Emmisions Testing Machines...

Topic: Emmisions Testing Machines... (Read 1401 times) previous topic - next topic

Emmisions Testing Machines...

October 09, 2009, 11:16:49 PM

im not used to asking for opinions so bear with me on this as im just thinking out loud. thoughts, comments both positive and negative are welcome.
trolling craigslist lately ive been noticing a lot of shops closing down and selling thier tools, what ive been seeing alot of lately is specialty shop tools and emissions testing equipment for sale cheap.
then i got to thinking "could i use any of that for my own benifit?", or rather would c00ching up something advanced like that help me get my cars running better. much better than a py code reader and could possibly make a few $$$ on the side too.
i do a decent job of keeping my cars running right, whatever they may be at the time, but running well and no CEL doesnt mean they will automatically pass inspection/emissions testing. eventually my passion will lead me to something new enough that having weird equipment like that would be a requirement of sorts, cant troubleshoot everything with papareclips and old forum posts.
im not familiar with any of the machines i see for sale, at all, ive only had one car inspected/tested at a shop in my life so the use out of them is purely based on what ive seen with other people getting their cars worked on.
to my point, anyone here have any input on this?
would it be a wise investment to c00ch up something like this without the intentions of making it my buisness and only for pesonal use?
does anyone here work in a shop and have any opinions/advice on this?
would it be overkill just for getting deeper into tinkering with cars?
im not talking about setting up a dynometer in my house just incase you were thinking that, though id like to just for the hell of it:hick:

Emmisions Testing Machines...

Reply #1 – October 10, 2009, 08:38:03 AM

The buttstuffysler can be used to diagnos how a vehicle is running for sure but we barley ever used it as such.
Once the e-test is done and you get a print out you can diag from there,plus you have to buy the gasses to keep the machine up and running.
The dyno is useless for anything over 2-250hp from what they told us and isn't very accurate.
In my opinion it's overkill for you and not worth the money.

Emmisions Testing Machines...

Reply #2 – October 10, 2009, 12:24:34 PM

I've always wondered the same thing, but it's free for the E-test until you pass here, and the machines I've seen for sale always look so ancient, that they were probably selling because no-one knew how to run it anymore:D A very cool idea for sure though, as long as you can get a manual with it.:)

Emmisions Testing Machines...

Reply #3 – October 10, 2009, 01:07:27 PM

I say just save up for some real code readers, diagnostic equipment.

I have ALWAYS hated those test. Its like saying, why yes I would love it if you ran the piss out of my car with no respect or knowlege to WTF is actually going on.

Last time I had to have it done I just finished the floor shifter but the column shifter was still in it. Guy tried it 3 times then noticed the shifter in the floor, DER. Then cant get it on the rollers, doesnt wait for it to switch gears and lock in so the tranny is banging into reverse. Then the fan isnt working, and they act like thats ok. Sure lets run my car 60 mph with no airflow. I still dont think those things are accurate IMO.

Emmisions Testing Machines...

Reply #4 – October 10, 2009, 11:26:15 PM

As far as code readers go, they won't do anything for you with a carburetor(Like mine is/was stock).

But as far as E-Tests go, I'd have my foot so far up their A$$ if they treated my car like that! But, in Certain areas the testers are actually human, and if you say, "Be nice to it" they will, or in my case, the car just has to sit at idle for a bit to ensure it doesn't go over the limit. I don't think they've used a Dyno emissions test here for quite some time.

If the equipment you are looking at is an Exhaust Gas buttstuffyzer, it should be plenty accurate as long as you don't have any exhaust leaks.:D

Emmisions Testing Machines...

Reply #5 – October 11, 2009, 05:40:56 AM

We used to have actual stations. No shops could do it. They didnt give two shiznits about anyones car.

When the original owner had the testing done they did something that made the speedo off like 20 mph. Ill have to look though the paperwork but she wrote them a letter and got them to pay to fix it.

Emmisions Testing Machines...

Reply #6 – October 11, 2009, 01:51:00 PM

Yikes. If I ever move out of state I'll be sure to inquire as to the testing procedures...

Emmisions Testing Machines...

Reply #7 – October 11, 2009, 02:22:52 PM

Quote from: dominator;294276

The buttstuffysler can be used to diagnos how a vehicle is running for sure but we barley ever used it as such.
Once the e-test is done and you get a print out you can diag from there,plus you have to buy the gasses to keep the machine up and running.
The dyno is useless for anything over 2-250hp from what they told us and isn't very accurate.
In my opinion it's overkill for you and not worth the money.

its interesting you mentioned the gasses, i had no idea what gasses or what their exact purpose was. i would imagine there would be a problem accuiring them without some sort of license, to protect the "industry" if you know what i mean.
im going to try to talk to someone at an inspection station around here and get some info reguarding that.

Emmisions Testing Machines...

Reply #8 – October 11, 2009, 10:09:50 PM

Zero gas in one of them,it's basically a straight perfectly clean co2 supply.
And the other i can't quite remember what it is but it comes in a huge torch like cylinder.