car. You'd think the inspectors would be smarter than that....but then again....

A lot of us Fiero guys here use Huguley Brake and Alignment. Little mom and pop shop, been around forever. No shenanigans of the clutch frying variety. Which is good, since even with just the TSI, the inspector has to drive the car to check the brakes.

quote Originally posted by jscott1: And there is always the hilarious moment when they put the front wheels on the dyno.

This happened to me, too, when the '85 needed to be smogged. After I explained to the guy that it was a Fiero, not a Mercury Capri he realized his mistake and put the rear wheels on the dyno.

Ed