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I have a 1986 928s2 Euro (automatic) that I'm trying to take off of planned non-op (PNO) in California now that I have it running. With this, I need to pay registration (easy) and pass smog (hopefully not impossible). I serviced all fluids and filters and I know I need to drive it hard just before the smog check but I also found a loose hose that I could use some help identifying. Please see pics below. Any additional advice for the smog check would be great, too! Thank you!
Above the engine bay, passenger side. Above the engine bay, passenger side. Above the engine bay, passenger side. Below the engine bay, passenger side. Below the engine bay, passenger side.
I have no idea what it is, but the broken off nipple in its end looks like the plastic Y-connector from the carbon canister hose in the rear of the passenger front wheelwell. Weird that it would be ziptied to the transmission cooler lines like that. Have you pulled the wheelwell liner behind the right front tire and checked the hose routing there?
I have no idea what it is, but the broken off nipple in its end looks like the plastic Y-connector from the carbon canister hose in the rear of the passenger front wheelwell. Weird that it would be ziptied to the transmission cooler lines like that. Have you pulled the wheelwell liner behind the right front tire and checked the hose routing there?
It isn't a "Y" connector, its a straight connector. The line continues towards the rear of the car under the firewall and it looks like it may connect to a hard line. Do you have a picture or link to that carbon canister hose handy? I had the wheel wells pulled for electrical work and did not see anything unusual in there.
This is not a stock hose...probably a vent to the fuel tank, added to fool the original inspectors. Some European conversions added a charcoal canister in front of the A/C condenser and some just vented the tank to atmosphere.
Semi-retired, as of Feb 1, 2023.
The days of free technical advice are over.
Free consultations will no longer be available.
Will still be in the shop, isolated and exclusively working on project cars, developmental work and products, engines and transmissions.
Have fun with your 928's people!
This is not a stock hose...probably a vent to the fuel tank, added to fool the original inspectors. Some European conversions added a charcoal canister in front of the A/C condenser and some just vented the tank to atmosphere.
Depends on the smog inspector who looks at it.....and if he thinks you are a "Ringer" from the State.
The visual part of a California smog inspection is generally pretty simple....they don't generally know what to look for, on a 928. I've never had anyone look to see the charcoal canister. However, if that hose comes from the tank or vapor recovery "box", you might want to run it up into the passenger wheel well, so it isn't just hanging there.
Getting a Euro engine to meet the California specifications is the really tough part....those cams are very "dirty" in the lower rpms, especially on a small engine.
Depends on the smog inspector who looks at it.....and if he thinks you are a "Ringer" from the State.
The visual part of a California smog inspection is generally pretty simple....they don't generally know what to look for, on a 928. I've never had anyone look to see the charcoal canister. However, if that hose comes from the tank or vapor recovery "box", you might want to run it up into the passenger wheel well, so it isn't just hanging there.
Getting a Euro engine to meet the California specifications is the really tough part....those cams are very "dirty" in the lower rpms, especially on a small engine.
It passed in 2007 when it was last checked so, with the the updates I’ve done, I hope I get lucky! Fingers crossed!
For sure have the inspector do a preliminary visual and pipe test before he puts info into the state computer. You really don't want a failure to be recorded. If, during the actual test, the readings point to fail, abort the test before it completes. That way you might be able to save yourself and the car from the life-long "only at a referee station" curse. Greg may be able to guide you to a test station that's sympathetic to the 928's uniqueness. The ride down to Anaheim/Orange will be worth it.
For sure have the inspector do a preliminary visual and pipe test before he puts info into the state computer. You really don't want a failure to be recorded. If, during the actual test, the readings point to fail, abort the test before it completes. That way you might be able to save yourself and the car from the life-long "only at a referee station" curse. Greg may be able to guide you to a test station that's sympathetic to the 928's uniqueness. The ride down to Anaheim/Orange will be worth it.
Thanks for the advice, Dr Bob! Greg, if you can guide me to a good spot, that would be awesome. I’m in Culver but I’m mobile.
Shouldn't have to drive 60 miles, round trip, to get a smog inspection.....the machines are all with-in a few percent.
Tell them the car has been sitting for X many years and you want to do a "pre-test" to see if everything is still good....mention that it passed, the last time, X years ago.
When I took over care duties for my '85 ROW, here in CA, it had been sitting at the previous owners house for ten years. Prior to that, it had failed smog a few times and tagged as a "gross polluter" by the state. I noticed that it had a Ford catalytic converter from when it was federalized in '85. yikes
An option that worked for me, if you're not in a hurry, is installing a smog system from a U.S. model of the same vintage, before heading to the smog check station. I installed the smog system (charcoal can, fuel tank vent pipes, etc.) from an '83 U.S. car that I happen to be parting out at the same time. The system fit perfectly, because the bodies of the two cars are the same, and everything of course is factory equipment. A flush fit really. I also found a very lightly used factory catalytic that was also the proper fit and took it to the neighborhood exhaust shop, who welded it up to the stock exhaust for very little money.
For a novice wrench like me, i'd say it was few weekends worth of work in the garage, and it passed smog without a blink of an eye, nothing looks out of place and it runs super clean. No mention of going to the BAR referee or any inspections. And it should be worry free for another 15-20 years I figure.
928International surely would have everything you need.
When I took over care duties for my '85 ROW, here in CA, it had been sitting at the previous owners house for ten years. Prior to that, it had failed smog a few times and tagged as a "gross polluter" by the state. I noticed that it had a Ford catalytic converter from when it was federalized in '85. yikes
An option that worked for me, if you're not in a hurry, is installing a smog system from a U.S. model of the same vintage, before heading to the smog check station. I installed the smog system (charcoal can, fuel tank vent pipes, etc.) from an '83 U.S. car that I happen to be parting out at the same time. The system fit perfectly, because the bodies of the two cars are the same, and everything of course is factory equipment. A flush fit really. I also found a very lightly used factory catalytic that was also the proper fit and took it to the neighborhood exhaust shop, who welded it up to the stock exhaust for very little money.
For a novice wrench like me, i'd say it was few weekends worth of work in the garage, and it passed smog without a blink of an eye, nothing looks out of place and it runs super clean. No mention of going to the BAR referee or any inspections. And it should be worry free for another 15-20 years I figure.
928International surely would have everything you need.
I’m noticing a lot of heat coming from the middle console, where I read the catalytic converter lives, so that may be a good option. I think I’ll bring it to a test facility first to try my luck. Then, make sure nothing is official if failure is imminent. Thanks for that advice!
The torque tube supports a formed foam block that normally insulates and seals exhaust heat from underneath entering into the console area. Driving with windows down or sunroof open lowers the pressure in the car slightly, causing air to be drawn in through the console via the space that the foam insulator should be occupying. The easy fix for that leaking is to replace the tired/collapsed motor and gearbox mounts, raising the torque tube and that foam insulator block back up snug to the tunnel. New motor mounts involves dropping the engine cross-member for access, exposing the oil sump for gasket replacement. Power steering hoses are suddenly easier to replace while the rack is lowered. All those pieces and activities will fall towards the nearest slippery slope. :O
The Good News is that you live within easy reach of 928 International, and my nickel says that they've traveled your path in the past. Installing the fuel system vapor recovery pieces isn't that tough, as Ladybug83 shares. Some of the "conversion" bits on your ROW car may be more fun, but nothing is impossible. Plenty of local guidance there between Greg and 928 International. My last drive past you in Culver was in the fall and winter, with no real shortage of folks leading the way on the 405. Maybe traffic is less in the hunker-down period now, enough so that the ride to OC might actually be fun. Call ahead of course.
04-06-2020, 04:21 PM
CA Smog Check: Loose Hose on a 928
