Emissions

I know what you mean, i been waiting to get one of those things also in the mail... When i had my car at Continental a couple weeks ago for it's major service, they did a polution test for me and everything looks ok...

They told me if you don't want those monkeys running your car, when you get there, they told me to just go into the office and request a stand alone test, that is the old way, remember when we would stay in our car and they would just put something in the exhaust pipe.

Just tell them you want to see a copy of thier insurance policy and your insurance doesn't cover anyone under 30 to drive the car. It might get them a bit nervious to they may let you stay in your car and just sniff it...

I think the waiver is for antique or show cars????

 

Ask Bob Campen on how to get the excemption. It is possible. Although with my insurance company I couldn't pull it off. Problem is, how do you explain the fender bender on the way to your local Jewel?

Once the car is 25 years old you can apply for Antiques plates and that will take care of the emissions test. I'm counting and waiting.

My next emissions test is up in December. Already fearing it. Not so much because of the guy driving the car, but because failure really is not an option.

 

Yes, once your ride gets past the 25 year mark you no longer have to get it's butt sniffed. (8->}

If your car has OBD most of the time they simply hook up a computer link to your car, no "rolling road" (dyno) test unless the puter finds a problem.

If they have to do the dyno - You can refuse to let them drive the car, talk to a supervisor and emphasize or exaggerate the extent of the liability they are assuming.

Some things that can help if you think that your car is borderline (just in case they do a dyno) :

Drive it on the expressway for 10 - 20 miles directly before you go there - this makes sure that the engine and cat are quite sufficiently warmed up and the cat is somewhat cleaned out before the sniffing begins.

Run the fuel tank real low, way low, try to leave about 1-2 gallons, then add a few bottles of 90% ispropyl alcohol - this reduces the HC's, it wont run it's best (a little lean) but it can help.

DO NOT shut the motor off while waiting (try to catch them on a day that there are no lines) - keep that engine and cat warm.

Good luck!

 

Spike
There is a way. Send me an email/PM and I'll pass on what I've been told has worked.
Philip

 

Yup, Bill and Philip are correct!

Just tell them you want a stand-alone, where they don't drive the car, and it doesn't go on the dyno.

I've never had a problem, and I drive the car. All they'll do is sniff it and test the gas cap.

 

Go to any emisions test station, and ask for a race /show car exemtions form. Key is a limited use ins. policy, you will need to send a copy with the form

 

The 25 year thing is only an out if you have antique plates on your car. I've been through this multiple times with my '73 Dino and my '69 Mangusta. (Neither has antique plates.) Fortunately the testing is so loose I've never had a problem with either car passing the test. And my experience is that the test guys are just as nervous about sitting in your car as you are letting them do it. So far they've all treated the cars like priceless treasures. (Of course I stand there and make them empty their pockets before sitting their bums on the leather, and I sit with a calculated stare and relate to them how much a transmission rebuild costs before they lay a hand on the shifter.)

 

My favorite testing story- the last time I was in, the guys were concerned that the 512 would overheat during the test so they very carefully pulled both fans to the front of the car and turned them on high. They couldn't understand why I was standing there laughing at them.

Is it spring out there yet?

 

I've always had mine written for 2500/3000 and never any hassel, may as well try it

 

The sad part with my insurance is, that they don't let me go lower than 7,000 miles a year. Heck you would have to put a gun to my head to drive any vehicle 3,000 miles a year. Just not what I do.

 

I have had an exemption on my '83 308 for 3 yrs. Unfortunately one of the cats burned up when a rotor broke.

Very easy. You can get a form from the emmissions office. I think you might be able to get it online? All you need is to change you insurance card to antique and collectible policy. Basically the same policy but with a few restrictions including milage. I went straight through my existing carrier (USAA). YOu send a declaration page with you applicatin and get a 2 year exemption.

 

Well,I've had to endure 2 Emissions tests on my '81 308 so far. Both times.I sat in the Passenger seat...all 6'2" 300# of me.(working on that Weight number. Lost 15# in the past 3 weeks already. ) And,nicely mentioned to the young man that I've never heard the gears "Scratch" ever...not even once. They plugged the test instruments in the pipes and it passed on idle. Test over. But,then again. My car only has 18,000 miles on it.