emissions reinspection

[skymath]

okay, since failing for emissions I adjusted my valves and my car is running way better than it has ever. 

Can I go back to the inspection station with the receipt for the valve cover gaskets and explain that I adjusted the valves expecting that to fix the problem?  If it fails for HC again do I just get to leave and come back or does something bad happen?  Like if you do the repairs yourself but it doesn't work, do you only have a certain number of times you can go through?

Also--how do I check that my choke is acting properly?  I'm still not completely sure how it's supposed to act....  I'm concerned that maybe the choke was on when I went through the first time and that's what caused my high HC readings...that's possible right?  The choke being on means a richer gas mixture, which could mean you don't burn all the gas and you end up with high HC?

someone help please!

Jersey Joe, in how good shape is the engine in the camper I'm buying from you?  Good enough to swap in and pass emissions? :) 

..Sky

[skymath]

also, how do I start the engine without engaging the choke?  Cause when I went through before they asked me to start it when it was time to do whatever they were going to do, because the guy didn't know how to get it started.  I probably started it with the pedal on the floor--that makes the choke engage, right?  how long does it take for the choke to turn off?  do you have to do anything to make the choke turn off?

..sky

[jrival]

I'd check out sites like www.type2.com and www.ratwell.com

[skymath]

thanks man.  LOTS of info on that type2 site

[Beetleboi -Greg-]

take it to a shop that does inspections. they usually just adjust your carb so u pass.

[njgt-1]

Sky,

Greg has the right idea. My truck just failed for the same thing and club member Rick V ( monkeybars) got me through ( legally ). If you can wait until mondays meeting you should talk to Rick about this he might be able to give you some ideas.

[Beetleboi -Greg-]

make sure adjust carb per muir or bently cause your car will prob run like chit from how they have to adjust the carb to pass it.

[skymath]

another thing I'm confused about.  I thought I have 45 days to pass?  but I have a red sticker on my window and another sticker that says "6" (cause I registered the bus in June but didn't get it inspected til the end of June) ...do I have 45 days from getting it inspected the first time or 45 days from when I registered it?

The absolute final date listed on my sheet from the inspections people is the end of august...

...sky

[Beetleboi -Greg-]

I know the first time I went through  I failed and I had 30 days. I even put it through late because some things were not finished. So I gave them that paper that says inspect your car within 30 days or 45 days I forget what it said. As far as I know they keep giving you about another month to fix it, and if it keeps failing or if you reach a certain amount of $$$$ spent on repairs they just put a sticker on your car out of pity I guess. So instead of paying the $$$ to get things fixed that I know were adjusted to VW Specs I paid the 150 bucks to get a sticker slapped on it buy the family mechanic.

[njgt-1]

The absolute final date listed on my sheet from the inspections people is the end of august...

Sky,

its usually 30 days from the date it was inspected.

[skymath]

alright I double checked the paper and it says 45 days from the date inspected (which was only two weeks ago) or no later than Aug 31 (which is about 45 days from when it was inspected.

I don't know what happens if I go after Aug 31 (which'd also be after the 45 days) but since jrival is selling me his westy for parts, I can at least fix the two non-emissions things and go back. 

I'm really starting to suspect that the choke was engaged when they took the reading.  so I might follow Mr. Muir's instructions and deactivate it--any thoughts?  It's perfectly safe to do this, right?  I just have to make sure I give him a few minutes to warm up (and I guess I have to keep my foot lightly on the pedal if he's thinking about stalling during that time--although he's been better since getting the valves adjusted.  for example, when I am at a stop light after traveling for a while, it used to be that my oil light would flicker (a lot) but now he does'nt flicker at -all-)

is there any danger to deactivating the choke?

...sky

[njgt-1]

is there any danger to deactivating the choke?

No, you don't need it in these temps, only in cold weather if at all.

[skymath]

alright well then to quote Mr. Muir I'm going to "disarm the mother" ..hopefully it will help me with my HC emissions.

yeah Beetleboi, I really don't want to have to go the "friendly mechanic" route.  If Rick or someone can do it where I pass legally by appropriate carb adjustment, that's one thing.  but I'm not sure I could ethically justify just "buying" a sticker, although I know plenty of places that'll do it

[Beetleboi -Greg-]

I'm just trying to save you a few bucks  ;D

[skymath]

:)  well I certainly appreciate that.  I checked into it and you only have to spend $75 if you're performing the repairs yourself...  since I'm paying $500 for jrival's parts bus, including an engine, I'm going to get a receipt and if necessary swap engines and see if the new one fares any better...  at that point if emissions are the only thing stopping me, i'll be able to get the pity exemption for a year or whatever.  by which time, with two engines, hopefully I can get one of them up to spec! :)

um.. does anyone know if they give you any trouble if you swap engines?  isn't there a VIN on the engine?