2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Where to go for Emissions Testing in Denver

[1tuffram]

OK guys, once agian it is time for the ol' annual emissions testing. Where are some "good" places in or around Denver area? For the past 2 yrs I have been going to a place down the road, but they DO NOT let you see what they do, say their machine does not give HP or torque numbers and when asked about the test results both times I've been told "you passed" and nothing more. I would like to find a place that 1) lets you see how the testing is done, 2) would be nice if their machine they put the truck on would give some HP or torque numbers that they would share and 3) be a little more "customer friendly" and explain the test results to help give me an indication if everything is working at an optimum level.



PS: a bomb freindly testing center would be nice, one day I would like to loose the cat and possibly replace it with the resonator from my 2002 truck's exhaust system now sitting in the shed.

 

[C Schomer]

Go to Castle Rock where we had the dyno meet. They'll let you sit in the truck while they do it. Can't think of the name. I think I have the # at work. I'll post it next week, if noboby else does! Craig

I found it in the book. Colo Diesel Emiss. 303/660-9986

 

[Big A]

I second that.

Colorado Diesel is a great shop. They not only do emissions,they also do everything you can do to these trucks.

Big A

 

[jrollins]

does Colorado have diesel emissions testing? If so how tough is it? what do they test for? i am considering moving to Colorado in the next few years, here in Texas diesels only have a $15 safety inspection.

 

[BarryG]

JRollinns:

They test for opacity. Not sure what the specs are though.

 

[K_Arts]

The guys above are currect. Clean Air Colorado (Our state emission program) test for opacity in our exhaust. The limit is 35% within city limits. If you get outside of "city limits" there are no emission tests required.



1Tuffram, as the guys above said. Go to Colorado Diesel down in Castle Rock. They are pretty much the best shop in town!!!!



Kev

 

[C Schomer]

I don't know all the rules, even tho I live here. I think E tests are just for the Front Range cities - Ft. Collins to Pueblo, maybe Trinidad. I haven't watched but the test isn't tough. I also haven't asked what the test numbers mean either. As near as I could decipher the results, mine will pass with about 1/5 the allowable limits but mine doesn't smoke much more than a stocker. I just get it over with and leave before they get nosey and ask if I've modified it Craig

They MIGHT do a visual if the truck is supposed to have a cat. I know they do that on cars.

 

[1tuffram]

Originally posted by C Schomer



They MIGHT do a visual if the truck is supposed to have a cat. I know they do that on cars.

You are right about the visual. The place I have been going to is a big stickler on this. The first time I went I asked about cats and the guy sermoned me on the fine/penalty for not having it on there... . then after he gave his politically correct speech he mentioned a little side-note of how cats on diesels do not really work like they are intended and with or without it trucks should pass the test, unless there is something seriously wrong with the truck and it smokes like a freight train. But... if the truck is suppose to have a cat he has to check and make sure it is there or he risks huge fines.



Interesting note, a week or two ago in the Denver Post there was an article on emissions testing (mainly geared toward gas engines) and how everyone is griping about the cost for the inspections and only a very small percentage of vehicles fail. Looks like the city is looking into the possiblity of having road side smog sniffers or mobile vans with sniffers and do way with having to go into a testing center. Like I mentioned this was just in the "looking at other options" phase and by the sounds of it the whole idea would most likely be tied up in political red tape for several years before it became reality. I may be off some on my interpretation since I quickly skimmed through the article mainly looking for diesel emissions testing related stuff.

 

[RoryTek]

Boy, I never thought I would say this. I'm glad I live in California. Nobodys is going to stick a probe up my tailpipe here (well aleast not yet) On a similar note the the top smog cop here in Calif. is changing is mind on diesels, more MPG means less smog. Just look at Chrysler the Jeep Liberty is coming out with a diesel.





73's



N6OIL

 

[C Schomer]

That's why I get out as fast as I can! I usually go to the Emission Clinic @ 73 & Sheridan because it's close. But I don't know them and they don't know me and I don't know if they have a sense of humor!

 

[InThinAir]

Visual inspection for a Cat????

I guess I don't understand. My 2001 never had a cat from day 1. So I am not sure how that works but if they look for one on a stock Dodge all they are gonna find is Resonator and a Muffler. I guess they don't know the difference? So now I don't have either of those, so I guess I need to do a little research but I don't think that the Catalytic Converter Rules apply to diesel engines just gas. Otherwise how can dodge sell them in Colorado.



---Doug

 

[BarryG]

InThinAir:

Some of the dodges did come with cats. Not sure on which years though. The 01's definitely did not.



They probably have a manual that lists the emissions equipment required listed with the specs that particular vehicle needs to meet. I used to have a 77 blazer that was classified as heavy duty by the factory. So it didn't have to meet much of a standard. When I took it in after they started testing here in CO he opened the hood and started listing things it didn't have so it wouldn't pass when I disagreed he went and got some book and was telling me it has to have this and that but he looked it up and said yep your ok. Said I would be lucky to get it to fail if I tried. If I remember the only thing it had as far as emission equip was the evap fuel canister and the pcv valve. Loved that truck wish I still had it.

 

[mschoenheider]

My 96 came with a cat, any other CO bombers out there? Can I put a 4 or 5 inch exhaust on my truck without a cat and pass emissions in CO?

Mark

 

[1tuffram]

InThinAir: 12 valve engines from sometime in '94 (Not sure of exact start date when DC started installing cats during the production run) thru 98. 5 have a cat. When the 24 valve engines came out, DC slipped a resonator in the slot where the cats used to be on previous 12 valve trucks.



BarryG: When I asked the dude about how he knew what emissions crap was suppose to be on which diesel vehicle, he stated they have manuals which list all the emissions equipment vehicles come with from the factory. And simple put, he said if emissions equipment is missing from vehicle which the manual says should be there, then no pass test. You then have X amount of days to get into "compliance" and of coarse pay them again to re-test and inspect the vehicle.



mschoenheider: I guess it all depends on how "lenient" the place is you go. This is why I was kicking around the idea of slipping a resonator in place of the cat. At least I would have something that maybe kinda-sorta looks like cat under there. My other thought was to use the flat band clamps (ones that don't crimp the pipe) and swap in the cat for inspection time.

 

[K_Arts]

Originally posted by mschoenheider

My 96 came with a cat, any other CO bombers out there? Can I put a 4 or 5 inch exhaust on my truck without a cat and pass emissions in CO?

Mark

Unfortunately you will have to leave the Cat in place. If you are going to replace your exhaust system, before you do it, call Colorado diesel and ask them about the emission laws. That way you are getting your answers straight from the people who have to abide by the law.



Kev

 

[mlockner]

I went to a place in Denver called Cartech inc. It is at 1730 W. Mississippi. These folks did not even look under the truck or anything. They were also the least expensive place I could find. Kind of a ratty looking building and the guy that did the test was a little rough looking, but I believe anything would pass at taht place.



Mike Lockner