I inherited this Datsun B210 Honeybee and moved to California where it has repeatedly failed smog. It has about 75,000 miles on it, was garaged for many years and is an Oregon model with no catalytic convertor. The last mechanic who looked at it told me it needed a new engine block. I think he was lying to me because it really doesn't have as many miles as a car this age would normally have. This is my first visit to this website and trying to learn more about my car.

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Are you not exempt from emissions? Isn't the car to old for that?
If you want it to pass just run the tank to near empty and add isopropal alcohol. The car will run with low power. Add gas or alcohol to get the right mixture to get it into emissions. It will run clean. Changing the oil and adding a thick 20/50 weight will help.
After that you can work on the car.
More than likely you have bad rings. Its worth fixing.

The only way it would "need a new engine block" is if it smoking from oil burning (bluish white smoke). You can easily verify that yourself by doing the Smoke Tests.


In California, 1976 and up must pass an emissions test. But there is a two-year waiver if you are low-income and you spend more than $650 on repairs at an emission place and it doesn't pass. See http://www.bar.ca.gov/Consumer/Consum ... ntly_Asked_Questions.html

The big question is "why is it failing the emissions test?". Is it high CO, high HC, or something else? The first thing you should do is get a can of SEAFOAM and add it to a full tank of gas, then go for a very long drive. After that, change the oil, change the spark plugs, and get the valves adjusted correctly. (many people don't know that valves need to be adjusted at regular intervals.) Then go and get it tested again and get a copy of why it fails, if it does so that you can see what it failed for. And above all, maybe you should consider finding a different mechanic.
Personal opinion, the valves are probably in need of adjustment, and your mechanic thinks that it's something worse.

OK somebody remind me, I have only owned one B210 and I remember it had an air pump but I do not don't recall it having a cat. Unless the motor burns oil or needs a valve job it should sail though smog unless the lack of a cat is a visual fail regardless of the emissions.

Tom

Can you throw up a photo of the whole car please. Looks pretty decent

My point exactly, WHY DID IT FAIL?, Until we know that, we can't help you.
Mechanics are like Dr.'s we all think that we're right and everyone else is wrong, this is why I suggest that you find another one. Just like a Dr. get a second opinion.
This guy may see you as someone they can buffalo and blow smoke up your backside.
Rallytwit is right they did come with an air pump and no converter, even in California.
Look at the emissions sticker pasted on the bottom side of the hood, that will tell you what emission equipment it needs to have.
Find out why it failed first before you spend any money.