so today, after a failed calif. smog test it was recommended the likely culprit was either the O2 sensor or the Air control valve. bought both new (ACV was stupid expensive), just sharing the replacement of the ACV was straightforward enough. but took some patience due to tight fittings of air hoses and little room to work. I thought get the car up and maybe that would help, it does not. new ACV is on. but the story I wanted to share was removing the old O2 sensor is a bitch... mine was seized up pretty bad, too hours and a new deeper 22mm socket with 1/2 drive, extension and cheater bar to eventually snap it loose. what a hassle. I will find out early this coming week if that does the trick and I can pass smog for one last time in stupid California.

 

Best of luck with passing smog. Ridiculous rules out there.

 

make sure you adjust the TPS, it controls the ACV.

if the ACV and o2 are working, it should pass really easily. if it doesn't shoot me a pm, i'm local

 

thank to everyone for the support. I DID pass. the difference was night and day between last test. same shop cause I got a free retest. When I get the time to scan and block out all the personal information, I will post my new test results. So relieved. should be my last time in California. My plan is to retire in about 2 years, move to a much cheaper location in the mountains (still out west) and spend a lot of time fishing, golfing etc. or just doing nothing but working on my RX7.

 

That honestly sounds like a great plan to me! Glad you passed!

 

back at this thread. the first attachment is the 'failed test" prior to replacing my O2 sensor and then the ACV (air control valve). the 2nd attachment is the "passed" version. huge difference in readings.