iamsunnybrook

Hey everybody,

new here and new to RX-7s.

I just bought a 1989 Mazda RX-7 and its beautiful!

I need it to pass smog so i can begin to drive it and start fixing the minor problems it has.

Honestly, im stressing hard about the smog. Ive heard some people talk about how rotary's have a hard time passing, and me not knowing much about them to even begin to fix the problem, freaks me out. Of course, i can go the easy way out...but i want to pass it legally.

Here are the results from the test:

%CO2 %O2 HC(PPM) CO(%) NO(PPM)
TEST RPM MEAS MEAS MAX/GP/MEAS MAX/GP/MEAS MAX/GP/MEAS
15mph 1742 11.8 3.9 118/293/833 0.75/2.25/1.52 799/2002/815
25mph 2839 12.8 2.7 93/243/364 0.63/2.13/1.06 738/1802/503


If anybody out there could tell me what i need to do to pass smog i will greatly appreciate it.

-Freddy
1989 Mazda RX-7 (FC)

misterstyx69

iTrader: (142)

your posted results are a cluster Fark.confusing as hell to decypher.

can you post the original Paper(pic of the paper)?

lduley

iTrader: (1)

Well did you start out with a good FULL tune-up? Check for vacuum leaks? How old is the exhaust system?

iamsunnybrook

Sorry, here they are:

[ATTACH][/ATTACH]

iamsunnybrook

I was planning to do a full tune up but not really sure of what it consists of. What would i need to get for a full tune up? spark plugs, spark plug wires...?

I will check for vacuum leaks soon.

and i bought the car with a supposed after market Racing Beat exhaust. Not sure of its age or condition as i need to get the car up on a lift first.

BlackEuropa

iTrader: (2)

Does the state automatically flag all rotaries to test at the Star stations? Because of a history of not being clean? I have a Geo Metro that is that way every year. I thought profiling was illegal?

I've read that a percentage of denatured alcohol helps cars burn cleaner on a smog check, but don't quote me. Do your research.

misterstyx69

iTrader: (142)

If the car has a Racing Beat exhaust then it may not have a Catalytic converter on the system.
That actually should have been noticed by the Test Facility.If they did the Test and did not notice it,then I would not re test the car there.
The Car needs a Good Working Catalytic to pass.If that catalytic is not there then you are throwing money into a Big Hole.

RXSpeed16

iTrader: (41)

STAR was supposed to send old cars to a limited number of stations equipped with camera's, bait cars, tighter oversight, etc. The actual smog check is the same. I believe its real purpose was to root out the shady shops, which it seems to have done.

Alcohol trick can work, but you car will run terribly and a good tech will notice something is up.

You need a cat, airpump, a properly controlled air control valve, and O2 sensor to pass the sniffer.
All stock emissions components including: pre-cat(s), Split air pipe, solenoid rack, vac lines, airbox, etc. are required for the visual.

Set the timing. Set the TPS. New plugs. New air filter. Drive the car for at least 20 minutes before getting the test done and keep it running if you have to wait.

visatrade

iTrader: (2)

I am having this problem too. However, I was stupid and drove the car unregistered. I was pulled over and given a "Fix it ticket" With this "Fix it ticket" I got screwed out of a lot of money and quite a bit of pressure put over my head as well. So, don't drive the car un registered if you are going to drive it, be sure to have a daypass ready and filled out.

The car must idle at 750rpm to pass smog.
The car must hold pressure in the fuel tank (Evap which you have passed).
The car must have stock timing done.

If you need a hot smog there is a possibility to do so for around $400-$500. but you will need to smog again in two years time.

Check your 6pi
Check your VDI
Check your vacuum lines (Are they 20+ year old pieces of rubber that have turned to plastic due to years of heat?)
Check the air control valve
Check the air (smog) pump.

There are Factory service manuals available in pdf form for this car for free from the internet. Be sure to get one.

Don't drive the car unregistered and be patient. If the car is registered and has failed smog, I heard from the dmv that you can pay $50 or so for a 90 day pass. But keep in mind you only may fail smog 3 times before the car is a pumpkin or something.

There are a few of us nor-cal people on here. I live in Santa Rosa near Bryce's shop "BA motorsports." The popular rotorhead around here is Nader. Chances are you will need to talk to people because these rotaries are not ordinary mechanic friendly. Don't trust a regular mechanic with a rotary, chances are he wont have a clue what he is doing.

Good luck and welcome to your test of mechanics skills and patience.

Edit: Hey for real though, being scared is normal. I was scared, then I did my vacuum with silicone lines from Boostcontroller.com Once I was finished with that situation and removing all of the intake manifold, It took a lot to scare me after I was done. Also, the car ran much better. Having a good tool collection helps. But getting over the fear of working on cars makes this car worth it. My trick is to really lean on the manual. Go slow the first time and notice the placement of items and how it is all arranged. It may be like diving into a pool on a hot day at first and will just take a bit of can do/will do attitude. If you do decide to do your vacuum, replace one hose at a time and sometimes mark where the lines go with a sharpie and a piece of duct tape. The best place for parts is this forum and if you need spare parts, you will notice that regular auto parts stores sometimes do not have the part or it is very overpriced.