Emissions
Pass the Test: Vintage Emissions & Smog Parts
By the late 1960s, the "Smog Era" had begun. Today, many vintage cars still require functional emissions equipment to pass state inspections or simply to run correctly. Removing these parts often leads to poor drivability, knocking, and fuel smells.
Restore Factory Function At Old Car Parts NW, we stock hard-to-find NOS (New Old Stock) and NORS (New Old Replacement Stock) emissions components to keep your classic compliant and running smooth.
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Vacuum Controls: The complex web of valves and switches that control spark advance.
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Vapor Recovery: Charcoal canisters to stop garage fuel smells.
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Exhaust Gas: EGR valves to lower combustion temperatures and prevent pinging.
Clean Your Crankcase: PCV Valves & Grommets
The PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve was the first emissions device, standard on most cars by the early 1960s. It recycles blow-by gases back into the engine.
Symptoms of Failure
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Stuck Open: Causes a vacuum leak and rough idle.
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Stuck Closed: Causes pressure buildup, blowing out oil seals and gaskets.
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NOS and NORS Fitment: We stock the correct metal or plastic valves and the rubber grommets needed to seal them into your valve cover.
Stop the Smell: Charcoal Vapor Canisters
Does your garage smell like raw gasoline after you park your vintage car? The culprit is likely a saturated or missing Charcoal Canister. Introduced in the late 1960s, this device traps fuel vapors from the gas tank and carburetor bowl when the engine is off, then purges them into the engine when running.
Don't Delete It! Many owners mistakenly remove these, thinking they rob power (they don't). Removing the canister leaves you with dangerous fumes and an open vent line.
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NOS and NORS Replacements: We stock replacement canisters and the purge valves needed to make the system work again.
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Fitment: Units for Ford, GM (Rochester), and Mopar vapor recovery systems.
Cool Combustion: Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valves
The EGR Valve is critical for preventing engine "pinging" (detonation) on 1970s and 80s vehicles. It recirculates a small amount of inert exhaust gas back into the intake to lower combustion temperatures.
Symptoms of Failure
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Stuck Open: Rough idle, stalling, and poor performance.
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Stuck Closed: Engine pinging/knocking on acceleration and higher NOx emissions (failed smog test).
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NOS and NORS Quality: We stock authentic USA-Made EGR valves (often from brands like Standard, Tomco, or Wells) that feature heavy-duty diaphragms designed to withstand exhaust heat better than cheap imports.
The Vacuum Web: Misc Emissions Valves & Switches
The "Smog Era" engine bay is a maze of vacuum lines and switches. When one small valve fails, the whole system goes down. This category contains the hard-to-find Control Valves and Sensors needed to make your vintage emissions system function correctly.
Inventory Includes:
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Thermal Vacuum Switches (TVS): The multi-port switches screwed into the water neck that control vacuum advance based on engine temp.
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Check Valves: One-way valves for air injection and brake boosters.
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Vacuum Amplifiers: Complex diaphragms used on 1970s Mopars and Fords.
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Air Pump Parts: Diverter valves and crossover tubes for smog pumps.