If you and your Volvo 240s arrive with all intact U.S. DOT and EPA mandated controls, even if you (thank dog) don't have EGR, it is about the emissions output.

http://www.smogtips.com/frequentlyaskedquestions.cfm

So, you can compare your CT emission test results with CA for a county or region. It can vary by county as the adage dilution is a pollution solution. As you are not relocating to Nevada City or Alturas or Yreka ...

When you arrive in CA-state, the inspection station will perform a VIN check. You may need to visit a California Highway Patrol office for this check. Maybe not. I had to.

Ensure ALL emissions controls work. They DO visually inspect and test all controls.

The PCV system is clear, breathes at it should, yet without vacuum leaks?

So, you'll need to verify:
EVAP works, all piping is sealed, the EVAP valve atop the Cannister works, and that the gas cap seals.

You MUST have the preheat function working. Or the illusion. The silver hose connected between the exhaust manifold heat shield and the preheat air inlect at the bottom of the air filter box. Whether or not they disassemble the air induction piping to peer inside the air box to check the preheat flappy valve and whether the thermostat works is sort of a mystery. I've read CA-state 240 folks will merely seal off the preheat port to maintain the appearance of the preheat connection.

Verify no OBD fault codes.

You live in CT-state, so, you get the snowflakes and the rusty salt. It may not hurt to inspect and ensure all grounds (specifically with engine management), power (battery and alternator - the connection behind the alternator and alternator ground connection to the block, wimpy as the factory one is) with the fuses for corrosion, and grounds used by the fuel injection relay and fuel and ignition computers under the carpet and such in the passenger side foot well. A kindly twist and untwist and meet conductor bond with new conductive metal meat.

Poor grounds or anything inhibiting low voltage DC or sensor or device signal control will effect results, as well as performance and economy.

CA-state does not tolerate exhaust leaks. Any leaks upstream of the catalytic converter with throw off emissions test results at idle and the cruise test. The exhaust must be secured at all hangers. This includes the often neglected hanger connection at the end of the header pipe just in front of the wimpy header pipe output to catalytic converter union. You do have solutions in many articles and threads here on this forum.

Yet any exhaust leak other than out the tail pipe can cause a fail.

CA-state places the vehicle drive wheels on a heavy roller setup to mimic cruise conditions of the engine pushing the 3400+ #s through atmosphere. They may not do this in all counties yet LA, like the 11 Bay Area counties can be the most demanding. Though some states abandoned this test as it harmed some car models.

It may help to use a quality digital multimeter to test the oxygen sensor.

May want to do the same for the AMM / MAF to ensure proper operation. Have good known spares.

Check spark plug gap. NGK coppers are fine. Or Bosch coppers. Wires good? Rotor and cap? Ignition coil wire?

If the catalytic converter is original or a replacement, your CT-state emissions test results will show for all three tested gasses. The idle and cruise test may be different. In some states, like WA, the cruise test is an engine at about 3000 RPM with transmission in park or out of gear.

New air filter if needed.

Inspect and solve all vacuum (air induction) leaks aft of the clean side of the air filter and up to the air intake port manifold.

Chevron techroline (techron) is a good fuel system cleaner. One bottle when the tank is nearly empty and fill with fuel. Some would say using high-test, like premium, or a ethanol free premium octane fuel, may help. I dunno. Ethanol has a cleaning action and somehow mimics a high octane (yet causes ping?).

Else, dirty oil or near time to replace? Use a 10W30 or 10W40.

With engine off, if it has been some time, reset timing belt tension.

I think that does it.

There have been discussions on this very matter in threads and articles you can find through the search feature here.

I think that does it. Sorry to not be more organized.

Good luck with your relocation. Hope it is better than you expect. Quite a change from CT to SoCally! Sunglasses, a hat, and sun block. Lots of sunblock.

I could not ever own a convertible. Why I call it a moon roof on a 240. Only opened with the night sky out, or get a moon burn. Ha!

Questions?

Hope that helps.

Duffed.
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