Mark,

Thanks, that is a very generous offer.  In the meantime I did drop it off at
one of those CAP certified smog/repair places since I think it can save some
$ from the part that the state will pay.  Feels somewhat silly, since I seem
to be going from place to place without understanding the details on it
all.

Depending on what I hear from them next, I may be driving over there to get
some real answers.

Thanks again.
Roland

On Wed, Aug 5, 2009 at 9:30 AM, mark drillock <mdrillock@cox.net> wrote:

> 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).
>>
>>