SMOG Control Problem
 

My 1983 Mazda Limited Edition failed to pass a preliminary SMOG test today after a tune-up involving a distributer cap and rotor, a spark-plug wire set, and spark plugs. The mechanic's opinon is there's a problem in the SMOG control system, which involves perhaps six parts or more.

I don't recall exactly what he told me, but it sounded something like this. The air pump is working, but the air appears to not be going where it should. Possibly, a solenoid valve isn't operating or whatever. So, I need to know where SMOG-control parts, including the cat(s) can be obtained.

Except for the SMOG issue, the engine runs fine. Also, the car in total is in fairly good shape but does need some minor already identified work. Total milage on the car is 169,531 miles, and there's about 69,000 miles on a rebuilt engine.

Problem Found But Not Fixed
 

The problem in my '83 RX7's Emission Control System is a faulty Air Control Valve. So far, I've only been able to locate one new valve, which sells for about $303 plus gasket and shipping. If anyone knows where I can find a better price for a new valve, please respond to this post.

with four posts you should be able to search through the 1st gen Classifieds

End of Story
 

The process of getting my '83 RX7 to pass the California SMOG test began with a tune-up, including new distributer cap, plugs, and plug wires. At that point, the car was still a long ways from passing the test. Further investigation revealed a mostly failed Air Control Valve in the Emission Control System. After some searching, I located and bought a new, California-certified valve from a Washington State Mazda dealer, which was the last one they had. Installing that valve improved matters but not enough. The final solution was replacing the Monolith Converter and Pellet Converter (aka cats). Because the Pellet Converter had been replaced about ten years ago by welding techniques, the cats could no longer be unbolted and rebolted. So, cutting and welding were required to replace the cats. When it was over, the car easily passed the smog test. Now that it's over, I think it would be a good idea to have a mechanic check the Emission Control System periodically but not to the point of doing a pre-SMOG test. Although a pre-SMOG might not be a bad idea if it can be done for nothing or very cheaply. Periodic checking could avoid a nasty surprise just before a registration expires and a SMOG test is required.