Here's a new one-CA smog test trap

[Tony Lum]

Hi guys and gals,

Here's a new trap for those living and driving in the clean air state of 
California.  I was having the my original Audi, a 1980 5000S, smog tested 
this morning.  I'm a little nervous about this car because she's getting up 
there in years (only 157K on odometer though).  Well the engine passed just 
fine, so the tech starts checking the secondary stuff like timing and smog 
equipment.  Then he asks me to remove the gas cap and get this, he hooks it 
to a separate tester.  "New law" he says.  It fails even though the seal 
still looks pliable.  "You have to buy a new gas cap or I'll have to flunk 
you right now and you'll have to repeat the whole test again."  SOB!  I 
tell him I'll have to see dealer for about a new gas cap so I'll have to 
come back.  "Sorry" he says, "the results are already in the machine and 
can't be cancelled".  So he calls the local FLAPS and they tell him the P/N 
for a cap that fits.  He "just" happens to have this in stock.  Same gas 
cap for a POS Civic-that'll be another $7.  What a racket.

Word to the wise, if you're coming up on a smog test, get yourself a new 
gas cap prior to having the test done.  Since I've got 5 cars, that new gas 
cap is going to see a lot of service.

Regards,

- Tony
lots of I-5 Audis