Emissions Laws in Pa. ? (Erie: sales, how much, inspections)

[PeterRabbit]

Are they still made with platinum? You have to watch out for inspection stations that steal them to cash in. When you go back next year they'll tell you someone must have stolen yours and charge you for a new one.

[MaryBeth2]

Originally Posted by PeterRabbit

Are they still made with platinum? You have to watch out for inspection stations that steal them to cash in. When you go back next year they'll tell you someone must have stolen yours and charge you for a new one.

Geesh! I will be sure to pass that info along. Can't trust anyone now a days!

[Jay_F]

Originally Posted by aveojohn

You can get after market cc's at a very reasonable price.

True, and you just have to make sure it still has its "honeycomb matrix" intact, and/or not busted up causing a constriction and not doing its job. Also have to make sure in some cases it's not a generic, weld it on solution to pass. Some applications *may* need fittings intact to be considered OK for the application to pass the visual inspection. Some shops are real sticklers, others will say OK to any CC in place, and then do the tailpipe test.

Originally Posted by PeterRabbit

Are they still made with platinum? You have to watch out for inspection stations that steal them to cash in. When you go back next year they'll tell you someone must have stolen yours and charge you for a new one.

Yep, still contain precious metals, and worth $$$. I have read how park and ride folks will come back at the end of the day to find their CC's cut off, even was told a story from a gal who said her exhaust system fell off on the New Ken bridge, and before she could turn around to retrieve it, it was GONE! Crazy!

MaryBeth2. I would call around to potential shops prior to moving, and talk to the owner about your situation. Be frank about the missing CC, and ask about their policy concerning what he/she will or will not accept to pass the visual inspection. A new factory spec CC for a 15 y/o car will be EXTREMELY expensive, so if you can go the used generic route, that will save you a lot. Last piece of advice. If you can use a small inspection station who will also do the repair prior to inspection, this may be the best route. The big chains will usually not touch any custom repair, where the small ones see this kind of stuff nearly daily.

Good luck!

[MaryBeth2]

Thanks Jay. I think my son has one cat, and I dont think my husband has either. We're talking an 85 ElCamino and a 94 F150. So that is the best idea, to call ahead. This could be expensive!

[PeterRabbit]

If a car is driven under 5,000 miles a year it's exempt from the emissions test. A garage might still charge you for it anyhow as part of their regular state inspection fee.

[Jay_F]

Originally Posted by PeterRabbit

If a car is driven under 5,000 miles a year it's exempt from the emissions test. A garage might still charge you for it anyhow as part of their regular state inspection fee.

That is true after the initial registration and emission test in counties that require it is done. Less than 5k miles does exempt you from the test, but you still have to pay a for an exemption sticker... The fun never ends.

Also, if by chance the vehicle fails the test with all required emission gear in place, the state will cap the amount you have to spend ($150) to try to get it within compliance by a waiver.

[MaryBeth2]

Both vehicals are work vehicals though.


I appreciate you guys. My hub read the sites up there, but he didnt have a response. This could be ugly.

[nynjmapa]

For consideration:
http://www.rettewsnotarysvc.com/factsheet~antique.pdf


One last note, if you lived in Butler County, you would be exempt from annual emissions inspection.

[MaryBeth2]

Location, location, location! The job in consideration is in Ambridge. I didnt even think about the county having different rules. Maybe I need to see the closest county to Ambride without those laws..

Good point nynjmapa! I'll check out that site too. Thank you!

[DSOs]

Originally Posted by Jay_F

That is true after the initial registration and emission test in counties that require it is done. Less than 5k miles does exempt you from the test, but you still have to pay a for an exemption sticker... The fun never ends.

Also, if by chance the vehicle fails the test with all required emission gear in place, the state will cap the amount you have to spend ($150) to try to get it within compliance by a waiver.

Make absolutely sure you find a certified $150 waiver shop. Make sure the certified technician doing the waiver isn't at a car auction or on vacation that day! Also, I suggest you get the car fixed before you get to PA; the PA mechanic will not be happy if the old catalytic converter is not on the car (they are worth a lot of money).

Also, do not radiate a concern about being taken or costs; you'll be sorry. Finding an honest guy like Jay_F is not going to be easy, but they are out there. Handsomely tipping an honest car mechanic is a must in this area!

On a positive note; last year I got my car inspected from an honest guy in eastern Allegheny County.

I’ve only just scratched the surface with the headaches you may encounter; good luck, & don’t forget to handsomely tip the honest mechanic.