I have been going to this smog station for at least 10 years and I have never had a problem. However, now that the son is working too and dad was on vacation, look out! I took my '93 Ford Taurus wagon (my second car) to be smog checked on May 24th. Everything was going fine until I noticed the son (who seemed to be finished with the emissions test), was now hovering over the engine compartment as if in deep concern.'What's wrong?" I asked, he said, "hold on, I'm going to get a mechanic who works next door to take a look at this". A few moments later out come the two speaking in their language, so I couldn't understand what they were saying. The mechanic who now joined us had a hand held strobe scope timing light (outdated equipment) and went to town trying to get a reading but there is a big problem. The son of the smog station says to me, "I'm gong to have to fail you beacuse I can't get a timing reading from your vehicle." "There is something missing from your crankshaft pulley so I can't read it with this timing light." "You'll have to go next door with the mechanic who will repair the timing gauge for you, then come back and I'll pass you."
Obviously, since times are tough our Smog Station son is trying to dig up some extra work and some cash for his next door mechanic friend. What the two also don't know is that I am also a certified ASE Mechanic in A1- engine repair! I now play along as if in deep concern over the current situation. "Oh, Really? I say." I'm an ASE certified engine mechanic (now a dismal look on both their faces), this is a 1993 Ford with electronic ignition it never had the piece you claim I need, in fact timing is non adjustable in this vehicle, but you should know that! So trying to read it with that hand held strobe is absurd since the timing is controlled by the computer, ignition coil, timing belt, engine rpm, etc., but you should know that!" Did my car pass the emissions test?" "Yes", the Son says. "Good, could you please give me my smog certificate and I'll be on my way." "Y. Yess. Ssir, s.S. Sorry for the misunderstanding!"
I was lucky that I caught on to their little scam (having a little engine knowledge).
Someone else with a little less know how will also have a little less cash if you dare to venture upon this Smog Station!
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