Smog trouble

Took my taco in to be smogged yesterday and was told it wouldn't pass because the catalytic converter part number does not match the engine number. I purchased the cat from Riebes and installed myself a few years ago and it's passed smog multiple times before with this part. Do I really need to replace the catalytic converter because of a part number?

 

Just my opinion here and I do not live in CA, but I have heard how rediculous inspections are there.
BS.. Not reasonable . What engine number. THis sounds like total bullshit to me.

 

Thats gay
Just go to a different shop.

 

yes and no... If the catalytic converter carb EO number doesn't match to your engine family you're down shit creek without a paddle.
However I'd do this -

And take it to a different shop. You might get a guy who isn't paying as close attention as the last people who did your smog.

 

I went through this. It sucks to be in California. I had catalytic converter installed by a shop under warranty. Of course aftermarket one. Passed smog with flying colors and was happy driving the truck for four years. Then one day I went for smog and they told me the same what you heard: the truck passed the smog numbers but the cat is not approved for this model/year/engine by California Database. They told me that this is new requirements to check the model of cat converter and match it to California database.

I ended up going back to muffler shop who installed the cat in the first place and they told me that I am not the first and not the last. When they installed the converter 4 years ago it was in printed catalog as approved for this truck. Some "data keying monkey" did not put the catalog data to the electronic database which is used for smog test now. Two options I had was either fight CA EPA - and everybody told me "good luck with that" or just replace the converter for the one that is in electronic database.

The owner of muffler shop said it is not worth for him to go through any hassle with California EPA and he just replaced the cat free of charge. The new "approved" cat actually produced worse numbers on smog than the old one but it was "the correct model" by California bureaucrats.

I am so happy to not live in California anymore.

 

Need to ask @Caligula he's a Cali smog tech.

 

Wow that a first I have heard of that

 

You went to a shop with a properly trained smog tech who followed the guidelines laid out for a smog inspection from the CARB as he is legally required to do as an agent of the state. In other words, you took your truck to an asshole.

Just go to another shop, preferably one operated by a non-english speaking minority. You should pass just fine.

 

another shop it is.. thanks guys .. and if that doesn't work then I will just add it to the list ..

 

Couldn't have said it better

 

Move out of California and your cat will be fine

 

Working on it...

 

Good advice
I always go to a shop to make sure it's a non English minority. If I see a white person, I literally walk away

They passed my lotus exige with no cat and Larini straight pipe. Cost me $100 and the car never left my garage