PA Emissions Exemptions?
 

I'm having such a horrible time getting my car to pass. I've followed every guide I can find. I've done every little trick (alcohol in the tank, etc.) I've replaced all emissions related parts (Converter, O2 sensor, etc.). But my EGR is bad. As most people know, it has been discontinued. Does anyone know if there is any kind of waiver or exemption I can obtain because of this? Who would I have to call to figure this out? Thanks!

i'm sure you can find a used EGR that works.

and where in PA are you, that you have emissions to pass???
none in the PA area where i live...

Are your NOx levels high? If not, replacing the EGR is not going to do anything for you. Whenever I smog my car here in CA, my HC & CO levels are on the high side, while my NOx is damn near nothing. 7s run rich, so NOx levels stay low. Why do you think the S5s got rid of the EGRs and still pass smog?

well... Im sure i could find one somewhere. But the point is if I can get an exemption i wont have to worry about making it pass in the first place! Get what i mean? I don't "know" anyone around here or i'd just do that. Im just sick of having to try multiple times to get it to pass.

the egr's are not discontinued. if you can find somebody with a mazda compitition account they are like $180 new

I really don't think a EGR is going to get your car to pass emissions. It's not that important at all on a RX. See Rocket 88's post above.

I've a 87turbo car that passes each year with it's EGR ........compromised at bit. As in a sheet of metal b/t it and the intake manifold.

I know.... but the point kinda is just using that as an excuse to get an exemption :wink2:. I could care less about the EGR really. It was only a thought though...

Have you looked at this site? http://www.drivecleanpa.state.pa.us/...pa/default.htm

This hints at seventy five and newer need the test: http://www.dep.state.pa.us/aq_apps/emissions/test.asp

Well that last link didn't work out as good as it should. Go to the first link. Then click on WHAT EMISSIONS TEST DOES YOUR VEHICLE REQUIRE, and fill out the blanks.

I'm so incredibly happy I live in WA, where there aren't any emissions :D

Yes... But there are a few loopholes. Such as if you fail twice and spend at least $150 towards emission related repairs, you can apply for a 1 year waiver. I could do that... Let me tally that up though.

Knowing that I will fail ahead of time.

Test itself - $42
Gas to drive to retest the next day - $15
One year waiver - $50
Then the $150 worth of repairs which must be done at a certified garage (not including labor)
Then theres the regular inspection. I get mine for $25

So I'll be out almost $300 dollars. And before you ask, I have replaced/fixed everything emissions related on this car, it simply never passes. HC is ALWAYS too high. That was with a gallon and a half of alcohol, air pump running, and a new cat. Thats why I don't want to go through any of this again next year.

HAILERS: Yea, I've been scouring that site for info for a while now.

Ok well... I called my local dealership, and the PA Emissions hotline. The lady at the Emissions center told me that if a particular part is a required part of the emissions system, and that part has been discontinued by the manufacturer, then the state will issue me an emissions exempt sticker! It doesn't matter if that part is the culprit or not, as long as it is a required part of the emissions system. And guess what? In PA...

“Beginning December 1, 2003, passenger cars and light duty trucks registered in the 42 counties listed previously and subject to the safety inspection, will include a visual inspection of the components listed below as part of the safety inspection procedure.

* Fuel Inlet Restrictor
* Catalytic Converter
* Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve
* Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve
* Air Injection Reaction System
* Evaporative Control System"

Hellz yea.

I have to get a piece of paper saying that the dealership can't get it, and a local parts store can't get an aftermarket. Neither can, I just called. So I guess I beat the unfair PA emission law after all... I laugh in the face of the establishment!

Where are you taking this thing to get this done? If you head out into the country a little bit alot of the stations don't know or care about whether everything is intact.

Everywhere I've been has been either warned or fined about it... lol... They've cracked down on it in the last few years...

Patience, patience. The Al Gore, Nasty Pelosi and James Hansen (should be in Levenworth or a N. Korean Gulag) are coming to get you. Load your gun and get some ammo. Here's a site that never fails to enlighten me and get my blood boiling: http://www.moonbattery.com/archives/..._warmer_h.html

For the thread owner, go to the For sale/wanted sections on this forum and buy one for pennys. And I'd suggest your problem lies in the air from the airpump isn't getting to the exhaust ports via the ACV. If so, the new cat won't last much more than a year til the brick becomes a brick.

If you can get the sticker this year and drive under 5000 miles until the next inspection, they will just put the emission sticker on with no testing. I dont know how much driving you do but under 5000 miles/year equals no emissions testing. Thats what I do every year.

Check it out! I filled out all the appropriate paperwork and got my 2 sources. I just have to take this form to my mechanic and have him sign off and I get my exemption sticker :D.

under 5000 miles per year works for my 85. Antique or classic plates also are exempt from emmisions.

in PA there is also a rule that if you spend $250 in parts related to the emissions system and you still cant pass the sniffer you can get an exemption.

or you could just give the mechanic a fifty for the sticker.