Input from California CRD owners - CA Emission Tests

fastring · **Posted:** Sun Sep 11, 2011 11:54 am

I'd appreciate input from any California CRD owners that have to get their CRDs smog checked. I have two other diesels here in CA, one is exempt (1987) and one is smogged (2002). I've only had the 2002 checked once and it was raining and I wasnt able to see what they were doing with the truck.

I've read the CARB material front and back as well as other forums (Diesel Samurai and Powerstroke) and do not have a warm fuzzy on the muffler. From the Powerstroke forums, everyone is convinced the muffler can be totally removed as its not considered part of the emissions system for that vehicle. My Powerstroke is a 49 state (non-CA) vehicle that I bought out of CA and drove in, similar to the CRD. I'm looking at getting the CRD smogged for my initial registration and would appreciate input on keeping/not keeping the muffler and what was done for emission testing. I have a CEL that I initiated with unplugging the MAP (or whatever to disable EGR) but will be GDE Eco Tuning prior to smog. Anyone GDE Eco Tuned an engine that was CA smogged? Per email with GDE, it shouldnt be an issue...

warp2diesel · **Posted:** Sun Sep 11, 2011 3:57 pm

I have read posts where biodiesel passes better than D2 on smog tests.
From the times I have been in California I have observed the pollution from the fragrances in the cleaners used by hotels made my eyes water and burn when I entered the room. Proving that Indoor pollution in California is worse than out door pollution. CARB has served its useful lifespan and needs to be dismantled.
CARB has the fixation for any pollution coming from mobile transportation, stationary engines, or off road equipment like a pedophile does for children, true sign of a complete batch mentally deranged bunch of idiots.
Requiring hotel house keeping staffs to be trained to properly use cleaners and rounding up and crushing all the cars and trucks with expired Mexican plates would do more fore the environment than hassling diesel owners. :2cents:

Ajamant · **Posted:** Mon Sep 12, 2011 11:34 am

I've also heard that a biodeisel blend will reduce your smog emissions but in detailed testing certain numbers will actually rise when running b100. Overall biodiesel is WAY better for environment than diesel.

As far as biodiesel and GDE Eco tune I've had zero problems running b5-b20 and I'm sure I could run b100 without any issues related to the tune. Good luck, and I'm glad I don't have to get that testing done here in the motor city.

KaspinCRD · **Posted:** Mon Sep 12, 2011 12:31 pm

I'm not sure about not having any muffler at all, but the smog tech didn't question my obvious piss-poorly welded on magnaflow, just checked to make sure the cat was still there. As far as the eco tune goes, they won't even know you have it.

fastring · **Posted:** Mon Sep 12, 2011 10:55 pm

Thats good info, they check for the cat and ok with aftermarket muffler. What about EHM vs stock vs provent? My ideal setup would be:
- GDE Eco Tune
- Straight exhaust (or aftermarket muffler)
- free flow intake (still reading on what to try)
- either provent or EHM (not thrilled with leaking oil, so probably provent).
- not having to mess with it every 2 years for getting it back to 'passing' for smog check

Sir Sam · **Posted:** Tue Sep 13, 2011 12:59 am

you might PM member yakers he might have some useful input for ya, he lives in pasadena and has a CRD.

grywlfbg · **Posted:** Tue Sep 13, 2011 5:16 pm

There's no "sniff" test for diesels - it's purely visual. They look in the engine (and passenger) compartment for mods and then look for smoke when blipping the throttle. I have a GDE Eco tune and EHM. I simply removed the EHM and plummed the CCV back into the turbo (glad I kept that old hose) and it passed smog w/ no problems. Cat is intact and I have an aftermarket muffler (see .sig). I do run B100 but doubt that would make a difference.

usa591 · **Posted:** Sun Sep 18, 2011 2:05 am

I bought my '06 in Nevada last summer and drove it in to CA. I made a registration appointment at the DMV and a staffer came out and did a visual look-see at the engine compartment. It was stock so no issues. Then I took it to a Smog-Only station--he looked in the engine compartment, looked for any CELs (none), revved the engine while looking in the mirror for black smoke (saw none) and passed my vehicle.

Thusly vehicle passed and I now proudly sport that swank red cursive on my plates that denotes my truck's membership as the worlds' 5th largest economy's civillian fleet. Woo hoo. :pepper:

Since then I have added the EHM which can be reversed if I have to do another visual to pass.

AJN · **Joined:** Tue Oct 19, 2010 12:42 am **Posts:** 53

Similar experience; Found my 05 in TX and drove it to CA where it passed with just a visual inspection and hook up of computer to read any codes. Since then I've eliminated the muffler and have added very nondescript EHM and SEGR. I just recently renewed registration online, but next year will require visit to inspect-only station.

My understanding in speaking with the tech at the station when he walked around with an inspection mirror was they look for an intact catalytic converter. If I end up getting grief for no muffler at next years inspection I'll slap on a free flow unit, but I will miss the extra bit of growl.

geordi · **Posted:** Tue Sep 20, 2011 11:49 pm

I'm glad that I have an address in a non-inspection state, as the only cat associated with my CRD rides inside and likes tuna. I'm looking to move to NY someday, I guess my address won't exactly move with me, since I understand they pull similar nonsense up there as in Kaliforniastan.

kidjedi · **Posted:** Mon Feb 18, 2013 10:13 pm

grywlfbg wrote:

There's no "sniff" test for diesels - it's purely visual. They look in the engine (and passenger) compartment for mods and then look for smoke when blipping the throttle. I have a GDE Eco tune and EHM. I simply removed the EHM and plummed the CCV back into the turbo (glad I kept that old hose) and it passed smog w/ no problems. Cat is intact and I have an aftermarket muffler (see .sig). I do run B100 but doubt that would make a difference.

I came across this thread looking for potentials snags for when I go to the Emissions Tester here in Colorado this week.

Curious about your Aero Turbine 2525 muffler, grywlfbg. It's been a while since this post, but is it still treating you alright? I just learned about Aero Turbine mufflers tonight (researching straight through and how I might mod my stock exhaust), so funny coincidence that it's mentioned in this thread. At $125 from Amazon, that Aero Turbine 2525 muffler is actually cheaper than a Dynomax or Flowmaster.

coloradobus · **Joined:** Thu Dec 20, 2012 10:25 pm **Posts:** 18

Found a nice small "mom n pop" emissions shop at 1700 W Mississippi here in Denver area. Test cost $45.00 Our stock (pre ehm maf,) it passed. I dont think theybraised the hood

kidjedi · **Posted:** Tue Feb 19, 2013 3:21 pm

coloradobus wrote:

Found a nice small "mom n pop" emissions shop at 1700 W Mississippi here in Denver area. Test cost $45.00 Our stock (pre ehm maf,) it passed. I dont think theybraised the hood

Unfortunately Miss. Ave. is a little too far south for me (I'm on the North Side of Denver), but thanks for the heads up.

It is more than a little annoying how the "regular" (gas vehicle) emissions check is $25 --or free if you drive by a check point during the year, and diesel drivers have to pay anywhere from $55-$85!!! (I haven't personally seen any inspections places for less than $55 --there are none listed on the emissions website) This is even MORE annoying when you find out all they are doing is a visual inspection. :furious:

I was going to put my ProVent on this week, but I think I'll wait till after my inspection so nothing looks suspicious under the hood.

joelukex4 · **Joined:** Thu Sep 29, 2011 4:54 pm **Posts:** 386

"Curious about your Aero Turbine 2525 muffler, grywlfbg. It's been a while since this post, but is it still treating you alright? I just learned about Aero Turbine mufflers tonight (researching straight through and how I might mod my stock exhaust), so funny coincidence that it's mentioned in this thread. At $125 from Amazon, that Aero Turbine 2525 muffler is actually cheaper than a Dynomax or Flowmaster.[/quote]"

I have the Aero turbine 2525XL. My brother has his straight piped and I didn't like the drone. Had it for about 9 months with no problems. 2.5 inch stainless in and out. Spools up well and is quiet. $125 is a good price. I got mine for $140 on sale. Go on Tecexhaust.com, they are currenly $100 for the 2525 and $110 for the 2525XL.

kidjedi · **Posted:** Tue Feb 19, 2013 4:38 pm

joelukex4 wrote:

I have the Aero turbine 2525XL. My brother has his straight piped and I didn't like the drone. Had it for about 9 months with no problems. 2.5 inch stainless in and out. Spools up well and is quiet. $125 is a good price. I got mine for $140 on sale. Go on Tecexhaust.com, they are currenly $100 for the 2525 and $110 for the 2525XL.

Thanks for the info, joelukex4. You mention "no problems," but I'm curious if you noticed any difference when opening up the exhaust to 2.5" all the way out (as apposed to the 2-1/8 choke on the stock exhaust). The amount of choke seems negligible, and various people have reported conflicting results (from nothing to "spectacular changes").

That $110 is certainly tempting, regardless (especially with free UPS ground shipping). I am curious if the resonator they mention in the XL prevents flow at all, or if it only keeps it quite.

joelukex4 · **Joined:** Thu Sep 29, 2011 4:54 pm **Posts:** 386

It is hard to tell as I don't really run her hard. I had the pipe replaced from the Cat all the way back with 2.5" stainless. The main thing you notice as with my brothers straight pipe is when you let off the throttle you coast as opposed to getting exhaust braking. This alone means it must flow better.

The XL model still has a straight flow through if you look into the pipe. The resonator portion is welded into the side where the bypass gases flow around. It may restrict slightly but I was told by the other half that it needed to be quiet.

kidjedi · **Posted:** Tue Feb 19, 2013 5:10 pm

joelukex4 wrote:

It is hard to tell as I don't really run her hard. I had the pipe replaced from the Cat all the way back with 2.5" stainless. The main thing you notice as with my brothers straight pipe is when you let off the throttle you coast as opposed to getting exhaust braking. This alone means it must flow better.

Well, that alone is probably enough to justify the $110 delivered.

joelukex4 wrote:

The XL model still has a straight flow through if you look into the pipe. The resonator portion is welded into the side where the bypass gases flow around. It may restrict slightly but I was told by the other half that it needed to be quiet.

My other half claims she wouldn't have noticed the diesel is louder had I not pointed it out. :shock:

While glass packs were a dream in high school... I wouldn't mind keeping the noise to a minimum these days. :wink:

Thanks for the info!

bentstrider83 · **Joined:** Sat Jan 05, 2013 1:43 am **Posts:** 42

Visual test only?
I'm curious as to whether or not this is the same in the "enhanced" smog testing areas.

Currently, I've registered my CO purchased Liberty CRD in an emissions-free area of NM where only a VIN and an odometer reading was required for my Turqoise stamps.

I still have a CA CDL, but still am unsure of whether or not I'll ever be returning there.

kidjedi · **Posted:** Wed Feb 20, 2013 12:12 pm

bentstrider83 wrote:

Visual test only?

Yeah, well, I set up my appointment for today and it sounds much more involved, not to mention rough on your vehicle. In Adams County they hook the exhaust up to a machine, and put your vehicle on rollers and run it HARD. He said to "trick" the vehicle to thinking it's on the highway under all kinds of conditions. Evidently they won't do the check if it's snowing (or below 32 degrees) because you will be driving home without ABS or traction control (a result of the test). If they're doing something to my Jeep that freaks it's brain out so much that the ABS and traction control are gone for a while, it can't POSSIBLY be good for the vehicle.

Since I live here, there doesn't seem to be anyway around this.

My appointment is for 2:30p, but since we're about to get hammered with a storm (probably not till 6pm though), the testing facility took my cell number in case they need to call and cancel (if it's too cold or snowing). I asked if there was anything I should do to help facilitate passing the test, and the guy told me to start the car an hour before the appt. and run it hard on the road for half an hour on the way over.

Did I mention they charge $55-$85 to abuse your Jeep in this way?

papaindigo · **Posted:** Wed Feb 20, 2013 1:32 pm

Thoughts when you go:
1. make sure they understand it's a diesel. If they don't understand that it's diesel show them the diesel only fuel cap, CRD (common rail diesel) emblem; and the owner's manual. If they still don't understand demand to speak to a supervisor. Leave if they still don't understand and elevate with testing agency not test facility.
2. 05 may be ok on rollers but be advised 06 has to be treated like any gasser with electronic stability control (see viewtopic.php?f=5&t=60585&p=677106&hilit=rollers+test#p677106) as 2 wheel only rollers will cause the ESP system to go nuts; throw a CEL/MIL; may cause limp mode; and in extreme cases throw the vehicle partially to fully off the rollers. I assume 4 wheel rollers will work ok. Don't know if shutting ESP off helps but remember if ESP is off and the ignition key is cycled off and back on the ESP rengages automatically and will need to be shut off again.

Apparently a tank of biodiesel before the test is a good thing.

Good luck. Sent a separate email just in case you are not on the forum right now.

Input from California CRD owners - CA Emission Tests

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