Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) caught in calif smog limbo

[vrwheeler]

went to have my 1998 12val smoged today told it did not have a catalitic converted so it failed. Moss bro Dodge stated dodge no longer makes a converter for my truck, was told you can't buy a used or after mkt converter so any of you have any ideas short of moveing out of California on a plan of action#@$%!

 

[AMink]

I can't remember what years it was, but not every year had a cat. It wouldn't surprise me if the smoggers in Kalifornia don't know that. Someone more knowledgable than I will let you know which years. Good luck!

 

[Simplysmn]

Worst case go out to Needles and get a P O Box that way you don't have to worry about smoging it any more . My vehicles have been out there for yr's and I have never had any troubles .

 

[Missouri Mule]

94's built in 93 did not have cats,as Jan 94 they had cats. I think 98. 5's were catless also, at least my Freightliner is (built in Aug 98).

 

[JLandry]

What about installing something hollowed out that LOOKS like a catalytic convertor in the exhaust?



Would they be able to really tell?



Just a thought to get them off your back.



John L.

 

[champspa]

96 had a cat , can't you get an after market one put it on for the test ( that's short of leaving the state even though you would be better of ) I could always sell you mine or rent it for the test but it's a long ways to get it . just follow 10 east for 1500 and go to 40 for a thousand or so then 85 for a piece to 95 and a bit later your here .

 

[AMink]

Since cats fail eventually, I don't see how you can't use an aftermarket model. I'd move if at all possible. CA is too weird.

 

[vrwheeler]

my truck is the early 98 12 valve, the smog people tell me that new it did have a cat. I did not buy it new. In looking for an after market cat I can't seem to find one thats calif legal. I am told there is do such thing. They pretty much say 49 state legal, Calif the exception. Also it seems that for the most part they won't even sell to a calif address. The information that I find states that now you can't even buy a used one and if you do you not allowed to install it on your truck. In talking to one of the larger dodge dealers here, Moss bros. The parts dept states that they can no longer get one. and that that part is discontinued. It is interesting that the smog people tell me that my truck passes the test it just needs a cat actually all they need is the number off the cat that corresponds to my year of manufacturing. Ant way thanks for the help I have always had good luck solving problems with this web site

 

[JLandry]

... it just needs a cat actually all they need is the number off the cat that corresponds to my year of manufacturing.

So go find a used catalyst (drive to Nevada if you have to), stamp the correct Dodge part number on it using an inexpensive steel stamp set from Harbor Freight Tools, temporarily install it, smear some mud on it to make it look really old, then go pass the test.



Either that or just buy a new truck.



Good luck,



John L.

 

[ewcmr2]

I've seen cars with 49state cats pass CA emissions...

I've also never seen a smog tech roll under a car to check #'s on a cat. If it looks like a real cat you will probably be fine.

And for places that wont ship 49 state cats to CA, try ordering online. Many times the parts show up on the doorstep no questions asked.

 

[Regcabguy]

I'd try making an appointment with a DMV referree.

 

[Cattechcolt]

If your truck was not originally sold in California then it did NOT come with a factory cat. (Cali was also the only factory egr 12 valve motors) I bought my 03' new in Ohio and it came factory with NO CAT. 04 was the first nation wide addition of catalitics to cummins dodges. tell the cali smog boys to go smoke something eles

 

[HBarlow]

I'd try making an appointment with a DMV referree.

That's what I would do first.

If that fails I'd do what simplysam suggested. Go out to Needles, El Centro, or other rural location and register it using a bogus address. Drive out there, visit an apartment project leasing office, obtain the mailing address of one of their units, and use that to register your truck.

When braindead bureaucracies create mindless regulations that make it impossible to live your life in a lawful and ordinary manner extraordinary solutions become necessary.

Once again, I reach around and pat myself on the back for the wisdom to look into the future and make the decision to leave San Diego and never look back. It is a beautiful city that I still enjoy visiting once in awhile but living there is unbearable.

 

[BIGNASTY]

Worst case go out to Needles and get a P O Box that way you don't have to worry about smoging it any more . My vehicles have been out there for yr's and I have never had any troubles .

Dont need to go that far out Borrego Springs is the same way NO SMOG TEST No smog test in MT

 

[Allnew2Me]

You may want to try another smog shop. When I had mine done the guy just talked to me while he punched the computer. He didn't even snap test it. I have a friend with twins and everything you can imagine under the hood and he passed also. Diesels are new to these testers and many don't know what to look for if they have not done many. You may not pass in 2 years but for now many are not even sure what they are looking at.

 

[Regcabguy]

Dont need to go that far out Borrego Springs is the same way NO SMOG TEST No smog test in MT

No smog in Alpine either.

 

[BIGNASTY]

No smog in Alpine either.

Didnt know that or I would have had a PO box its closer than Borrego Spr. No problem Im gettig out dont have to worry about the SMOG anymore.

 

[Cummins12V98]

If your truck was not originally sold in California then it did NOT come with a factory cat. (Cali was also the only factory egr 12 valve motors) I bought my 03' new in Ohio and it came factory with NO CAT. 04 was the first nation wide addition of catalitics to cummins dodges. tell the cali smog boys to go smoke something eles

You are completely wrong! 1-1-94 thru 12-31-98 all 12 valve's in the Dodge trucks had cats! The 94's built on and before 12-31-93 had no cats. You are correct that Cali trucks had EGR and Cats.



Just Sayin!

 

[BHaden]

No smog in Alpine either.

I beg to differ. I've lived in Alpine for 20+ years and they get smogged. 10 miles east to Descanso, however is exempt. I have in-law relations there. I have now fixed the problem by registering my vehicles out-of-state where I am in the process of moving/retiring. The comment about San Diego is right on. I was born and raised here. Very nice city/town but it has one huge problem; it's in California! Back to the problem at hand. How about locating a take-off from a later model and weld it on? If there are any numbers on it put them on top where they cant be seen. My previous '06 cat was about 12" diameter. That should impress them.

 

[Ram4Sam]

my truck is the early 98 12 valve, the smog people tell me that new it did have a cat. I did not buy it new. In looking for an after market cat I can't seem to find one thats calif legal. I am told there is do such thing. They pretty much say 49 state legal, Calif the exception. Also it seems that for the most part they won't even sell to a calif address. The information that I find states that now you can't even buy a used one and if you do you not allowed to install it on your truck. In talking to one of the larger dodge dealers here, Moss bros. The parts dept states that they can no longer get one. and that that part is discontinued. It is interesting that the smog people tell me that my truck passes the test it just needs a cat actually all they need is the number off the cat that corresponds to my year of manufacturing. Ant way thanks for the help I have always had good luck solving problems with this web site

Try another smog place, or two if you have to. Many are more flexible, do not look as hard, and will take your money and pass it.



Sam