MGB 79 MGB: Failed Emissions...

[ZipTie]

Hello,
I'm new to the group, and new to MG's. I could rebuild a Vespa engine blindfolded, but I know virtually nothing about an MG engine.
On to the problem:
I am trying to get the MG registered, and need to pass emissions first. Everything passed except they are telling me that the "Air injection system" has been removed. Does anybody know why this would be done, or how much work it will take to reverse the procedure? The 'air pump' does not seem to be there, and the engine configuration in that area does not look anything like the pictures in the shop manual. The alternator is located where the air pump out to be, the AC compressor is where the alternator ought to be, and I can't even find a mention of AC in my manual. Anybody know what might have been done to the car?

 

[tony barnhill]

AC was a dealer option - not from the factory...however, your air pump should hang off the thermostat bracket with the alternator under it & the AC compressor way down on the bottom...if everything's been removed, you'll need an air rail, a glp valve, & a check valve along with the air pump...I probably have all of them used

...however, can you post a photo of your setup? & if you have a Moss catalog, you'll probably be able to better understand what I just tried to describe

 

[ZipTie]

I'm not sure if this picture will help. It's from the cell phone, so it is a bit grainy. Anyways, let me know if you can deduce anything from this.

Thanks

Ryan

 

[ZipTie]

There is a Weber Carb installed, is this going to have something to do with the modifications made?

 

[tony barnhill]

WHO-EEEE...where do I start?

1. Your alternator is where your air pump should be...
2. Alternator should be on its own brackets below air pump
3. If dealer AC installed, compressor should be way down on bottom & alternator incorporated into its brackets (I may have a set)
4. All your other emissions stuff (air rail, gulp valve, check valve, etc) have been removed
5. You've got the wrong carburetor & intake/exhaust so you probably also do not have a catalytic converter

...lots of expensive work to do there to get it back to where it'll meet emissions....it probably never will with that Weber carb!

...you might want to get a Moss catalog & look at the page with all the emissions equipment to see what it should look like.

 

[ZipTie]

Well, that is not what I wanted to hear. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif The interesting thing is that it passed all the tests. The actual emisions are within spec, but since the equipment is missing they failed me. I wonder if there is a way to put things back where they should be and make a functional looking system? Since emission levels are OK it doesn't really have to do anything except be there.
Possible, or am I on the receiving end of the proverbial shaft? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[tony barnhill]

Well, you could put the air rail back on but what would you hook it to?Its supposed to go to the air pump...wonder if you could run it to a gulp valve over on the intake...

 

[Guinn]

Might try working your way up the chain of command in the DMV and see if you could get a variance. It has been done in WA.
Guinn

 

[DrEntropy]

I'm with Guinn here: If the vehicle has passed the emissions standards (and considering age, modifications, expense and unavailability etc.), find a decision maker who has the "authority" to make a decision. Just be nice and explain the situation, there's usually a "work-around" available at some level.

 

[Bret]

E-gads! I’ve never seen an engine set-up like that before. I always wondered how the A/C compressor was hooked up. But perhaps it might help Tony could provide a picture of one of his A/C equipped engines?

I’m thinking you could install the air-rail and pump but as like Tony says the Weber is all wrong. However if you say it passed emission but failed for the missing air pump & rail. You might be able keep the Weber by hooking up a gulp valve and drill a hole in the manifold to accommodate the right angle where the gulp valve hose connects.

My $0.02

 

[Guest]

Emissions? What's emissions?

Bill

 

[tony barnhill]

BEAUTIFUL!

Nor here:

 

[Nunyas]

Zip: It shouldn't be too difficult to accomplish what you want. I'd order up the air rail from Moss, Vik-Brit, or eBay... what ever you choose. I see air injection rails complete with smog pump and plumbing popping up on eBay all the time. New smog pumps are relatively inexpensive if you go through Auto-Zone, Pep Boys, or any of the national parts store chains. I priced out a smog pump at AutoZone at about $70. They have to special order them, but at least it doesn't cost an arm and leg. Most of the "major" emissions parts can be had at a local parts store relatively inexpensively. It's the "special" parts (gulp valve, air rail, mounting hardware etc.) you'll have to get used or from a MG specialty outlet.

I don't know if you actually need to install a gulp valve... did they even mention this? What about the EGR valve? Anyways, if you scoure eBay, you should be able to pick up the parts you need relatively inexpensively. Then there's the matter of putting them on the car correctly... you'll need a manual for that.. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[tony barnhill]

If you end up having to install an air rail, gulp & check valve or anything else, i have it all for sale

I'm just concerned that when you start adding things, you might actually fail!

 

[Jay_Nickell]

How did the tech know the equipment was missing. In Texas, like many places, its supose to be illegal to remove smog gear, even though my 80 MGB is not required to pass the smog test. I bought the car de-smogged, and the tech that did the inspection had no idea what should have been there, even though there is an empty bracket sticking out where the air pump should be.

Maybe you should shop for a classic car-friendly inspection place, seek a waiver because you meet specs, or just fill the bracket with something and fake it.