Roland, the most critical thing is that the O2 sensor system be working
and cycling fast. This is simple to check. I live near you and have the
same smog testing issues with my 3 gasoline Vanagons. I always make
certain the O2 is working well before taking a vehicle in for test and
always pass when it is.

You must look at both the voltage and cycle time of the O2 system. I
have an oscilloscope that I use for this except on 2.1 waterboxers where
I use a Digitool.

Come on over and we can look at yours.

Mark

Roland wrote:
> Hi Rich,
>
> Thanks for the data point. The is the cat part number on the Van-Cafe web
> site.  I called them this morning and they confirmed it is not California
> legal.  I think it is related to all the new CARB rules that went into
> effect this year in 2009.  Perhaps yours went through because it was still
> 2008.  There are some emails in the archives from the past 8 months
> discussing the new CARB rules, but I still don't understand it all (related
> to OBD issues, and CAT types, etc.).  Evidently California changed some of
> the regulations in the meantime.
>
> Mine had passed smog 2 years ago, no problem.  And also 4 years ago, no
> problem.  Who knows, maybe the cat did wear out and that is what is needed.
> Frustrating because it was running very well, even the shop said it is all
> is very good shape and running well -- (oops, I might get started down a
> controversial discussion if I complain about spending all these $ on a
> vehicle that runs very well, all in good shape, except that the peoples
> republic of california is making me spend loads of extra $ for questionable
> reasons).
>
> Roland
> (also in the San Diego area).
>