so do you (few) that still have to run smog pull the the whole pump to access the plug or is there a trick Im not aware of?
What a PITA

If you are smog exempt now, remove that whole mess. There's a trick about a ball bearing on the top of a bolt with cap sealing it to plug the holes in the head.... I know that might sound nuts right now, but it is documented here. All of my smogged cars got this treatment.

Use a mirror to see the front of the fan. Maybe easier said than done..
Oh you'll need 3 hands maybe four...

there is no rolling 25 year exemption in CA so if you have a 76' you're hosed

We need to go to a 35 year rolling exemption. I keep writing the "princes" in Sacramento to no avail.

you are going to be electric ..last i read...hahahhahahaha

Speaking of which. There is an electric powered 914 (sans batteries) in one of the hangars at the airport here. I just can't find out who the owner is.