I had a smog test today for my 88' RX-7 and the tech put tampered because he said that the car has a double catalytic converter. I have never modified the exhaust, and no other test only smog techs have ever noticed this before. Is the tech misunderstanding something about the exhaust system of the car, or do I really need to go over to the muffler shop and spend 300 dollars on nothing?
I don't know much about the RX-7 emission systems and I did a search, so any help would be appreciated.

 

The car has two catalytic converters from the factory. But I'm not familiar with California emissions laws at all, so I'm no help there

 

That's what I thought... time to print up an FSM page and bring it to the guy

 

That guy sounds pretty dumb, there were a lot of cars that had two cats vs one cat with two different catalysts. If he has a boss, let him know he is a jackwagon.

FSM will have all the proof you need.

 

So I think I get a free re-test, the max hydrocarbons is 85 and I ran a 100, I looked in the FAQ chart and it says change oil, tune up, or run-in catalytic converter
what does run in catalytic converter mean?
I just changed the oil, so I know it's not that..

 

I think run-in catalytic converter is to make sure it is used a little, not brand new out of the package. Also, take the test with the cat already warmed up to maximize its effect.

 

Compare the picture of the converters shown in the FSM before you get smart with the emissions guy. Maybe the two converters you have are not in the stk configuration.

 

the dude is an f-king idiot, almost all older cars come with dual cat system (Pre-Cat + Cat)

pre-cat is used for start up emission, before the main cat (rear cat) is fully warm up. after certain temperature, the pre-cat becomes useless (cuz it's running too hot) and the main cat will take care of the rest. in the other words, pre-cat is almost useless.

Run-in probably means Warm it up fully.

you better make sure your air pump works 100%, if it's not, you 100% going to fail.

if you still fail on the 2nd test, there are other "cheat" method listed in the FAQ.

 

the NA's have 3 cats! i'd take it somewhere else.

100HC's is too high, however the cats need to be hot to work, so the car needs to be running for 15 minutes or so before the test. if you turned it off and then went in to let them write it up, this lets it cool enough to raise the HC's...

 

so happy that NYC killed emission sniffer test starting this year ...

 

this is probably the case

my TII came with 2 aftermarket cats where the main cat is located so it had 3 cats in total which does not match the stock emissions configuration.

 

But how would they get out of the stock configuration considering I said in the OP the exhaust hasn't ever been modified? Unless the factory puts them on in different configurations, I don't know how likely that is, but I guess it's still worth a check.
Also, damn, i guess I shouldn't have turned off my car to sign the paperwork T_T

 

i didn't get anything from the replies that mentioned that it was an OEM exhaust system, if so demand your money back and if they deny go to the BBB/bureau of automotive repair.

rather glad i don't have to go through that bullshit anymore, i just smogged my TII last week with a T70/microtech/methanol injection system. passed the sniffer and away i went.

 

I made a CA BAR complaint already as well

 

My 88 passed smog without the precat. Just sayin

 

wow, what a dumbass tech.....im surprised he even looked under the car....
glad you filed a complaint, too many dumbasses with badges nowadays
just go to another station, and i would personally ask the tech if he has ever dealt with rx7's before, if not, just on to another place lol

Lloyd

 

technically speaking, you don't need pre-cat to pass any sniffer(emission) test.

again, pre-cat is just for "start up emission", once the engine is warm-up the pre-cat is just a restriction (it's a restriction in the first place)

 

The FSM shows it to look similar to the attachment. Show that to the tech. Won't help your numbers though.

 

Three converters.

 

That my fly in NY, but since you removed a cat, the emission system is now "modified". Cali smog laws are on a whole other level. A buddy of mine had a VW bus that failed the sniffer, so he installed a cat. His car passes the sniffer, but failed because he modified the emissions system.

Also, Smog Master is right next to Rotorsport in Santa Clara. They very familiar with rotaries.

 

is smog masters test only?

 

yep http://www.smogmaster.net/ Funkjaw (Mike) works there sometimes.

 

awesome, will have to give that a shot

 

^ Sorry we technically just closed down on Monday lol. I'll let you know our new location when it is up and running in about 2 weeks.

Oh and make sure the tech warms up your car for 2 minutes solid at 2750 rpm. That may help bring those HCs down. If not slap in a new cat and you will be good to go.

 

he can also add about half a gallon of denatured alcohol from home depot to a full tank of gas which will put you into the passable window if all else fails.

*cough cough*

course this is gray area, it's not technically legal but there is no way for a station to determine it. since they keep strapping down on older cars to crunch them i have no reservations in my tips.