[Boomhower]

So, just pulled the engine on the 95 5.8 Bronco. I suspected a rear main seal and oil pan leak, plus I figured that 28 year old gaskets and seals, with just under 200k mikes, all over the engine could use a refresh. After pulling it, the project was justified. More on that in future threads, I’m sure.

I did a good bit a research prior to this and wondered why the vacuum systems in every video I watched and forum I saw looked different than mine.

Finally found a post on here that made me think that mine was one of the rare (I think) 1995 models that has the vapor management valve and all of the accoutrements that go with it since it was originally sold in Northern California. This only complicates everything, of course.

My question for the FSB brain trust: Is there a relatively easy way to rip all this crap out and bypass the California stuff to make this a regular 95 system? I’m in Texas, where there is no smog check or any of that fun stuff. If someone could point me in the direction of a previous write up, I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[JScatt]

Since a 95 CA truck has MAF I believe there might be less smog stuff than other states so a non CA truck won’t have less smog stuff.Regardless, if you are no longer in CA about the only thing I would remove is the smog pump and related parts.

 

[BigBlue 94]

Yup should be a MAF OBD1 truck. Just rip the smog pump and associated lines off and plug any holes.

I dont think it has a thermactor system to plug either.

 

[miesk5]

Yo Boomhower
Guide to Changing Smog Pump on a 95 @ Complete Idiots Guide to Changing Smog Pump on a 95 5.0/302

 

[TheRazor375]

In my opinion a smog delete should only be done if you plan on putting a modern catalytic converter in it. MAF truck is better than MAP and its a 351 with MAF, that's rare. I don't recommend an EGR delete. It's function is integral in the PCM so unless you are doing a different EFI system or switching to carb its best to leave it on. The other emission equipment has no affect on performance or drivability so there's no need to remove.

 

[El Kabong]

If you remove anything, throw it in a box & save it for the next guy. Or sell it to someone trying to register a stripped one in cali1984nia.

I've been thru the mill chasing down the removed smog parts for my 79.

 

[TheRazor375]

If you remove anything, throw it in a box & save it for the next guy. Or sell it to someone trying to register a stripped one in cali1984nia.

I've been thru the mill chasing down the removed smog parts for my 79.

California still requires smog pumps even though they are not required on a modern exhaust setup?

 

[El Kabong]

Yes. In Cali1984nia anything 1975 or later requires whatever equipment was original on the vehicle at the time of manufacture. An exception is that if the engine is swapped for a newer engine, than the equipment & standards for that newer engine must be met. And I think it involves going to a referee station at that point. I also think diesel swaps in certain years are exempt. Which I think is why I keep finding parts from diesel swap guys.

I've been focused on 78 & 79 Broncos, which is where my personal problem is. So here I am, trying to meet 1979 standards, when a modern sniper, ignition system, & cat would probably provide a better sniff test. But that doesn't matter to them. I guess it's easier to enforce by following a checklist, instead of making a judgement call based on the actual outcome.

In 78 there were both CA & Federal versions. Fed had no cat, so if I had one of those the task would be easier. A 78 Fed truck doesn't have to meet 78 CA standards. In 79 Fed & CA were the same. Mine is a 79.

At this point I've bought two 79s to try to make one. If either had a box of the removed smog parts I'd be thrilled. Instead, I've been locating parts from other members who have bits & pieces, many trips to junkyards, & whatever else I can think of. My job got easier when @simrokkzz pointed out that on his 79 the "valve cover" stickers were actually under the hood. He's also where I got the heat stove for the exhaust manifold. My stickers were buried there under paint. At least I have a map to follow now.

I have the same problem with my wife's 76 CJ5. Originally a V8, but with a 79 six in it when we bought it. I gotta figure how to get that one to pass too. Or sell it to someone out of state.

When I bought my 73 Bronco, I wouldn't even look at 75 & newer, just to keep out of this mess. But they weren't making 78/79s in 74, so making the 79 pass is my only option.

That's why I encourage anyone pulling smog parts to save or sell them. You might solve a problem for another Bronco owner.

 

[Boomhower]

Yup should be a MAF OBD1 truck. Just rip the smog pump and associated lines off and plug any holes.

I dont think it has a thermactor system to plug either.

I think it does, actually. It has the metal pipe connecting the cylinder heads on the back of the engine. In fact, that pipe has a hole in it; thus, undoing everything the thermactor / A.I.R. system has been trying to do all these years. I can send a picture of the pipe when I get back to the house, but here's a new one on Summit's site.

I suppose I'll just leave the system as it is, seeing as how it's somewhat rare.

I did get some fuel line to fix the line that broke between the VRV and the throttle body during disassembly, so I suppose I'm just a new thermactor air injection pipe away from perfection. Or, I may just put some high temp JB Weld over the hole on the old one and reinstall it. Cheaper that way.

Thanks for all the advice, guys. This my first engine pull, so I'm sure I'll be back with some idiotic questions when I try to put everything back together.

 

[BigBlue 94]

Cali1984nia

Lol nice

 

[WoodGuy]

I've been focused on 78 & 79 Broncos, which is where my personal problem is. So here I am, trying to meet 1979 standards, when a modern sniper, ignition system, & cat would probably provide a better sniff test. But that doesn't matter to them. I guess it's easier to enforce by following a checklist, instead of making a judgement call based on the actual outcome.

Common sense goes against their beliefs, just look at gun laws....Leaving Ca should be at the top of anyones list , its become an over regulated/ungovernable third world craphole. Leaving was the most satisfying thing I've done in my life. El Kabong, there used to be a limit to what the state would make you spend to bring a vehicle into compliance before a referee could wave the requirements. Have you visited a referee station, or is that no longer the case? (I wont be shocked if you say its no longer the case)

 

[El Kabong]

there used to be a limit to what the state would make you spend to bring a vehicle into compliance before a referee could wave the requirements

That's true with a worn out engine with bad rings or the like. Or with smog equipment that has rusted into a mess or is broken. But you have to spend a certain amount trying to make it comply first.

But it doesn't apply to equipment that has been intentionally removed. You gotta put that stuff back. And it would have been free stuff if whoever removed it had just hung on to it.

I've spent far less than that financial limit on used & JY parts. But it has taken time. For me, that's not the end of the world. I enjoy going to the JY. And finding parts thru members here. And enjoy the process of the build instead of the speed of the outcome. But it would have been far better to have gotten a box of those parts with the Bronco.

Yeah, I should have left here long ago. But I got involved in things which kept me here until my kids grew up. Now they have families of their own & are established here. I want to be close enough to see them & the grandkids from time to time. Our in the middle solution has been to buy rural property for retirement in a less communist county. Close enough to visit regurlarly, but far enough away to be out of the trenches.