The van came with a good set of tires
LUG PATTERN 8 X6.5
8.75 R16.5 LT
They have decent tread, the driver front looses a little air, enough to need to be filled about once a week.
So I will be looking at changing the tires, and perhaps the whole wheels to change from 16.5-inch rims to a more standard 17-inch (or 16-inch)
Found a great roof rack at a local Junk Yard ($65)
It has the perfect amount of rust to match the van, and really makes it look great
After another idle mix tune and some fuel treatment it PASSED !!
Thanks to Tony for the information and assistance
The transmission had a leak, and was empty when I picked it up. And although they filled it for me, it only worked well for a while as it leaked out and became low
Once it was too low, it stopped working, and it was a challenge to troubleshoot it
The mechanic listened to it and confirmed it was a transmission issue, but when I called a local transmission expert, his estimate was $1,000 to rebuilt my transmission, and a week to do it. I kept looking for options
A friend recommended draining the fluid, and replacing the transmission filter, and gasket. Then refilling it
After doing that, it was able to drive again, and although there is still a small drip to track down, it seems to be working well
Today I replaced the Fuel Filter ($4)
The only fuel filter on this one is in the carburetor, so it is small and requires taking off the dog house. I think I will keep a few available to swap these out whenever I have the doghouse open, for a few dollars it’s easy insurance
After learning how and where to adjust the carb idle mixture, I purchased a tool from the local store ($21)
But I found this one on Amazon for $12
Carburetor Adjusting Tool
The first emissions test, it failed everything but the gas tank cap
So.. new spark plugs, spark plug wires, rotor, ICM module
Then back for another test (test #2)
Passed all but the Idle HC.
High Hydrocarbon (HC) emissions
This time I changed out the oil filter, changed the oil, and coolant. Looked for Vacuum hose leaks
Took it back for test #3 and failed just the idle HC again, but with a ‘better’ number, so I adjusted the idle (on the carb) in the parking lot, and tested again.. but failed a 4th time
By now the crew at the Tucson Eastside Emissions testing station were getting to know me and the van, lol
And I was getting better at finishing the test efficiently
I decided to get some expert help, and arranged a meeting with a mobile mechanic. He helped diagnose what might be wrong based on the test results and the steps I had already taken to tune up the van.
The mechanic showed me how to tune the idle mixture correctly and what tool to use.. off to the emissions again (5th time).. and it failed, but the Idle HC number was MUCH closer to passing now
I changed the fuel filter, tuned the idle mixture again and used a fuel additive to help clean out some carbon
5th time through after the mechanic showed me how to tune the idle mixture, the Idle HC was much closer to passing
Third test result, still failing the Idle HC
After some work, and an incorrect tune up, it failed again
Swapped this out today, the only ‘wrong’ part I bought online
but grabbed the correct one at the local shop
$4