California Dreamin'

BlackSilver · August 8, 2010

If you live in California and have a 1998 or newer 3/4 or 1 ton diesel truck (less than 14,000 GVW) and don't know it-you have to get smog checks just like the gasser wimps. Only thing is, is they don't stick a sniffer up the tailpipe. Just a visual under hood inspection, scan OBD computer and do a snap acceleration of the engine test to see if you are huffing black smoke. Jeez, I thought that was one of the benifits of having a diesel. I feel for all the diesel bubbas that souped up their rigs and now have to put them back to stock to pass the test.

Roofer · August 8, 2010

Rumor I heard was more vague, but in short, there will be a lot of diesels being shipped out of Cali very soon. The older diesels, especially the 7.3 PSD won't pass the inspection. A friend of mine has a shipment of them coming up here that will go to auction.

Anyone have any more specifics?

ryan_hermanutz · August 8, 2010

I'm not a diesel guy so I guess I just don't get the want for massive amounts of black smoke. It's like a huge weight lifter who can bench 400# but everytime he benches that much he farts and is as proud of it as much as his bench press.

hockeypro1411 · August 8, 2010

Some people get enjoyment out of swallowing a hybrid vehicle in a massive cloud of black smoke. I know I would.

BlackSilver · August 8, 2010

Rumor I heard was more vague, ......
Anyone have any more specifics?

Here's an excerpt from the rules as stated on CA DMV site at http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/smogfaq.htm

Currently, smog inspections are required for all vehicles except diesel powered vehicles manufactured prior to 1998 or with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVWR) of more than 14,000 lbs, electric, natural gas powered vehicles over 14,000 lbs, hybrids, motorcycles, trailers, or gasoline powered vehicles 1975 and older.

I'm not a lawyer, so could be wrong, but the way I read that is that your diesel exempt ONLY if older than 1998 AND ALSO has GVWR more 14,000 lbs.

hamsalad · August 9, 2010

The test is a joke. They just looked around the engine bay with a flashlight and revved it three times. No OBD scan at all. I just stepped down from a 2500HD with the Duramax. The maintenance, size and now smog checks were just getting to be a bit much for my needs...plus I don't do much heavy lifting anymore. Diesels are not welcome in the People's Republic of Kalifornia anymore, which is a drag.

Mortgage Paul · September 12, 2010

The test is a joke. They just looked around the engine bay with a flashlight and revved it three times. No OBD scan at all. I just stepped down from a 2500HD with the Duramax. The maintenance, size and now smog checks were just getting to be a bit much for my needs...plus I don't do much heavy lifting anymore. Diesels are not welcome in the People's Republic of Kalifornia anymore, which is a drag.

So what is allowed? CARB certified Air Intakes? Controllers? Cat back Exhausts like a gasser?

Mortgage Paul · September 12, 2010

Rumor I heard was more vague, but in short, there will be a lot of diesels being shipped out of Cali very soon. The older diesels, especially the 7.3 PSD won't pass the inspection. A friend of mine has a shipment of them coming up here that will go to auction.

Anyone have any more specifics?

How come you went to a Dodge?

Doug_Scott · September 12, 2010

Rumor I heard was more vague, ......
Anyone have any more specifics?

Here's an excerpt from the rules as stated on CA DMV site at http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/smogfaq.htm

Currently, smog inspections are required for all vehicles except diesel powered vehicles manufactured prior to 1998 or with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVWR) of more than 14,000 lbs, electric, natural gas powered vehicles over 14,000 lbs, hybrids, motorcycles, trailers, or gasoline powered vehicles 1975 and older.

I'm not a lawyer, so could be wrong, but the way I read that is that your diesel exempt ONLY if older than 1998 AND ALSO has GVWR more 14,000 lbs.

More like manufactured before 98 OR with a GVWR of more than 14000 lbs.

Prokopchuk_9 · September 12, 2010

Some people get enjoyment out of swallowing a hybrid vehicle in a massive cloud of black smoke. I know I would.

as would i...

glad i dont live in cali....in alberta you can get a truck safety inspected or bring it to the dealer running a straight pipe NO cats and not hear a word about it.