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1990 Mercury Topaz Smog Check with Small Head Gasket Leak

I have a 1990 Mercury Topaz that is required to go to a STAR certified smog station. I've changed the spark plugs, oil and filters. But I was wondering if the small head gasket leak that I have will cause it to fail? The motor runs fine, the spark plug are running nice and clean. It just uses water because of the head gasket leak. Also, the electric fan has quit working. As long as I keep the car moving, it doesn't over heat. But I'm worried it'll over heat if the smog technician takes too long. What do I do?

Answer:

Even if the smog technician completes your Mercury Topaz's smog check before it overheats, the fact that there is a headgasket leak, is enough to raise internal engine combustion temperatures high enough to produce excessive NO; which will cause your Mercury Topaz to fail the smog test. You can always try and pass the smog check with the small head gasket leak, but we're fairly confident even the slightest head gasket leak is enough to disturb your Mercury's air/fuel mixture and cause high NOx emissions. We recommend repairing the head gasket leak and having your Mercury Topaz smog checked after. If the leak is small enough there are fix-it solutions available from your local auto parts store which may be able to seal a small head gasket leak. posted by SmogTips Support

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