Thanks for the info!! I am going to get a second opinion from another shop, and I will replace all the things you told me too.  Thanks soooo much!!!
Margie
happier vanagon owner

Wolfvan88@aol.com wrote:

> I have dual carbs on my 73 T4 engine.  I had it smogged to see how close to legal it was.  It was only about 100 parts above limit and I had no CAT installed.
>
> The dual carbs, setup correctly with a working CAT might be able to made to pass.
>
> Install:
> Bosch Quad tip plugs
> New cap/ rotor
> change the oil
> Wires, if not real old.
> Change to electronic ignition- Drop in points eliminator- @$50-$70
>
> Tune the Carbs.  Balance and adjust the idle mixture to as lean as possible without overheating the engine
> open the air by pass on each carb to futher lean it out.
> Possible smaller idle jet- only @ $3 each, four needed If dual throat.
>
> Go smaller main jet to match venturi size.
>
> fix vacuum leaks if any
>
> install a working CAT.
>
> Make sure valves have .006 clearence to avoid the lifter preload issure with VW lifters.
>
> I could not pass emmissions and when I set the valves to -NO preload it dropped over 200 points in the HC measurement
>
> DO this BEFORE changing carbs, a single will rob you of power AND mileage, I know I had one on my 73 custom 2L and power was bad.
>
> Robert