I recently took my 85 base model rx7(12A) to get the inspection sticker renewed. Initially the mechanic told me that everything passed except for one thing. He said the "unleaded gas restrictor" flap(the little metal thing that's on a spring hinge when you put the gas nozzle in) was missing and that he couldn't pass my car because of it. I'm like, ok, no problem, I can replace that part and get it re-nspected. Well, the mechanic comes back a few minutes later and tells me that since that little part is broken that I also have to replace my catalytic converters in order for my car to pass inspection. Now were talking a couple hundred dollars!!! Is he serious about that!???? I've never heard of that and don't understand what that part would have to do with the exhaust system but then again I'm not a mechanic. Does anyone know if that is true or is this "service" station trying to screw me???? One more thing....will the muffler off of an 85 GSL-SE work on an 85 base model 12A? Thank you...

 

start off by walking in there again with a rock, throw it at the picture of his mother... then proceed to backhand his manager, and do a carthwheel in to his face. this guy is a jack *** and full of ****. i'm a certified inspector and might as well be a certified 12a asshat. replace the gas door piece, but if your cats were previously working and passed before he saw that one thing, then you are fine. call him out on that ****. god that pisses me off!

edit: here's why; your exhaust system consists of the header, pre-cat, main cat, piping, then muffler. going to this cat is a tube coming off of your air-pump. your air pump is on the intake manifold and has a belt running to it, it pushes air in to your cat to help the process of dropping hydrocarbons. now, that mother ******* gas door piece does not interfere with this. he is thinking of newer vehicles that have a full evap system. if your car was a new rx-8, MAYBE. again, slap the **** out of this guy.

 

The issue is, if the flap was removed in order to use the larger diameter leaded fuel nozzle (remember that from the past?), the lead in the fuel would contaminate the cat.

If the car passes emissions, no problem... tell him to pound sand.

If you don't have emission testing, you have to prove that the cat still works.

RXDad

 

"tell him to pound sand"

dude, that has got to be the best thing i've read all morning... LOL!!!

 

Thanks for the reply, I wasn't aware there was ever a difference in nozzle sizes(I'm 32). I live in Wilmington, NC, and we do not have emissions testing in our county until Jan 06', and then it will be on 1996 and newer only. Any idea where I might find the part to replace that flap and also, how do I prove the cat still works? Thanks so much for your feedback, it's very much appreciated.....

 

Simple solution, I'm from NC BTW, go somewhere else. In NO WAY not even a new car will that little flap have any effect on "tailpipe" emissions. When did they start checking that in NC anyway, the little flap?

If you want to fix it, go to a pick and pull.

And further more, the FLAP doesn't do **** to stop a diesle nozzle from going in there, this the size of the opening that prevents that. the flap is to help with gas from sloshing out on the filler.

And one more thing, what FBII says... it needs to be done, if not you then someone.

Sorry but *** hats like that **** me off X 10.

 

You are my new mentor, sir. That's hilarious.

Being a shop owner, stuff like this makes it difficult for the guys, like myself, to build loyalty and trust in our customers. We don't have emissions or any inspections in very up-to-date Alabama, but that guy truly sounds like he is talking out of his ***!

 

yea i worked at dodge for two years and our shop manager was an awesome respected guy. he was straight up with the customers and what they needed. and that shop does sooooo much business because of that. now it's time to mow my gums.

 

I don't know when they started checking that flap. When I got the car inspected last year I don't remember it being an issue. BTW what do you mean by "go to a pick and pull"? I'll be more than happy to try that once I know what it means. And thanks for the feedback. I love this forum !!!!!!

 

Sometimes that flap is just stuck behind. I just bought a 79 and while I was cleaning the gas tank, I took the filler neck off and the flap was right behind it. A little WD-40 and it went back to position.

 

A Pick and Pull junkyard...

A junkyard where you go in and pull the parts off the car yourself. Cheaper, and MUCH easier when you'e talking about odd little parts... and y'know always leave a little extra empty space in your toolbox on the way in... in case you "forget" to pay for a few small parts on your way out...