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[aw2oban]

Ever so nervously I pulled into the smog station to start the many licensing hurdles of bringing an out of state car to CA.....

Turns out the car passed all of the diagnostic tests they threw at it even the gas cap test......

Then they failed me on the visual aspect because they said the timing as 19 degrees below TDC.  They said it needs to be set at the stock setting and then all tests redone.....

A couple questions....

1. What would their book say is stock because I can't find it online or should I ask them?

2. The car runs great why would the timing have been retarded so much and is it to hide an issue?

3. Will I have to adjust it to pass smog every 24 months and then put it back?

Any insight?  These smog rules really make me wonder why I live here...... if the anal probe says the car is not polluting why do they want me to mess with it??

Sorry for venting....

[aw2oban]

12DBTPC sound right for stock??

[aw2oban]

So if I advance the timing 6-7 degrees to get it to pass the visual are there any pitfalls I should be aware of?

[Jim Simms]

I am in So Cal too.
The same thing happened to me.
Be careful when you have the timing changed because it will affect the richness.
The technician might be reading the timing wrong off the harmonic balancer.
This drama was documented in an earlier post.
Make sure the marking on the balancer is correct.
Take it to a shop which will adjust timing and test for smog.

[Rocketman]

I really do not envy your emissions laws there. That's ridiculous.

Stock timing on the XR2 is 8-12° BTCD. It is measured with the vacuum line removed & capped from the diaphragm on the distributor - this is a common thing that is overlooked and often causes mis-readings of the timing.

Jimm just went through some similar issues - if the harmonic balancer has started failing, the pulley with the mark can move and cause odd timing readings without the actual timing being off.

I suspect it may be the first issue though? Good luck!

[Jim Simms]

I hope our new Capri owner gets it to pass.
Would not want him to go thru same.
I have found you cannot trust the machines on timing reading.
They varied right after I had it set 12 deg bdc
Take it to a place which can do repair and inspection.
Tell them the issue, and make sure they find the timing mark.
That way they have that out of the way.
You have a 3 degree tolerance, so tell the mech to adjust the timing to pass smog.
I did have to buy a catalytic converter.
If you have been running rich (prob not know it) it will wear out the catalytic converter.
Parts and labor will be about $300.
I have a place which can do it fast, in Costa Mesa.
My thoughts are with you .

[Jim Simms]

so, did you get your xr2 to pass smog?

[aw2oban]

Put a couple drops of paint on the mark to make it easier on the tech...... checked out at about 19 btdc....i adjusted it to 12 and it passed..... whew!!!!

[Jim Simms]

I have been out for cpl months.
Congrats on getting it passed smog.
If you have any probs with your turbo, or anything, I got new mechanic who puts turbos on n/a vehicles. He has a Camaro which did 202mph, he put the turbo on it.
Place is JFR Motors, located on a side road off Red Hill, just south of Main. Josh, young fellow, is the man.  He is very impressive.
I got my turbo rebuilt near San Diego. Let me know if you ever need that done and I will send you the info.