Topic: Why won't any shop SMOG my truck?

[Tumbler510]

I bought this 1989 Toyota Pickup with a 22-RE a bit ago, and have been working to get it in proper running shape. I even went to the Pick N' Pull to get a stock air box and plumbing. Now that it's ready for the trails, I tried to get it SMOG'd yesterday and I was met with the below. I am located in San Jose, CA and there are not a ton of modified 4x4's driving around.

- Shop 1:
I call and ask if they can test an 89 Toyota, they say yes, and they can do it now.
I arrive 10 mins later.
"...our machine is broken. We can't test it..."
"I just called"
"Yes, the machine is broken. 1-2 weeks to repair"
(while there was a car on it).

- Shop 2:
I call and ask if they can test an 89 Toyota, they say yes, and they can do it now.
I arrive 5mins later.
Looks around engine bay. "we can't test it."
"Why not?"
*walks to desk, opens book to "89 Toyota Pickup 2.4L EFI" section "there is no... 'air recirc valve', the plumbing is there, but there is nothing there."
"...what?"
"we can't test it, you need to go to a state ref"
*I go look at the engine* "I don't see what you're talking about, can you show me?"
"We can't test it. Go to a state ref"
" It's a stock power plant and drive line."
" GO TO A STATE REF. WE CAN'T TEST IT."

- Shop 3:
I call and ask if they can test an 89 Toyota, they say yes, and they can do it now.
I arrive
"We can't test that."
"Why not?"
"We can't test it."
"Ok, why can't you test it? It's a stock engine"
"......"
"It's stock. No modification"
"It's too wide"
"...it's a RWD truck, and the rear end is stock width"
"We can't test it"

Yeah the truck looks ridiculous, but 2 of these guys didn't even look at it up close. Is there something I am missing? Anyone have any advice/suggestions?

[mudmaster]

Kommiefornia

[05sport4x4]

Could the fuel cell be the issue?  Are all the stock lines from the original tank still connected to all the correct parts (both at the tank and in the engine bay?


Well yes California is the problem.

[Slabzilla]

Just without the fuel restrictor in the fueling neck and the charcoal canister will get you flagged. Seeing that much modification on the truck and non-stock fuel tank, no shop will want to lose a certification over passing you. You'll have to go to a ref station, Sorry. 

[Willard]

Is the fuel cell CARB/EPA compliant. Most are not for street use. That's an automatic fail.......where in Cali are you? Ref will not pass it either FYI

[Snowtoy]

It doesn't matter what you say it is, what matters is what it looks like to them, and that says "No way" or "CARB Set-up". Given the fuel cell and the way is moved all around the engine bay, ou will need to got to a Ref, and see what he tells you needs to be done to become visually compliant and emissions compliant.

[Willard]

https://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermkt/replace.htm

The tank has to be ARB/EO certified, if not it will never pass with that tank. Sounds like the shops are just being careful......

[Tumbler510 [OP]]

I wish one of them had been straight with me about that tho. Makes sense.
Guess I'll have to find another way...

[Toyotadon]

Anybody that passes that tank is putting their license on the line.  Your engine may be stock, but the engine compartment is not organized according to any reference charts.  Everything needs to be there and visible, but I think most would be okay with your coil relocate for example.  The air box sitting so high could be affecting other systems, so that might be a problem too.  Do you know where the AIR Reed Valve is?  It should be down underneath the intake manifold with the hoses coming from the air box (looks like it's hanging free in your pic) and pipe running across the rear of the head to the exhaust manifold.

[jimbo74]

no one wants to deal with that headache!

there are no lights on that or anything? how is that even street legal?