Emissions Test.....Is this normal?

[sonorakitch]

Hello Everybody,



This is my first post, but I feel like I know many of you already. Thanks for the help so many times in the past.



I recently underwent emissions testing here in Arizona. Because of a new environmental wacko requirement, all diesels with 8500 GVW and over must submit to a snap-test. The test is as harmful as the name sounds.



Goose the throttle, hold at the governer for 8 seconds or so... in neutral! And, one must perform this six times (although I had to do it over again... equipment malfunctioned).



Naturally, I suspect this is terrible for this motor, or any motor. I have written an email, but to no avail. Maybe there is a Cummins engineer I can talk to? One interesting tidbit: the Auto Society of Engineers has approved this test.



To add icing on the cake, according to the inspector, my truck emitted 79 on the opacity, with 40 the maximum. He passed me though, following a statewide order to not fail these trucks on this "new and improved" method of testing.



I thought we were far enough away from California.



~Chris Kitchen

 

[MCummings]

I am a bit of a new diesel newbie also.



I am 18 years old and always though of Diesels as slow, Torquey, good mileage, and did I say slow?



I also thought these motors were made to be operated at 1500RPM and below, and anything over 2500RPM was absolute destruction of the Cummins.



From here at TDR I have now learned differently!! I have learned that anything below 1500RPMs with a load is lugging and lugging is the almost the worst thing you can do to the 5. 9 ISB.



After seeing Govener kits for 3500RPMS and seeing a video of Piers 12V truck running the tacjometer all the way till it pegged off of the 4000RPM tach, I now think differently of diesels. Especially the 5. 9 ISB.



This test from a complete mechanical standpoint of the motor appears to be acceptable.



My Cummins truck is my Dad's old work truck, and because of the Extremely high GCVW this truck was operated in 4th gear at 70 MPH (about 2600-2700RPM) for 70,000 miles.



*I* am no longer worried about high RPMs with the Cummins.

Especially with the 24V.



I personally thought with how much de-fueling the ECM has in effect at govener speed that you truck would have passed with flying colors, but apperantly I still have alot to learn.





This test does seem a bit excessive,, 6 Tests for 8 seconds each at 3500RPMs? wow





MerrickNJr

 

[Texas Diesel]

Greetings sonorakitch,

I'll let one of the techno types answer the question about the snap-test. Sure wouldnt want them doing it to mine though. We moved from Texas to Arizona aka, "commiefornia wanna be" in 1972. 4 years ago we got fed up with the state government and moved back. What a good idea, wish we had moved back to Texas in 1973. I feel for you but it is better here, no state income tax, my 2500 2001 truck plates are $65. No emission tests just a REAL safety inspection for about $10. And the roads are actually repaired! We love the desert but couldnt stand living in a CA type government anymore. Couldnt help but bash AZ, sorry. Wish you luck in dealing with them. BTW I had a NEW truck fail emissions there. The dealer or MANUFACTURER couldnt bring the vehicle into STATE emission compliance because the state was testing for things unknown. After a trip back to the dealer to get a test to confirm and a certificate that the vehicle was in compliance with FEDERAL emissions and a return to the emission testing place ( 2 45 minute waits) I was ALLOWED to purchase a "certificate of non-complinace" for an additional $25 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In essence, the state recognized that my NEW vehicle was not not in compliance but I was ALLOWED to drive it because there was no way to to "repair" it. What a crock, I could go on and on. But I'll stop. Welcome to the TDR.

 

[MCummings]

P. S.



WELCOME ABOARD THE TDR!!



The #1 Resource for Dodge/Cummins owners. (or Cummins/Dodge, your preference )





MerrickNJr

 

[Todd G]

I went through the emmissions snafu about 6 months ago. Here's how to pass:



Make sure they clean the optical sensor before they do the test.

Tell them you'll work the go-peddle.

When they tell you to goose it, ease into the throttle. You get far less smoke that way.



I passed with a 0% opacity doing this.

I am a bit leary of the test if I get a gov spring kit. I asked them who pays for the motor if it blow up. All they would say is the governor would protect the motor.

 

[JAK]

The governor will prevent the engine from over speeding. Should be able to run that way continuously. Only thing I would insist is that the engine is at full operating temperature when the snap test is performed. You may be able to make some simple adjustments to slow the fueling until boost is up to pass the test, but the 12 valvers would have to jump in to explain if it can be done and how. Having to repeat the test 6 times may make it difficult to get consistent results by easing into the throttle.

 

[Todd G]

I have thought about getting one of Piers' valet switches to limit fueling for the test. Maybe next time.

Practice the test before you go in. There is a big difference between slamming the go-peddle and easing into it. Also make sure they have your exhaust size correct. I took one of my Isuzu FSR's through and they had it with a 5" exhaust in the computer. It actually has a 3". It failed. Had them reset to 3". It passed.

 

[HEMI®Dart]

Originally posted by Todd G



I am a bit leary of the test if I get a gov spring kit. I asked them who pays for the motor if it blow up. All they would say is the governor would protect the motor.

Good question Todd,



With the stock governor springs we'd be fine. I wouldn't want to wind up my engine to @ 4000 rpms and hold it there w/ no load. With a load on the engine, fine.



I probably would use the Valet switch too if I had enough warning . I use the "Poor Man's Valet Switch" . Just unhook the boost pressue feed line (13mm open end wrench) from the AFC housing. Takes a whole 30 seconds. Instant Valet switch.



Welcome aboard sonorakitch. Piers has a sweet twin turbo setup ready for ya.

 

[Sky]

Originally posted by sonorakitch

Hello Everybody,





To add icing on the cake, according to the inspector, my truck emitted 79 on the opacity, with 40 the maximum. He passed me though, following a statewide order to not fail these trucks on this "new and improved" method of testing.



I thought we were far enough away from California.



~Chris Kitchen

Well WTH they even doing the test for then? To me you failed that test bad? Our tax dollars hard at work again I see.

 

[Texas Diesel]

Sounds like my "certificate of non-compliance" except they didnt charge for it. This is AZ's way of collecting illegal revenue.

 

[Todd G]

I can't believe your truck put out a 79. Mine smokes pretty bad and passed easily.

 

[sonorakitch]

Hi everybody, and thanks for the replys!



Yes, I was also shocked with the 79 opacity rating. The previous year, and the first year of the snap test, the equipment was releasing numbers over 100. I was issued a directors certificate for passage, due to the suspicion the new machines were malfunctioning (I guess these emission guys are pretty quick-witted).



I felt the snap test was unnecessary, for one, because I don't generally sit at a stop light on full throttle, and two, the previous tests were fine. I am actually concerned more with increased wear on engine parts, not really from an unravelling. I have heard through the grapevine that the Cummins shouldn't see too many RPM's without a load. I still hope to change these tests.



Texas Diesel- You are some right about this state when comparing it to Texas, but comparing Arizona to New Jersey or Illinois, or Kalifornia, well then, I'll take the desert paradise any day!!!! I would live in Texas, but would miss the big mountains



Thanks all again for the help.



~Chris

 

[sonorakitch]

One more thing....

Another thing:



A buddy of mine here in Phoenix (a corner diesel mechanic) takes his 1990 Cummins in every year (and it smokes like crazy ) and always passes with flying colors. The trick? He rigged up a shortend throttle cable linkage that allows the motor to top out at around 1900. I am sure those emissions fellas don't know the difference.



~Chris

 

[Uncle Joe]

Hate to burst your bubble... . but. .

we dont have no stinkin emission testing!!!!!!

uncle joe

 

[Bob Cochran]

AHHHH something to look forward to!!! Yep right the governer will buy me a new engine just like she paid for the alternate fuel changes people made and now in court. If you don't live here you won't know about that mess.

 

[Doc Tinker]

I'm surprised that Arizona finds it neccessary to perform these tests. What's the matter? Is all California's smoke blowing into Arizona?





The only thing I'd worry about on the snap test is a failure of the governor to perform as intended. I guess it would annoy me to have my truck run to the limit repeatedly though.



Doc

 

[TBarrett]

Out Reno Way

Well this did worry me till I went to Carson City because everyone in Reno were confused. My 01 is rated at 8800 with the towable at 10000. Nev. is set up on 8500 or more, 8800 or more ??? thats what they said, and 10000 or more. I said my 01 was 8800 but can hold 10000 and its smog exempt from DMV. Why the 2 types, either OK, so because my tow capassity was 10000 go with it and never worry about a renewal coming in the mail for smog again. So its not where you go, its the person you talk to, and then go see them.