OR emissions compared to CA emissions - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

otto huber · #1 11-08-2012, 03:30 AM

I'm looking at a 190E 2.6L in Oregon that just passed their smog test a few months ago. It looks like it will cost a little under $200 to register it here in Ca, but I'm afraid that it won't pass our smog test. Does anyone know how the tests from each state compare with one and other? Thanks

lsmalley · #2 11-09-2012, 02:01 PM

Yeah, I think cali is the strictest state in thee nation for smog. I have the same model. a few tips: make sure spark plugs are good. If they are wet or show unusual signs of damage, get the underlying problem fixed. My valve stem seals caused me to fail because oil would leak into the cylinder and get on my plugs. Make sure codes are clear and O2 sensor is working. Make sure air injection system (smog/air pump) is working and intact. Make sure catalytic converter is good. I just had my cat taken out because my transmission vacuum modulator was busted and it sucked in transmission fluid into the intake....I think that caused the honeycomb in my cat (aftermarket) to come loose. I decided not to buy a new cat until right before my smog is due....I even contemplated on having 2 cats put on because its a ***** when you keep failing and have to shell out $60 a test. I found a pass or don't pay place that I want to try out. Good luck......oh and running seafoam every so often helps as well.

otto huber · #3 11-09-2012, 02:52 PM

Thanks for all of the helpful tips Ismalley. The car in Oregon already sold, but the information you provided will be helpful in the future. I've only operated diesel automobiles for the last ten years, so all of this smog stuff is relatively new to me. Replacing a cat in California is costly because a specific/expensive type is required. If I get access to a test sheet from a car that has failed, are there certain numbers that signify a bad cat? Are there certain numbers that tell you the engine needs to be overhauled and you should walk away? Thanks

RichardM98 · #4 11-09-2012, 04:52 PM

You might want to do a little research on importing any US car into California which was not made for the California market. California is (was?) unique in having it's own emission standards.

You might find this useful - https://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/howto/htvr9.htm

anziani · #5 11-09-2012, 07:17 PM

I bought a "Federal" car that originated in Florida and ended up in SoCal. I have the complete history and it passed "smog" many times even though it doesn't have a CE light.
Another tip when you think you are ready for the test is to drive over in 1st gear @ 4000 RPM. That will hot up the cat converter and help your cause.
Anziani
'93 320CE 207K (Fed car)
'95 E320 126K (Canada car)

lsmalley · #6 11-09-2012, 07:27 PM

Otto, do a search on some of the posts I've done regarding smog or emissions or seafoam, I posted a picture on one of the threads of my smog papers when I failed and also when I passed. I think I had either high NOx or HC. Also, the catalytic converter that I got was only $220 installed in southern california. When I took the car in the guy made a comment on it saying that I must've replaced my original cat, because the one I had was half the size, but the cross reference numbers matched up so it was legal in Ca. If you are in or around the Palm Springs/Coachella Valley area, I can refer you to my friend that has the muffler shop for an installation. He is also the same guy that did my dual twin exhausts.

lsmalley · #7 11-09-2012, 07:36 PM

found it!
Failed Emissions: High HC and CO

scroll down and see pics i posted on 3/7/2008 before seafoam high HC and then 10 days later on 3/17/2008 after seafoam. The numbers before seafoam are probably in part due to the valve stem seals I mentioned before and the seafoam probably cleaned everything up and I was able to pass smog....but If you look at the numbers, everything pretty much got a significant improvement.

anziani · #8 11-10-2012, 12:46 PM

Ismalley,
I live in the PS area. Who did your dual exhaust down here?
Thanks,
Anziani
'93 CE320 207K
'95 E420 126K

lsmalley · #9 11-10-2012, 08:38 PM

A guy named Alonso in Coachella and he does cats....I only paid $220 for cat installed

JimF · #10 11-11-2012, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by otto huber

Replacing a cat in California is costly because a specific/expensive type is required. If I get access to a test sheet from a car that has failed, are there certain numbers that signify a bad cat? Are there certain numbers that tell you the engine needs to be overhauled and you should walk away? Thanks

I just got a '90 Honda Accord LX w/ 148K miles to pass CA smog tests w/ flying colors!

Replaced the 02 sensor, catalytic converter, PCV valve, air filter and spark plugs. The EGR valve was removed and cleaned. A can of Sea Foam in the gas and half-can directly to the oil before it was changed.

Link to data including smog test results is here. Nox went from 536ppm to 5ppm! CO from 0.68% to 0.00%!