Gary,

What specific numbers were off?

Check your timing and idle, make sure the throttle position switches 
are working correctly and check for leaks in the vacuum, intake and 
vent hoses.  If you or the previous owner had tweaked anything to get 
it running close to right with a leaky exhaust you may need to un-tweak 
it to get it right.

I routinely drive my '85 right in off the street here in Houston and, 
except for when I had a short in the O2 sensor wiring, it passes 
handily with some amazingly low numbers.  Better than my wife's newer 
Accord once I fixed the O2 sensor issue.  If I have time I'll check the 
timing and idle speed but the only other 'special' preparation is 
making sure the engine is real good and warm before it goes into the 
test center.  I can't see any advantage to pulling out the air filter 
(unless it is nasty) or loading up on high test.

Chuck
'85 Wolfsburg Westy - 'Roland the Road Buffalo'

> Date:��� Tue, 24 Jan 2006 13:06:18 -0800
> From:��� gary goldey <clonestar7@YAHOO.COM>
> Subject: I didnt pass emissions---why?
>
> I took 1984 vanagon over 2 weeks ago and I just missed the mark so 
> ever slightly on the idle---passed the high rev test
>
> � then i installed new plugs,patched the exhaust and put in some high 
> test, took out the air filter ---then I failed both tests----
>
> � I am thinking I should have just filled it with regular instead and 
> put the filter back in for a week---then go again---suggestions?
>
> � G.in� Austin TX
>
>