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Topic: Failed Emissions Test ... What now?  (Read 10125 times)

Guest

Failed Emissions Test ... What now?

« on: April 25, 2006, 11:33:59 AM »
Hi all ... the little bug I'm trying to buy (78 Volks Bug Convertible) failed its emissions test today. My Hydrocarbon (is that right?) was too high (reading was 1747, limit is 400) and my Carbon Monoxide was too high (reading of 6.72, limit is 4.0).

What now? Does this sound like a really bad thing to fix, or is this common on old VWs? New buddy David (aka RetBugtech), is this something you can fix if I bring you the car? Or is it a major ordeal?

I actually haven't paid the owner for the car yet -- we agreed on a price, but then found out that the car did in fact have to go through emissions (we thought it didn't b/c it was more than 25 years old -- nope), so we were waiting to make sure it passed.

Help! Thanks in advance!
Deborah (the rookie) :wink:

Offline Bugnut

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Failed Emissions Test ... What now?

« Reply #1 on: April 25, 2006, 04:07:44 PM »
Try octane boost? That's a high reading,I don't have emmisions on mine...hmmm...David any ideas?

Offline Ret.Bugtech

Failed Emissions Test ... What now?

« Reply #2 on: April 27, 2006, 10:04:24 AM »
Deb, you will probley never get it to pass. You have a carb and not fuel Inj. as your car is suppose to have . Antique Tag ?   Car has be 25 years old, Yours is 28 years old. One time buy about $35. They say you have limited miles to drive a year. Who's watching 8)

Offline VWGirl

  • Rossville,GA/ Micanopy, FL
  • Joined: Jan 2006
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Failed Emissions Test ... What now?

« Reply #3 on: April 27, 2006, 10:20:00 AM »
you could always move to FL where we dont have emissions testing... this is a good reminder that I need to look in to that kind of stuff if i am wanting to move elsewhere... you guys probably also have to pay state income tax dont you?  :(

Offline cindy

  • Club Member
  • Harrison, TN
  • Joined: Dec 2001
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Failed Emissions Test ... What now?

« Reply #4 on: April 27, 2006, 10:40:24 AM »
We don't pay state income taxes but have the highest sales tax on groceries in the country.  They are talking about fixing that in the state legislature but who knows when that will happen.  We run antique tags on two of our cars now and haven't had a problem.  Saves you the $10.00 per year on the emissions and renewal of the tag every year.  Their loss our gain.   :)

Guest

problems with getting an antique tag

« Reply #5 on: April 27, 2006, 11:29:59 AM »
My understanding after talking to the registration people is that I HAVE to go through emissions this time to get any type of tag (antique or otherwise). Once I do it this time, then I could get an antique tag, for example, and never have to do emissions again.

That means I have to pass once. David, do you really think I'll never do it? It may mean that I can't buy the bug! :( :(

Offline Gobusgo

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Failed Emissions Test ... What now?

« Reply #6 on: April 27, 2006, 11:49:39 AM »
There is this stuff at your local FLAPS (Friendly Local Auto Parts Store), I can't remember the name of it, but it GUARANTEES you to pass emissions or your money back.  Just ask for it.

As far as changing your carbuerator back to fuel injection, I don't think that is in the fine writing of the guarantee. :lol:

Offline Ret.Bugtech

Failed Emissions Test ... What now?

« Reply #7 on: April 27, 2006, 02:10:52 PM »
I belive they call the stuff    "Guaranteed To Pass"    But I had a friend who's Nissan failed using  G.T.P . but I think he didn't follow the  instruction correctly. Might be worth a try :-k

Offline Zen

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Failed Emissions Test ... What now?

« Reply #8 on: April 27, 2006, 05:58:46 PM »
A trick they use out in the land of fruits and nuts (a.k.a. California) is to pass emmisions with one engine and then swap it out with their "real" engine.  Or, you could move south of the border (into GA) and not have to worry about it . . . yet.  It's probably coming soon.

Guest

Emissions issue resolved!

« Reply #9 on: May 01, 2006, 03:05:49 PM »
Well guys, it helps to have some perseverance! I called the tag and title place back, and they told me this time that I could in fact get an antique tag without going through emissions. I went to the courthouse on Friday, and now I'm official! I got an antique tag and the title's in my name. Woo-hoo! The little bug is finally, really, honest to goodness, mine! :)

Anyway, I had to sign an affadavit saying that I would only drive the bug to car shows, car club events, etc. ... no daily driving, basically. My guess is that this isn't at the top of the police's most wanted list, though ... at least I hope not -- I'd love to take her for a spin on cool days!

Anyway, thanks to all for the advice and information. I can't wait to meet everyone at an upcoming club event!

Take care,
Deborah

Offline cindy

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  • Harrison, TN
  • Joined: Dec 2001
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Failed Emissions Test ... What now?

« Reply #10 on: May 01, 2006, 04:23:57 PM »
It seems like there is some type of car gathering every day of the week these days so you should not ever have any problem with being on your way to one if you were to ever get pulled over.  Have fun!!!  :)

65dunebuggy

Failed Emissions Test ... What now?

« Reply #11 on: May 03, 2006, 10:20:33 PM »
Well here's my two cent's.How in the world are they ever going to know.I would think number one there are too many donut shops and number two there are better things for them to do like hide behind signs and wait for speeders lol.But honestly I do respect the guy's in law enforcement that are down to earth.Most are like us.There are some that can't handle being one and should get out . :lol:

Offline Bugnut

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Failed Emissions Test ... What now?

« Reply #12 on: May 03, 2006, 10:44:16 PM »
unfortunatley I live in a city full of the second type. :D

65dunebuggy

Failed Emissions Test ... What now?

« Reply #13 on: May 04, 2006, 12:05:08 AM »
That's me.Ours has nothing to do honestly. :lol:

Offline copperjewel

  • Joined: Sep 2002
  • Posts: 523

Failed Emissions Test ... What now?

« Reply #14 on: May 04, 2006, 04:31:07 AM »
:thumbs-up: Way to go!! Another bug hits the roadway!!!

As a retired "law enforcement officer" let me chime in here. I am not familiar with the laws of your state except as you stated here. Let me put it in my terms "How Stupid Is That Law"??? How in Gods name do they expect it to be enforced?? Do the "minds" at the legislature that came up with this really think that an officer is going to stop every vehicle displaying an "antique" tag and verify they are going to a show, a club function, etc?? Jeeze give me a break. If someone was stopped how are you going to verify it??? Follow them to the show, the meeting? Duhhh!!  :roll:  The author of that section of the registration law is brain dead. :withstupid:

 If Georgia had a law like that and I was still active in enforcement, the odds of me stopping some one are "Slim To None" and Slim is out of town. I mean the car registered, it is mechanically safe, it has insurance and the driver is licensed. Why take any action?? Trust me I was a "Traffic Nazi"   :twisted:  no ifs, ands, or buts about it. I loved traffic enforcement period!!  My motto was, " Take no guff, cut no slack, hook em and book em and don't look back." And if I would not stop someone then the law must really suck in my opinion. Now I am not telling you to "break the law"   [-X  but I personally think the laws of average are on your side that you will never be stopped. I think most officers would feel  the importance of enforcement of this law is very very low. And as some of the others said there are some  in uniform that would be an exception. OK I'm off my soapbox.


(Makes note to pick up some doughnuts on the way home)  :D  :D

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