My 79 BRAT just failed the NJ emission inspection. The e number is over 300. Does anyone have ideas on where to start on correcting, i.e. filters, hoses off, ect? Have 45 days to reinspect. Thanks in advance.

 

iflyifr

 

1979 BRAT 70K miles

1997 SVX 24K miles

2000 Forrester 46K miles

300 on hydrocarbon?? That's a low standard to meet. In TX it's 453 or below. My 70's cars run 66-98, at idle and on the dyno respectively.

 

I'd check all hoses and possibly replace all vac hoses. They are cheap and easy to do. Often they leak at the connection point from being dry and brittle.

 

Go over the engine with a fine tooth comb:

• spark plugs
  
• car adjustment (lean, by turning adjuster screw inward/car may be running too rich.)
  
• check air filter, restricted air enriches mixture.
  
• change oil/filter (synthetic 20/50 till winter, then 10W30)
  

I'd also run 100% synthetic oil. For some reason emission #s are decreased with this oil, verses regular oil.

 

Home this helps.

 

Oh Your car is 25 years old. In many states they are safety inspection only/no emissions. Check in your state for exemption options. Certainly they are not holding your BRAT to the same standards as a new car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

In TX, I'm exempt with my older ones...25 years and older. But the last year I had to do it, it was on a dyno and they ran VERY VERY clean. almost as clean as a 2000 model the tech said!!

 

todd

Thanks for your prompt reply. I have started on the hoses and have replaced the a/filter. Never heard of the Syn. oil fix, but will do that also. I researched the board for simular hints and will do that those as well.

Thanks again.

iflyifr