Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) need smog testing help

[americana]

TDR members... . I sent my truck over to a TDR member recommended testing station in the SF east bay (Fremont). They would not test my truck because it didn't have a catalytic converter. I am absolutely certain that a 98. 5 24v truck didn't come with one, but it did come with a 'resonator. ' The tech said that every book/reference he checked said that it needed a cat and would not test it.



Can anyone help me out with a reference? I'm going to call a dealer (no local dealer anymore... most of them closed by the Obama takeover!).



thanks in advance.

 

[americana]

I said TDR recommended... I meant TDR member recommended. I apologize.

 

[JTruelove]

My 98. 5 didn't come with CAT either. Not that helps you in CA. But to verify your truck isn't alone

 

[n7gxz]

Here is a quote from Allpar.com, not that California would concider it an offical statement.



"In midyear 1998, a 24-valve head replaced the old 12-valve unit, and a new electronically controlled fuel injection system replaced the mechanical system (both used high pressure direct injection). For Rams with the manual transmissions, 20 hp and 20 lb-ft of torque was added; with automatic transmissions, horsepower increased by 35 hp. Fuel economy increased nearly 5%, while maintenance intervals were extended to 15,000 miles for fuel filter changes, and to 7,500 miles for oil filter changes.



The 24-valve heads not only increased airflow, but allowed for vertical injector mounting over the center of the piston bowl for improved combustion, low-end torque, and responsiveness. A Bosch VP44 electronic fuel pump with higher injection pressures and electronic controlled timing provided more precise, instantaneous control and greater response over the entire power range (up to 3200 rpm).



Additional upgrades include an overhead valve rocker system designed for a minimum of 150,000 miles without adjustment, a redesigned piston for increased power and fuel efficiency, reduced noise, and cleaner operation. The engine met every 1998 California Air Resource Board (CARB) emissions standard without a catalyst or Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR). "

 

[Ram4Sam]

TDR members... . I sent my truck over to a TDR member recommended testing station in the SF east bay (Fremont). They would not test my truck because it didn't have a catalytic converter. I am absolutely certain that a 98. 5 24v truck didn't come with one, but it did come with a 'resonator. ' The tech said that every book/reference he checked said that it needed a cat and would not test it.



Can anyone help me out with a reference? I'm going to call a dealer (no local dealer anymore... most of them closed by the Obama takeover!).



thanks in advance.

Try a different smog station. Probably what happened is that when they look in the computer for a 1998 with 5. 9 engine, they looked at the listing for the 5. 9 gas v8 motor, which has a cat. There should be another listing for the diesel engine. A few months ago, for shatz and giggles, I went to two different stations with my truck, which isn't due yet. Asked them for a quick, pre inspection look, will it pass when needed. The first one told me the same as you. When the second said the same thing, I prodded him a bit to look a little harder on the computer for a second 5. 9 engine listing, the diesel, it said no cat needed.



Sam

 

[americana]

the place in Fremont said a cat was needed for the 12v and 24v.



I've got a call into Sunnyvale Dodge... . we'll see.

 

[SAronson]

TDR members... . I sent my truck over to a TDR member recommended testing station in the SF east bay (Fremont). They would not test my truck because it didn't have a catalytic converter. I am absolutely certain that a 98. 5 24v truck didn't come with one, but it did come with a 'resonator. ' The tech said that every book/reference he checked said that it needed a cat and would not test it.



Can anyone help me out with a reference? I'm going to call a dealer (no local dealer anymore... most of them closed by the Obama takeover!).



thanks in advance.

I've already gone through this nightmare with my 98. 5, and ended up having to take it to the smog referee in San Jose. Even he didn't have the proper info on our model, but after showing him the glovebox owners manual that clearly states that the 98. 5 24v does not have a catalytic converter, he passed me. He also made a few calls to verify that our model uses no converter. What it boils down to is that NOBODY has the correct info for this model! I even asked him about other half year model changes for newer Dodges, and he didn't have any info on them either!! Another example of why I'm disgusted with the over regulation by our government.

My advice is to bypass all the subsidized SMOG stations, and take it directly to the referee. In addition, be prepared to play this same game again in 2 years... . as was told to me by the referee!!! #@$%!

 

[JR2]

Another reason to love the state I live in. Here in Alaska we have to have an emissions sticker, to get that sticker I have to take my truck down to the ref station and have one of the guys verify it has a diesel in it..... done. Oh and this only has to be done once per ownership change.

 

[americana]

SAronson: thanks. I'll look in the glove box tonight.



JR2:... . it gets tougher all the time to justify living here, especially to my Indiana farm girl wife.