-=> Dale Shipp wrote to Dave Drum <=-

 DS> Actually, that emission test is a bit of a joke.  They ask the car's
 DS> computer  -- are you feeling ok, is everything alright?  And they take
 DS> the computer's word for it :-}}

 DD> Actually that is a bit more sophisticated than that.
 DD> Plugging a code reader into the OBD2 port of your vehicle
 DD> will dump all the stored readings that your car's various
 DD> sensors have recorded - unless you wish to "beat the
 DD> system" and go to a shop to have them plug-in *their* code
 DD> reader and erase the computer's memory.

 DS> They used to do a tail pipe test, but now just take the computer's word
 DS> for it.  I think that any number of things might cause a bad reading
 DS> (or false negative).  Disconnecting the battery for a while might be
 DS> one such thing.  I don't know, and I wouldn't try.  I might add that
 DS> the last time I took our 2000 Acura in, the attendant could not get the
 DS> plug into the computer.  He called up a supervisor, who was also not
 DS> successful and so they just sent me on my way with a pass for the next
 DS> two years.

The confuser will re-light the "Check Engine" light after
clearing the codes. 
In short order. too, if the oxygen sensor is bad or the fuel/air mixture or 
unburnt hydrocarbons are outside norms. We (at AutoZone) are not allowed to 
erase codes not (once some powers found that it was happening) to hand the 
tool to the customer and let them push the erase button.

 DS> As to that car in England, bear in mind that it had no frame -- only
 DS> the body kept it from splitting in two on a heavy bump.  It was not
 DS> superficial rust, e.g. fender, but in the undercarriage that supported
 DS> the car.  I think that they called that type of construction
"unibody".

 DD> I once had a Mazda GLC (and it was a "(G)reat (L)ittle
(C)ar" for the

 DS> Our daughter had one for a while.  It was like a tank in responding to
 DS> the things she did to/in it.

 DD> $$$$)  that scared the snot out of me. I had it jacked up and was
 DD> preparing to add oil to the differential whe I noticed the
 DD> main structural members in the rear looked like my Aunt
 DD> Eliza's lace curtains. I traded it to a salvage yard within
 DD> the week for a nice pair of bucket seats for another of my
 DD> "rescue" rides.

 DS> Sounds like another one of those "you don't want to know"
moments with
 DS> respect to repair attempts.  How old was the car?

Oh, but I did know.   Bv)=  And know right away that even the most rudimentary 
of band-aid fixes was going to exceed the value of the vehicle -- even if it 
would keep the thing from splitting in half on hitting a bump or canyon-sized 
chuck hole.
 
It was 10 years old when I adopted it for $75. And I drove it for three years 
- so it didn't owe me anything. Not what I'd pick if I had a family w/chirrun 
but nicely sized for a couple or a single.

MMMMM----- Recipe via Meal-Master (tm) v8.06
 
      Title: Green Chile Chuck
 Categories: Beef, Chilies, Vegetables, Beer
      Yield: 7 Servings
 
    1/2 c  Oil
      5 lb Chuck roast (to 6 lb.)
      1 lg Onion; chopped fine
      7 oz Can chopped green chilies
     12 oz Beer; NOT lite
           Salt & Pepper
           Garlic granules
 
  In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat oil hot, sear roast on
  both sides. Add onion and chilies, turn roast to cover fully
  with chiles and onion. Pour beer around sides of roast.
  Sprinkle with salt, pepper and garlic; cover with tight lid.
  Place over low heat. Cook 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
  
  It will fall apart and is SO GOOD!
  
  Makes 6 to 8 servings for $2 per serving.
  
  From: http://www.recipesource.com
  
  Uncle Dirty Dave's Kitchen
 
MMMMM

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