California smog tests

The smog tech enters in all the required information about the vehicle. The smog test machine tells the tech what speed and gear to be in and then automatically loads the engine accordingly. If/when the tech does not do as the test computer dictates, further testing stops or is cancelled. CA has been collecting data and adjusting drive cycles for several decades so there is NOTHING you're going to pull that hasn't been tried before. That's why so much of the drive cycle test is now automated.

The test machine is a dynomometer, which is a really big word that means it has its own speedo built in. They don't look at your car's tire, gear set, or transmission setting. They watch the machine. Period.

My guess is that the larger tires and stock gearing ars causing the engine to run well below its power band, and the engine is lugging at the test speeds.

At my local smog shop, the guy has to mash the pedals to attain the speed the machine asks for. Nothing is "held" automatically. The machine does load the drive train though. It does this be setting a drag brake -- whatever form that might take -- according to the vehicle weight. My limited experience is that he only holds the speed that is required, but he can select any gear that can do that. With the drag being roughly equivelent of going up a reasonably steep hill, he has to use the lowest gear that can accomplish the task.

Assuming you and I are talking about CA smog test procedure, the technician does not "mash the pedals" with reckless abandon. The computer test machine governs the dynometer load. There is a light load cruise and then a moderate load climb. The latter is to test EGR function during which NOx readings are taken. Watch the computer screen ... the tech is TOLD what the test sequence requires. The machine program will abort testing if/when the tech does not make the vehicle perform as reqested. Regarding gearing, when measured engine rpm is outside of parameters for a given speed, (remember, there is a referal data base available to the computer because it IS online), the test can be aborted automatically by the test computer.

I didn't mean to suggest he mashed anything with reckless abandon. He does have to hold the pedal according to a load that the machine applies according to the weight of the vehicle under test. What I meant to portray by the word, mash, is that the maintenance of the speed requirement is done manually by the test technician.

The computer test machine

I got all of that, but the technician holds the gas pedal in a manner that sustains the speed requirement of the particular test.

The high NO readings would indicate a problem with the EGR system. Check the EGR valve to make sure it is functioning properly. Also check the EGR valve and EGR passages for blockage due to carbon deposits.

The weight class of the vehicle is only relevant for DMV documentation. The test computer establishes a base reading at speed with only a tiny load. The next test is conducted with the dynometer loaded sufficient to engage the EGR and retard ignition timing. The NOx reading must not exceed state standards which are less stringent that the standards the vehicle manufacturer had to meet to get the EPA certification for sale.

True. But earlier you appeared to imply that the technician also had control over the dynometer load setting ... which is false.

There were NO "high NOx" readings on the test report. Read the legend just below the ASM Emission Test Results box.

MAX refers to the maximum allowable. His Measured sample was 482 @ 15 mph and 105 @ 25 mph.

NOTHING "high" about either of those measured samples. There is NO problem with the EGR system.

Maybe you should read it again. His measured sample of 482 @ 15mph is over 5 times higher than the "average" reading of 88.

'Average' is a meaningless number. MAX is the number is the one that will fail you.

This is what I thought.

Are 3.4L Tacomas generally on a High Emitter Profile (HEP) or did I just get lucky? The whole "test-only" shop really screws us.

I HAD to take it to a test-only station for my smog test per my renewal notice. Not a test/repair station. If I had failed, I could either repair it myself and retest at another test-only station or.........pay a test/repair station to repair the problem and then take it back to a test-only station. Either way, at $70 per test, this is getting expensive. Why the distinction between test-only and test/repair station? Is CA afraid the repair shops might tweak the settings being they are trained to fix these things? Do the test-only stations have newer equipment to pay for or higher standards? scam?.

May be obvious to all, but I don't think anybody said anything about making sure the vehicle is fully warmed up before doing the test.

If it was cold and then taken to a shop that is only a 5 minute drive, then you may be able to get substantial improvement by having it fully warm/hot before your test. Obviously you also have to get the shop to do the test shortly after you arrive.

I have never been to a Test Only station, but I can assume that a Test Only is cheaper than a Test and Repair station IF no repairs are needed. I assume that a Test Only would be used on later model cars that ought not require any repairs.

I always thought it was my choice to go to a Test Only or a Test and Repair. Like I said, I've never been to a Test Only.

This is going to sound like hype for snake oil, but bear with me, pls.

I've used this product, don't sell it, and pay full price for what I use.

Auto-Rx does clean an engine internally. It does clean the ring grooves and allow the rings to flex and seal as they should. It does show improved compression readings. Of course, if anything mechanical is worn or damaged, those parts have to be replaced. My results...peppier engine, smoother engine, reduced oil consumption, fewer oil drips, improved gas mileage. I'm not in a region subject to emission testing.

Ken

Ken: How do your KNOW auto-rx cleans ring grooves? To refine my questin, what PERSONAL research have you conducted on engine(s) in your possession to show deposits were first present and subsequently removed by this product? What do you mean by "allow the rings to flex?" In which direction?

I have an 85 Toyota Van. California has decided that model is a gross polluter even though mine has gone through smog checks with flying colors for the last 20 years. I had to take my Toyota Van and another

10+ year old car to a Test Only station for smog checks. The non existent certificate price is set by the state. It's been my experience that charge for the test itself is more expensive at Test Only stations.

If take a car to a Test Only station, even though your registration renewal doesn't require it you may be required to continue taking it to a Test Only station. If it doesn't pass at a Test Only station you'll be going back every other year to it.

I've always taken my non Test Only station cars to my mechanic for smog tests. He always does a pre test and makes any adjustments necessary for the car to pass with no extra charge.

Skip

By inference. I know that engines develop carbon in the ring grooves. I know that rings stick. I know that rings must be free to move in order to seal the cylinder. I know that my engines have reduced oil consumption and smoother, peppier operation after using this stuff. I've seen multiple reports of folks who've taken before and after compression readings, and the after-use readings are higher and more even. The stuff has a money back guarantee, less postage, and folks do get their money back if they don't like the result. This stuff obviously can not fix mechanical damage, so sometimes folks don't get their expectations met.

It has a money back guarantee. How about a skeptic like yourself trying some with any tests you choose. If it doesn't work as claimed, get your money back and let the world know your results.

Ken

By "inference?" What does that mean?

Dictionary: Infer: 1)to derive a conclusion from facts or premises.

2)guess, surmise, hint, or suggest.

From what chronic and adverse condition will rings become stuck in their grooves?

Nothing more than wishful thinking without objection before and after testing for both engine output and emissions.

How do you know for certain from these "reports" that auto-rx did not add more carbon to the combustion chamber which in turn raised the compression? How do interpret these reports to suggest freeing stuck compression rings was the cause of higher compression?

So do LOTS of personal care products. LOL

Would you consider carbon accumulation in the ring grooves to be "mechanical?" Carbon/coking in sufficient amounts becomes a physical impediment to free movement of the compression rings.

None of my vehicles are plagued with any symptom that auto-rx claims it can remedy. My time is too valuable for me to do voluntary research for auto-rx and then share the results publically. Personally, I would only test the stuff on an old carboned up Briggs and Stratton and I would have before and after photos of that same engine disassembled.

OOPS ... wrong word (but it's spelt correctly).

-objective-