Cali smog

[kball]

The last couple times I've had the T4R smog checked its been close to failing. In 2015 I used the product Guaranteed to Pass and it didn't do much. This time I ran two bottles of Cataclean through it one at a time and either all smog stations aren't as calibrated as they should be or this stuff works.

The pics are from 2015 (top) and this week (bottom), and the tests were performed at different stations.

Before the latest test I was readying myself for the reality of needing a new cat but now it looks like I may be good for years to come.

 

[pluton]

Even though it doesn't say "miracle" on the bottle, I may try this as an offering to the cat gods, as my smog test is coming soon.
Was there any work or maintenance done on the engine between the two smog tests?

 

[Sears&Roebuck]

ahhh, its so nice to live outside DEQ.

 

[dms1]

I've never done this before, but I have heard if you run your gas tank down to almost empty and put a gallon of coleman stove fuel in your tank it should pass without any issues, just make sure you fill up with whatever gas you normally use right after the smog test.

 

[kball]

Even though it doesn't say "miracle" on the bottle, I may try this as an offering to the cat gods, as my smog test is coming soon.
Was there any work or maintenance done on the engine between the two smog tests?

Just an oil change and air filter each year around a month or two before the test. The spark plugs have around 30K miles on them now.

 

[jrm]

It makes a huge difference now

that you only have to do an idle test and not the simulated variable speed test on the rollers. So much easier..

 

[falkon240]

Looks like the Cataclean definitely did its job lol

 

[kball]

that you only have to do an idle test and not the simulated variable speed test on the rollers. So much easier..

You must have a 2000 or newer model. Anything older than 2000 still gets put on the rollers for 15 and 25mph test. 2000 and newer just gets inspected and passed as long as all the smog equipment is on the vehicle.