Recent content by kaborka

The old truck passed the smog check. HC emissions were only 49ppm out of a max 108 at 25mph on the dyno, and even better at 15mph. This surprised me, since I'm still getting visible smoke at idle (despite the pint of Bardahl I put in). The compression checked at a solid 195psi on all 6, and the...

I was thinking of getting some E85 and putting it in there, to further reduce emissions. I think some of the fuel stabilizers have anhydrous isopropyl in them. I'd be concerned about adding a isopropyl-water blend. Thanks for the tips!

Thanks. Sorry my question wasn't clear. I've used Seafoam and injector cleaner in the engine. I'll put in an additive to reduce the leakage before I do the test. I'm hoping it will pass, so I can do the proper repairs later. Edit: I found the edit function trick!

Actually, I should rephrase the question: Do synthetics produce less HC when burned, if I can't prevent the engine from burning oil without doing more repairs than I can get done before the smog test?

It's an 86 Ranger with a EFI V6. I'm suspecting worn valve guides. I'm doing a tuneup this weekend, and the compression check should reveal whether it's rings or valve seals. It could just be a PCV valve sucking too much oil into the intake. I'll see how it does with a new one. If I need to tear...

My truck has started to smoke a bit at idle. I haven't run a compression check to diagnose it yet, but that's on my agenda. I'm hoping to get one more successful CA smog check out of it before a rebuild, and I'm wondering what effect switching to a synthetic oil would have on the emissions test...