Click on the to go to its Tip:
	Emission Letter & Sticker from Vironex   (High-Res. Letter to Print)
	Emission Pre-Check before a Smog Test
	Emissions Sticker
	Smog Test
	Emission Control
	Smog Pumps
	Air Relief Valve on the Air Injection (Smog) Pump
	EGR Valve
	Oxygen Sensor

Subject:  Emission Pre-Check before a Smog Test
 
Tip 1:  Remember that the emission is based on the year of the engine, not the year of the coach. The label on the engine air cleaner indicates the details of the emission compliance and any exceptions. That’s where the mechanic will look first. Newsletter dated Spring 1994 has a copy of the letter from Vironex, Inc. explaining that Chrysler paid penalty to introduce the engine into commerce with higher emissions than provided by law. 

The main reason engines do not pass emission test is due to leaking vacuum lines or in case of fuel injected engines, dripping fuel injectors. Check the vacuum lines for damage, make sure the carburetor- to manifold gasket is good, and run a can or two of injector cleaner through the gas tank prior to getting your engine tested. 

Oxygen sensor is the component that often gets overlooked. Bosch makes a replacement for our gasoline engines. Engine idle should be 1000 rpm in neutral and 850 in gear. If you have two air pumps (smog pumps) and one of them goes bad, replace both of them at the same time.

Tip 2:  It has been my experience that the best thing you can do is to insure that you pass a smog test is to add the proper amount of fuel injector cleaner to your gas (see instruction on the product) to clean the gunk out of the carburetor or fuel injectors.  Make sure you run the engine a minimum of 25 miles on the highway with the cleaner added to the gas just before you have it smogged as an engine up to it's normal operating temperature will smog cleaner than a cold engine.  I add fuel injector cleaner to my first tank-full every time I take my rig on a trip after it has sat for several months. 

Another important thing is to have the Oxygen sensor replaced every so often (5 to 10 years?)  I had to have mine replaced after 18 years the last time I had it smogged!   So I had to pay for the Oxygen sensor, it's installation and a new smog test.  If I had it done as part of a tune-up it may have saved me time and money.   See -- The Smell of Gasoline at a Traffic Light -- for additional information on your Oxygen Sensor.

While you are at it, consider having the vacuum lines, radiator hose, belts, gas lines and other rubber items replaced every so often as regular maintains rather then to wait for them to fail during a smog test or on the road.   They will fail at some point; all you can control is when.  
Keep on Cruisin', Tom Heald
Return to the Tip List.

Subject:  Emissions Sticker

Question: Where is the Emissions Sticker? I need it to get it smogged.

Answer:  The normal spot for the standard Emission Sticker is on the side of the Air filter in all Aero Cruisers.  There is a printable copy of an Emission Letter from Vironex and the Emission Sticker that addresses the emission system on Aero Cruisers that have a 1987/8 and 1989 engines that are exempt from catalytic converters.  The model year of these Aero Cruisers are from 1988 through 1991.  
Keep on Cruisin', Tom Heald
Return to the Tip List.

Subject:  Smog Test
 
Tip:  Before you go for your test, make sure all emission equipment such as smog pumps and catalytic converters are in place and working OK to avoid being categorized as a “gross polluter”. Engines built in ’88 and ’89 are exempt from catalytic converters.
Return to the Tip List.

Subject:  Emission Control
 
Tip:  George Kinnison cautioned everyone once again about reconfiguring the emission control system if you live in California. It may keep you from passing the emission test. Most problems in the system are caused by poor or inoperative vacuum (broken hoses). So, before you go for the test, check the vacuum hoses, oxygen sensor, smog pumps, EGR valve, PCV valve, and catalytic converter (if you have one).
Return to the Tip List.

Subject:  Smog Pumps

Tip1:  Here’s a reminder for those of you with smog pumps (fuel injected and carbureted engines). If a smog pump freezes up while on a trip, just cut the belt off and continue on. Frank Fries has been beltless for years! He only puts it on for smog tests. If you do change out a smog pump - do both, the other one will probably follow shortly.
#101 Krafft

Tip2: 
So what does a Smog Pump do?  It adds air (oxygen) to the exhaust gases at the exhaust manifold thus enhancing the burning process to help consume the left over hydrocarbons. 

The Smog pumps I used for my 1990 Fuel Injection (or I believe any 1987-89 engine) Aero Cruiser is a "Cardone Reman/Smog Pump"

For your 1989 Dodge Truck D350 1 ton P/U 2WD 5.9L FI 8cyl
Part Number: 32-242,  2012 Price $69.99 + core $7.00
Click here for a Web link.
Keep on Cruisin', Tom Heald
Return to the Tip List.

Subject:  Air Relief Valve on the Air Injection (Smog) Pump
 
Tip:  I think this tech tip could have potential impact on all Cruisers that have air injection systems on their 360HP Dodge engines with catalytic converters.

Last year, I replaced both of air injection pumps because of excessive air pump noise and chirping. Later, a new rumbling and chirping in the engine developed and I noticed that the right exhaust manifold gasket was leaking and needed to be replaced. Upon inspection at Eric’s RV Performance, the factor creating the manifold gasket failure was diagnosed; the right catalytic converter was fried.

It needed to be replaced. So, the manifold gasket and both of the catalytic converters were replaced. Problem solved? With the new $450 hi flow converters, the 360 HP engine was very happy. But on the way home, climbing a 6% grade incline and at about 60 miles per hour, the rumbling and chirping returned. Back to Eric’s, this noise was being caused by one of the relief valves on the air injection pumps.

Not to worry, this was something that I could easily replace. Now the story really starts to get interesting. Took me less than fifteen minutes to remove the upper relief value, Chrysler part # 04268576. Then off to NAPA and quickly found out they do not carry an after market product to match. Next by phone, to the nearest Chrysler dealer, they had none in stock and could not order replacements, as Chrysler was no longer manufacturing them. Was referred to a Chrysler dealership in CA that did have one valve in stock, however it was being held for a customer.

The Tech Rep was very helpful, went on the Chrysler dealer parts locator and found a total of five valves in the country. Another telephone call to Chrysler dealership in Mesa, AZ. Yes, they did have three in stock. I now have two and they might have one left. That leaves just two others remaining countrywide! In my discussion with the Tech Rep in CA, he indicated that if I was unable to find a replacement relief valve, then I should take the Aero Cruiser to one of the CA emission testing locations.

If they were unable to recommend a replacement valve, then that engine would be “Blue Tagged” and the emission control air pumps could be removed from that coach.

I have replaced one of the relief valves and the problem now appears to be resolved. Keep in mind, your coach may be different.
#215 Stahl
Return to the Tip List.

Subject:  EGR Valve
 
Tip:  Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve is in the idle circuit.
Return to the Tip List.

Subject:  Oxygen Sensor
 
Tip:  Located in the left exhaust manifold. Bosch part No. SG25, Car Quest No. 63972. See -- The Smell of Gasoline at a Traffic Light -- for additional information on your Oxygen Sensor.
Return to the Tip List.

---

Copyright© 1999-2016  Freelance Ink. All Rights Reserved.