Does your vehicle violate the Clean Air Act?

Knurled wrote: Thanks for the addition of sanity to the discussion, alfadriver and Keith.

Agreed. Thank you both.

What I am getting from this discussion is that even among gearheads there is a HUGE lack of understanding on the subject.

Sounds like we don't even know which words to use, no less have a clue about what is required, and whether it affects us or not.

I admit I have no clue.

SVreX wrote:

wbjones wrote:

SVreX wrote: Off-road and recreational vehicles now have emissions requirements- not clear if this includes race vehicles.

interesting … how would that be enforced … most race cars are trailer to events, so not reg. with the state here, to get your yearly tag, you have to have passed either safety inspection, or safety and emissions inspection … but for a car that isn't getting a tag, no reg required

I agree, but weed eaters and lawn mowers are not exempt. How would they enforce that?

I doubt there's an Inspection/Maintenence requirement for lawn equipment. Unless there's a real problem with air quality, it's probably not required, even in California.

I'd have to check. But remember that many cars in the US are not part of an I/M program, either.

On a very trivial side note, when I was graduating back in 1991, I was offered a position at the EPA, and I probably would have worked on the off road program like lawn equipment. Ford paid better, though. Whew.

1991?

You just made me feel REALLY old.

In reply to SVreX:

Hard to belive that the last time we met as 10 years ago. Time flies.

The last time or the first time?

Haven't you been to the Challenge since 2004?

In reply to SVreX:

Last- we were at '02-04.

alfadriver wrote: I doubt there's an Inspection/Maintenence requirement for lawn equipment. Unless there's a real problem with air quality, it's probably not required, even in California.

I've never heard of one, either. But, theoretically, if they are fairly clean as delivered, they'll stay fairly clean until they get thrown away after four years because it's cheaper to buy a new one than to take it somewhere for servicing when it gets hard to start.

I'm speaking here of the general public, not the pointy-end of the curve that congregates here where we'd know to try changing the spark plug because 99% of the time it's the ignition system.

In reply to Knurled:

I found what appears to be a rule, and it seems to metion some stuff about replacing parts via a recommended inspection. But nothing about the consumers needing to have the stuff looked at.

I did see a big section that appears to suggest that CARB would like to see a big change to battery mowers, blowers, etc. Not a shock, I guess.

alfadriver wrote: In reply to SVreX: Last- we were at '02-04.

Wow.

I guess my imagination is more vivid than I realized.

alfadriver wrote:

spitfirebill wrote:

alfadriver wrote: for anyone who is happy and proud to be a gross emitter, is it ok that I drop my oil off in your veggie garden? I need a place to put it, and it would keep the dust down.

Don't get yer panties too too wadded up. That was a legitmate means of disposal at one time (which I suppose you are referring too?). We were also allowed to spray leftover experimental pesticides in dirt roads (or so I was told).

So I can go ahead and pollute your yard then? I'm sure I can dump some paint, too. It used to be ok to not have emission controls too. I guess I'm stunned that people are ok with having crappy air to breathe, to the point of contributing proudly to it. Blows me away.

I guess you aren't picking up what I'm putting down.

My cars are compliant but how do I light that pile of tires? Diesel or gas?

There are no emissions tests in my area, but since I'm too cheap to buy aftermarket exhaust until it's a necessary replacement, all of our vehicles still have 100% o.e. exhausts. I was being a jackass poking fun at cap and trade.

There was a , dammit!

THERE WAS A !!

TRoglodyte wrote: My cars are compliant but how do I light that pile of tires? Diesel or gas?

It's my understanding that they'll burn longer, and of course cleaner, if you pour used motor oil on them before lighting them off.

TRoglodyte wrote: My cars are compliant but how do I light that pile of tires? Diesel or gas?

Kero is preferred, safer than gas, lights easier than diesel. Do it on a dark night, so the smoke is less visible.

Would adding a catalytic converter to an otherwise uncontrolled car (no smog pump, EGR, etc.) be of any benefit? Would it cut down on stinky old car exhaust smell?

My car passed with flying colors for whatever California SMOG checks for. Well, except the visual inspection: My air intake didn't have a CARB sticker, but the guy cut me some slack since I was from a non-smog state. I'm on the lookout for a stock air filter.