| Author |
Message |
djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32625
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
|
 Posted: Sat Mar 06, 2021 5:33 am Post subject: Emission testing in Pennsylvania |
 |
|
I'm rebuilding my 90 in Pennsylvania.
It will stay here and be plated in Pennsylvania.
I'm an ex Licensed State Vehicle Inspector for Pennsylvania, though it has been a while. My license expired and standards have changed.
I was concerned about getting the exhaust sniffed and if this old unit would pass muster.
My PO licensed the unit as an antique, Antique plates require a safety check but no emission testing, my 86 was licensed as an antique in NJ for the use was extremely limited and it exempted emission testing..... no inspection of any kind actually in NJ.
I'll be driving this 90 daily and the Pa antique plate guidelines suggest allowed use of about 1 day a week.
That option is out for me!
I did some searching and found that Pennsylvania, as many States now do, rely heavily on OBDII readings for emissions.
The actual testing requirements vary by County through the State. It is broken into regions. Some regions are still sniffing tail pipes (such as Pittsburgh)
Happily for me, my County (Berks) requires a safety inspection for older vehicles, (no problem, I plan to roll safe), a gas cap test, (new gas cap, bring it on!) and a visual compliance check.
The visual check is for emission related items. Catalytic Convertor, EGR valves, vapor recovery, etc.
Whew!
My worry was for naught!
Life IS Good!
_________________
Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos
Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473
Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537
Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
revolution337
Samba Member
Joined: May 23, 2009
Posts: 372
Location: Pennsylvania
|
| Posted: Sat Mar 06, 2021 6:27 am Post subject: Re: Emission testing in Pennsylvania |
|
|
| Quote: |
| My PO licensed the unit as an antique, Antique plates require a safety check but no emission testing, my 86 was licensed as an antique in NJ for the use was extremely limited and it exempted emission testing..... no inspection of any kind actually in NJ. |
Actually, in PA, antique plates do not require a safety or emissions test. Classic plates require a safety inspection, but no emissions.
http://www.dot.state.pa.us/public/dvspubsforms/BMV/BMV%20Fact%20Sheets/fs-ant.pdf
And yes, in your county (Berks) an OBD test would be required if the vehicle is 1996 or newer. You are correct that your 90 van would receive a gas cap test and visual anti-tampering for emissions equipment.
http://www.drivecleanpa.state.pa.us/changes/fs_sc.pdf
_________________
1982 Westfalia AEB 1.8t
2017 VW Golf Sportwagen
2001 Audi A4 4.2 V8 swapped
2000 BMW Z3 roadster
-Mark |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
tjet 
Samba Member
Joined: June 10, 2014
Posts: 3533
Location: CA & NM
|
| Posted: Sat Mar 06, 2021 4:13 pm Post subject: Re: Emission testing in Pennsylvania |
|
|
I just bought a new gas cap for my 85 for emissions testing purposes. I've failed smog tests enough for leaking caps that I always keep a fresh one in the glove box.
It was $11. I think it's German made too.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
fxr
Samba Member
Joined: December 07, 2014
Posts: 2325
Location: Bay area CA
|
| Posted: Sat Mar 06, 2021 4:22 pm Post subject: Re: Emission testing in Pennsylvania |
|
|
| tjet wrote: |
I just bought a new gas cap for my 85 for emissions testing purposes. I've failed smog tests enough for leaking caps that I always keep a fresh one in the glove box.
It was $11
|
How are they doing the pressure test with your own cap on? My local SMOG station has an adapter they fit instead of the cap, and then they pressurise to a few PSI. It has to not lose a certain amount within five minutes.
_________________
Jim Crowther
1984 1.9l EJ22 Westy Wolfsburg Edition
Vespa GTS 300 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
dabaron
Samba Member
Joined: June 21, 2018
Posts: 2561
Location: Philly, mang
|
| Posted: Sat Mar 06, 2021 4:47 pm Post subject: Re: Emission testing in Pennsylvania |
|
|
you can't retain the antique plate if you plan to daily or mostly drive it. it's for "occasional" use only - one day a week. unless you are me and live in Philly.
if you do retain the antique registration, that plate is your's, it stays with the vehicle.
_________________
1991 Vanagon GL Camper
i had no idea i wanted to be a mechanic
"burnin oil and cookin coils" -- Destructo
BiWerks Design, LLC |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
kamzcab86
Samba Moderator
Joined: July 26, 2008
Posts: 7922
Location: Arizona
|
| Posted: Sat Mar 06, 2021 4:53 pm Post subject: Re: Emission testing in Pennsylvania |
|
|
| fxr wrote: |
How are they doing the pressure test with your own cap on? My local SMOG station has an adapter they fit instead of the cap, and then they pressurise to a few PSI. It has to not lose a certain amount within five minutes. |
Here in AZ, the pre-OBD cap itself is tested off the vehicle.
_________________
~Kamz 
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
 1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32625
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
jimf909
Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 7468
Location: WA/ID
|
| Posted: Sat Mar 06, 2021 5:51 pm Post subject: Re: Emission testing in Pennsylvania |
|
|
WA state has terminated all emissions testing. 25 year old cars were previously exempt but I was surprised to hear my newer cars don't need a test either.
_________________
- Jim
| Abscate wrote: |
Do not get killed, do not kill others.
|
Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Abscate
Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2014
Posts: 22668
Location: NYC/Upstate/ROW
|
| Posted: Sun Mar 07, 2021 3:57 am Post subject: Re: Emission testing in Pennsylvania |
|
|
We used to sniff in urban counties in NY but now most just do an OBD check engine light both ready and off. Much easier and equally effective
_________________
.ssS! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32625
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
|
| Posted: Sun Mar 07, 2021 4:50 am Post subject: Re: Emission testing in Pennsylvania |
|
|
Back in the late 60’s we may have mumbled and grumbled about emission testing being implemented.
The new cars had an air pump bolted to the engine and air injection tubes into each cylinder. They were in the way and sapped power!
Throughout the 70’s and 80’s engines became almost undriveable with the emission controls.
Then the late 80’s and 90’s came along and engine management technology took off!
The engines began to run better, fuel mileage got better, more power from smaller displacements, they ran so clean that oil lasted longer longer and engine life expectancy soared!
On my Dad's 56 Chevy he was THRILLED that he rolled over 100;000 miles without a rebuild!
Today?
We're pissed if an engine gives up before 200,000 miles!
Automobile engine technology and fuel management is one thing that actually improved as the years ticked by.
Today, you are hard pressed to commit suicide with a modern automobile in a closed garage. They just don't emit enough poisons to effectively kill you.
Dave
_________________
Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos
Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473
Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537
Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
4Gears4Tires
Samba Member
Joined: October 08, 2018
Posts: 3048
Location: MD
|
| Posted: Sun Mar 07, 2021 7:22 am Post subject: Re: Emission testing in Pennsylvania |
|
|
Today? Even 30-40 years ago. 100k miles is the break in period for an M20 or M30! 
_________________
'87 Syncro
Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16504
Location: Brookeville, MD
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
whafalia
Samba Member
Joined: January 28, 2009
Posts: 685
Location: San Francisco
|
| Posted: Sun Mar 07, 2021 7:21 pm Post subject: Re: Emission testing in Pennsylvania |
|
|
California here, smog test tomorrow, dyno with a sniffer. His dyno woudn't calibrate last week but he says it's ready now. Did fine the last couple of times since rebuild, fingers crossed!
I was driving my kid and her band to a gig last year, wait no gigs last year, so before that. On the road next to a late 70's car that was belching and I got to tell them 'when I was a kid that's what all cars smelled like!'
_________________
84 westie 2.2 w/ digijet, AT |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
