Ron's 1976, Trip to my local smog check business Options

[Ron914]

Well , I finally took the car in for a smog check today so I can complete my registration.

Not only did I fail but they refused to perform the check after I had spoke to them on 3 different occasions .

I knew I was in trouble after pulling the car into the bay and the technician started eyeballing my car and said "What is it?" . I showed him the yellow USEPA sticker ,the doorsill Non-Catalyst sticker and my paper work .He replied "In 25 years of being a smog test technician he had never seen a car like this " . I replied well it's 50years old so maybe not . He then asked where the timing mark was after reading the sticker . I said it's under the air injection pump and they would have to remove it to see it ( well actually it doesn't show up and I need to use the flywheel mark.

I told him I didn't have tools with me to remove the air cleaner and all the associated hosing .

Now I checked with them before hand and they had a dyno and said no problem .

Then he started backpedaling , Well I need to remove the cap on your fuel tank and pressure test it , and I will need to remove your air cleaner to check the timing ( didn't matter I had already told him I timed it to 27degrees BTDC @3500 RPM before I brought it too them and installed all the required smog /fuel injection equipment . He then told me I needed to take it somewhere else. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

So if anyone can recommend a qualified Smog shop near me (I live in Huntington Beach) I would appreciate it .

Now related to my other post about high oil temperature . I was looking at the USEPA in the engine compartment and saw something interesting about the oil temperature.

Is this the testing temperature for my smog test ?

[Steve]

Have you looked into registering it as a classic car and or taking it to the referee?
https://asktheref.org/

[Montreal914]

We're rooting for you Ron! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cheer.gif)

Clearly you dealt with an A-h*le. Hopefully you will find a place that enjoys old cars.

Maybe check with the 911 crowd? They obviously have to deal a lot more with this issue than us.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)

[wonkipop]

yes, that is the oil temp for smog test.
in other words, engine warm. not to be tested during cold start up phase.

[emerygt350]

So disappointing. All that work just to get a guy like that.

[sb914]

Hey Ron,
You could move to Brookings. They don’t smog check here . (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[DennisV]

So if anyone can recommend a qualified Smog shop near me (I live in Huntington Beach) I would appreciate it .

I have a friend that lives in Huntington Beach that is very into 356 and 911. He takes his cars to Instatune on Yorktown and Beach.

His comment: They do classic cars but aren't porsche experts by any means. They just run the tests and dont do repairs despite their name.

[SO.O.C914er]

Dennis, Good lead as Yorktown and Beach is just maybe 2 miles away from Ron.

Drive it (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif) Paul

[fiacra]

I ran into the same problem when I had to smog my 1979 VW Super Beetle. The tech had very little idea of what to do, and like most ignorant people he hide his stupidity and incompetence behind belligerence. We've all met that person.

You're just going to have to find someone who is familiar with smogging air cooled VW/Porsche. I see you have gotten several recommendations from local members so hopefully one of them will work out. Hang in there. I did find a tech who was willing to work with me and after 5 tries at his shop I got it to pass. I'm sure you can find someone to work with. Most people want to be helpful.

[Ron914]

So if anyone can recommend a qualified Smog shop near me (I live in Huntington Beach) I would appreciate it .

I have a friend that lives in Huntington Beach that is very into 356 and 911. He takes his cars to Instatune on Yorktown and Beach.

His comment: They do classic cars but aren't porsche experts by any means. They just run the tests and dont do repairs despite their name.

Thanks Dennis ,
I live off of Yorktown/Brookhurst , that's right down the street from me .Ill take it over there on Monday

[Ron914]

Hey Ron,
You could move to Brookings. They don’t smog check here . (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Eddie ,
It's beautiful in Brookings . I enjoyed the tour this summer when I stopped by but since I am still taking care of my mother and my girlfriend still has four more years until she can retire its not in the cards at the present time .

[Root_Werks]

What a PITA and agree, had to deal with pinheads before as well.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)

[jim_hoyland]

Try Hans Imports, they do Smog. Hans used to own a 914, IIRC

[porscheteck914]

I am really surprised they let you pull the car into the service bay. Usually its like it is down at the Police station - " Because of insurance regulations stay behind the yellow line. " Don't let that BoZo GET WITHIN 20 FEET OF YOUR CAR. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/poke.gif)

[Ron914]

So if anyone can recommend a qualified Smog shop near me (I live in Huntington Beach) I would appreciate it .

I have a friend that lives in Huntington Beach that is very into 356 and 911. He takes his cars to Instatune on Yorktown and Beach.

His comment: They do classic cars but aren't porsche experts by any means. They just run the tests and dont do repairs despite their name.

Thanks Dennis ,
I live off of Yorktown/Brookhurst , that's right down the street from me .Ill take it over there on Monday

Dennis , @DennisV
Thank you so much for that recommendation. Took my car to the shop and they were great people to work with . now the best part , I passed my smog test and got vey current tags .

[DennisV]

Thank you so much for that recommendation. Took my car to the shop and they were great people to work with . now the best part , I passed my smog test and got vey current tags .

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/smilie_pokal.gif)
Awesome! I'm glad it worked out.