Date: Tue, 6 Nov 2007 22:14:35 -0800
Reply-To: Kim Springer <kimspringer@RCN.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Kim Springer <kimspringer@RCN.COM>
Subject: Importing, emissions as: Yahoo passed emissions
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Here in CA we have no safety checks, but we of course have the emissions
testing based on vehicle year emission requirements and functioning of
required equipment.
Still, my Tristar had all the required equipment and passed the emissions
test at my mechanis shop, but failed the California Air Resources Board
(CARB) emissions lab tests that were required for importation, due to a
poorly sealing fuel tank.
So I replaced the tank (new), crossover tube and fittings, and all the seals
and lines. Guess what, it still failed, miserably.
So out with the tank, and I had installed all solid fittings soldered to the
tank, and a neck flange where the filler tube enters so that one could hose
clamp a section of large fuel hose from the tank flange to the filler tube.
Guess what, it passed. Now, when I take the fuel cap off, it releases
pressure (like it is supposed to).
Now, I've posted this before and the responses I got back from folks saying
that "I've had 15 Vanagons and not one of them acted this way, you've hooked
up something wrong", or, "what you're experiencing should never happen. I've
owned my van since new and it's never done that".
I think VW never produced a Vanagon that met the requirement of the system
holding the 4-5 lbs of pressure it takes to not vent gas fumes into the
atmosphere. The testing lab said it could never have passed the CA
requirements of a manufacturer with the existing design. Grommets with
plastic fittings stuffed through them don't hold pressure.
When the van is parked on a hot day, pressure is supposed to build in the
tank and lines to the check valve at the charcoal canister, but it can't if
it's leaking
I guess my point is, thank goodness CA and the rest of the states don't do
this test, or we'd all fail and have to modify the fuel tank like I did.
Thank your lucky stars boys and girls.
On the other side though, I'm glad my truck doesn't pump out the fumes.
And, if you are importing one of these that has to go the CARB testing lab,
well, now you know what you need to do to pass.
Kim Springer
'88 Tristar 2WD #7
> All state emissions inspection programs are based on looking for the gross
> polluters. The standards are based on what the vehicles were required to
> do for various age groups. Non of the programs require upgrades. They do
> require the original equipment to be there and functioning. VW products
> often have difficulty passing due to poor maintenance, improper settings,
> and some design deficiencies. If it fails, there is a reason and most
> likely it can be diagnosed and fixed.
>
>
> Due to inconsistencies with compliance and maintenance, vehicle
> manufacturers are being pushed to make the emission control systems more
> reliable, longer lasting and self diagnosing. Late cars even know if the
> gas cap does not seal properly. If the light is on, you have a problem.
>
>
> Dennis
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> David Etter
> Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2007 5:09 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: WOOHOO! Passed Emissions!
>
> Just a question...
> It looks like you fellas (and gals) in the Great U.S. of A. are
> having to undergo vehicle emissions testing on a regular basis. Will this
> mean that eventually great quantities of Vanagon Westies will be unable to
> pass the tests and therefore have to be sold (cheap I hope)?
> I noticed a while back that a gentleman in Germany was letting his
> Syncro go at a relatively cheap price because he either had to sell it or
> move to a city that was more lenient on emission standards.
> I sure hope this doesn't happen up here in Canada.
> Anyway, back to the question... will I be seeing cheap Westies in the near
> future when current owners decide that the cost of upgrading is just not
> worth it?
>
> Waiting while holding my breath.... David (dsl82westy)
>
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> ~~~~
>
>
> Congratulations!
>
> I felt just the same way when mine passed. Except that I was the one who
> was sure she would fail, and the mechanic, who was a super nice guy, was a
> lot more optimistic!
>
>
>
> Joy
>
> :::-----Original Message-----
> :::From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
> :::Of Vdub Guy
> :::Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2007 10:33 AM
> :::To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> :::Subject: WOOHOO! Passed Emissions!
> :::
> :::I can "breathe easy" so to speak for another 2 years, my '84 Westy with
> :::2.1 passed Virginia emissions. My numbers are:
> ::: 15 MPH
> :::25 MPH
> ::: Limit Reading
> :::Limit Reading
> :::HC ppm 155 44
> :::151 45
> :::CO% 1.31 0.06
> :::1.68 0.07
> :::NO ppm 2167 1634
> :::2014 1542
> :::
> :::
> :::When the inspector brought the Vanagon back around to the front of the
> :::shop and handed me the keys, he said "No offense, I expected it to
> fail,
> :::just because of the age". I laughed, and said I was confident, but not
> :::100% so. If all goes well, next test will be with the Subie 2.2
> Jeff
>
>
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