Date: Sat, 24 May 2003 09:10:29 -0700
Reply-To: Todd Last <Rubatoguy@MINDSPRING.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Todd Last <Rubatoguy@MINDSPRING.COM>
Subject: Re: What do folks do when replacing Calforina Air Cooled Vanagon
Exhaust?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed
Ca has a parts locator service to help people in this situation find the
correct parts.
http://smogcheck.ca.gov/StdPage.asp?Body=/GenInfo/FactSheets/Parts_Locator-Apr_2001.htm
Repair of Emission
Control Systems
As part of the Smog Check Program, all vehicles with missing,
modified, or disconnected emission control systems must be repaired. In
some cases, the required part(s) can be difficult to find. The Bureau of
Automotive Repair (BAR) suggests that motorists first check with their
new car dealer, local auto parts stores, and automotive recyclers to
find the needed parts. However, if the parts are not available locally,
BAR helps motorists find them.
Emission Parts
Locator Service
BAR contracts with the California Youth Authority (CYA) Free Venture
Program to provide a toll-free, statewide telephone Emission Parts
Locator Service. The program's employees help motorists locate those
hard-to-find emission control parts they need to bring their vehicles
into compliance.
How Does the Parts
Locator Service
Work?
A telephone agent provides each caller with the names and telephone
numbers of three or more suppliers that may have the required part(s).
The motorist then contacts the suppliers, and may purchase the part(s)
from the supplier of their choice.
However, if part(s) are not available, the motorist must call and advise
the Parts Locator. The Parts Locator then issues a "Limited Parts
Exemption," which is mailed to the motorist.
The motorist must then make an appointment at one of BAR's 34 Consumer
Assistance and Referee Centers where the vehicle will undergo a Smog
Check inspection. The vehicle must pass all other aspects of the
inspection before the Referee can issue a Smog Check certificate. Poor
emissions levels, improperly functioning parts, or missing parts may be
taken into consideration during the Smog Check inspection.
If the parts are not available at the time of the vehicle's next Smog
Check, the motorist must again obtain a "Limited Parts Exemption," and
the vehicle will again need to be inspected at a Referee Center. When
required parts become available, they must be installed.
Other Services
The Emission Parts Locator Service also provides general information
about Smog Check and related programs, aftermarket parts that have been
approved by the California Air Resources Board, and refers motorists to
other agencies for help when appropriate.
Motorist Convenience
The Parts Locator Service helps approximately 30,000 motorists
annually. Without it, many motorists would not be able to repair their
vehicles and complete the vehicle registration process with the
Department of Motor Vehicles.
Who Should I Call?
Call the Parts Locator Service toll-free at 1-800-826-3566.
Kenneth Wilford wrote:
>I had a customer call me who is living in California. He needs to replace
>the exhaust system on his 2.0l air cooled Vanagon in order to get the van
>through inspection (smog). We have the parts for the federal air cooled
>exhaust system (which includes a cat and egr valve but no place for an
>oxygen sensor) and many of the parts for the California system are NLA. I
>thought maybe the guy could put the federal setup on his van and then just
>cut a hole in one of the pipes to put in an oxygen sensor. He wonders if
>this will fly with the smog referees. Anyone know how strict they are? Do
>they actually check your system against a diagram of how it should be, or do
>they just check to see if all of the components are there (cat, oxygen
>sensor egr valve)?
>
>Any advice would be appreciated.
>
>Thanks,
>Ken Wilford
>John 3:16
>http://www.vanagain.com
>http://www.strictlyvwauctions.com
>Phone: (856)-327-4936
>Fax: (856)-327-2242
>
>
>
