I'd like some help, as I'm new to street rotary (we have a Pro-7, smogless, which I know how to make go )

Car failed CA inspection with high HC and CO.

Car is an 82 GS non CA Emissions (car from Illiois originally) Passed smog in 99 and 01, stored from 03 on. I just got it. Has 129k miles on the chassis and 50k miles on the motor (verified). Owned by a rotary nut who just had too many cars. Got it cheap, and am willing to put some time/effort into making it street legal.

This car has a water seal leak, not horrible, but its there. Maybe a pint of water every 500 miles. I plan to put a new motor in it next spring, but I'd like to get it through emissions so I can keep it on the street until I do.

I'm used to high HC being Catalytic Converter related, and I am prepared to replace the cats, but the smog guy I used, who I have used for other auto work I won't do, said it may be exhaust leaks or air leaks in the air system. He said he remembered this from his last round of smog training, but wasn't 100% on that.

but, he admitted he doesn't know rotarys much.

He also said he thought he could tune the CO number by adjusting the Carb.

Should I replace the Cats for the HC and try again? I have no clue how to test all the smog components or the bits in the rats nest, which is probably related to the air injection.

Actual numbers were:
| CO2 | o2 | HC max | HC Meas | CO max | CO Meas | NO Max | NO Meas
15 mph | 11.8 | 3.0| 152 | 664 |1.05 | 1.26 | 1191 | 0
25 mph | 12.4 | 2.5| 123 | 464 | .85 | .82 | 1021 | 67

Thanks for help/suggestions

Scott

 

Figure now that I've removed my head from my rump and done some research, I'll post what I've learned and anyone who wants can modify from there.

1. I need to check the ACV and make sure it works.

2. I probably need to replace the Main Cat at least, and Partsamerica has them cheap. Another options is the Bonez Cat, at double the price, but reported phenomenal performance.

3. Adjust the Carb mixture

So, I'm going to start there. I bet the ACV is what my smog guy was thinking he remembered, about air flow and leaks and such.

Anyone else have any comments?

I'm taking my findings from these threads
https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generation-specific-1979-1985-18/ca-smog-150012/
https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generation-specific-1979-1985-18/california-smog-hi-hydro-carbons-tip-182084/
https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generation-specific-1979-1985-18/83-smog-failed-high-co-341200/
https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generation-specific-1979-1985-18/brakes-will-have-wait-ive-got-smog-problems-199530/

Scott

 

the acv is very important, the test is at 2800ish rpm and the acv dumps all the air @2500ish rpm. if you make it dump after 3k it will pass

 

here in canada, if the car is 20 yrs old or older, its exempt from "drive clean"...haha, so 84's are all good, and next year the 85's will be too!!! YEAH!~i can't wait to get another 1st. gen......my honda goes for sale on friday in autotrader.....and im goin' back to my roots...i hate m y honda..can't wait for the rotary!

 

if you need any emissions crap i have most of it including the acv and the 2 pre cats, sorry no main cat, i took it off of an 85 gs, may or may not work...

 

put new cats on it, fixed

 

Yeah, liek Robert said, a new cat will help. Make sure you find one with the stock flanges on it, it really helps. You say it was in Illinois. Man, you really need to make sure the return hose is in place. That would be the hose/ metal tube the shoves fresh air into you cat from the smog pump. I did not have mine on, and failed misserably. Ofcourse, the dyno does not help......

You can PM me with any questions... Ill be happy to help.
Chris