Roger,

I haven't had any real trouble getting my Vanagon's through emission
here in MD.  When both my 84 and 85 were tested over the last few years,
they passed easily and I didn't do anything except make sure the exhaust
connections were tight and run some fuel injector cleaner through the
system.  The air filters were in decent shape and I also checked all the
electrical connections.  Two years ago, I was sure the 84 would fail as
it hadn't been tuned in several years and wasn't being driven much.  So,
I drove it most of the time for about a week and ran the injector
cleaner through twice and it passed rather easily.   The standards here
aren't close to being the toughest.

Don't make it into too big a deal - do some basic stuff and go get it
tested.  Be sure it is thoroughly warmed up before going in for the
test.  If it fails, then worry about all the extra things you are
worrying about now.

Of course, the Syncro with the much more modern engine passed with
flying colors not too long ago.  The tech was a bit confused when he
went to the right to find the exhaust and it wasn't there.  He looked to
the other side, gave a quizzical look and put the hose on and tested it,
no questions asked.  I didn't do anything in advance for that test, just
drove in to the Owings Mills station after the 21 mile trip to take my
son to school near there.

Sam

--
Sam Walters
Baltimore, MD

89 Syncro GL, Zetec Inside
85 Westy Weekender
85 Mercedes Benz 300D Turbodiesel - to become veggie oil powered

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