ALFA 164 CA DMV High Emitter Profile?

Potenziato · #1 (**permalink**) 02-12-2005, 03:03 PM

Hi Gang,

I was just wondering how many of you living in California have had to go to a test only station for DMW renewal with a 164?

Apparently the DMV profiles certain cars that are "likely" not to pass. I was wondering if the 164 was in this category. It states that 2% of the test only cars are randomly selected.

My friend has an old Audi Coupe Gt and had to take it to a test only station. They really make it a pain in the butt to own an old car (10 years +) in California.

Grant · #2 (**permalink**) 02-12-2005, 04:51 PM

Not sure if you care, but my milano was one.

AR4me · #3 (**permalink**) 02-12-2005, 05:31 PM

I practically get choosen "randomly" for test only center every single time any of my Alfas are due for smog (except the 164). Seems very deterministic to me, not much random about it. Note that non of my cars have ever failed a smog...

Jes

Potenziato · #4 (**permalink**) 02-12-2005, 06:59 PM

I suspect the criteria is based on the fact that the cars are over 10 years old and over 100k miles.

So maybe the 95 164's are just at the cutoff of test only status.

AlfaRacer75 · #5 (**permalink**) 02-15-2005, 12:13 AM

Shannon's 164 always gets snagged for Test Only, and I have to take my Milano to a test only this month.

alfa_corse · #6 (**permalink**) 02-15-2005, 01:55 AM

Would running toluene (octane booster) help the boost combustion temps and reduce exhaust emissions for the emissions test? Or would it only increase NOx, CO, HC emissions?

My car is due this year; needs quite a bit of work before it will come close to passing smog methinks...

Mikab61 · #7 (**permalink**) 05-01-2008, 08:58 PM

I have a 1994 164 LS I got smogged recently in California and yes it's listed as having a High Emitter Profile and had to go to a test only station. Potenziato is correct, I called the DMV in Sacramento and they confirmed its due to age and mileage of the entire fleet of cars even if yours doesn't have that many miles. My Porsche 944 Turbo is is the same and I know other people that have to take their cars to a test only station. Its a shame since their are only about 375 1994 164 LS's imported to the USA, and their were only about 980 944 Turbo S models here. How many are left or are even running here in California that would pollute very much? Octane booster doesn't help that much but something like the Chevron injector cleaner or even their gas will help alittle, as will changing your spark plugs, air filters and O2 sensors. A good Italian tuneup to clean out everything and getting it nice and warm before you test it will too.

**elite38868** · #8 (**permalink**) 05-01-2008, 11:04 PM

a fresh oil change and filter helps out too! All of my alfas were/are directed to Test Only.

peglegtom · #9 (**permalink**) 05-03-2008, 08:02 PM

The WI DOT is proposing to test only 1996 and up cars that have OBD computers that they can just plug into, rather than earlier cars that actually have to be driven on rollers, to save money! This includes all currently US legal Alfa's, including 164's!

I was always concerned as to whether the "tech" would know whether to put the front or rear wheels on the rollers, although they always had a large smile on their faces when we pulled the 164Q into the test lane!

jontg428 · #10 (**permalink**) 05-03-2008, 11:18 PM

I have owned my 164 for around 5 years now, and every time I have to get it smogged, it either easily passes, or just barely does, especially on the hydrocarbon count. The last time I took it in it passed easily, I think doing some italian tune up helped greatly. Every time I go to get it smogged, I always fear having to change the cat, but so far I have not had to. Just my .02 cents

**velocedoc** · #11 (**permalink**) 05-04-2008, 07:18 PM

When I first got the '95Q I had to take it to a test only station as the notice I recieved said it was a high emitter. The car passed with results so low, I thought the test pipe fell out. No more problems at this point in time.

**AlfaTango1** · #12 (**permalink**) 05-05-2008, 10:12 AM

None of my Alfa's have been earmarked for "Test Only" my 164's are the cleanest burning of the bunch though.

araknd · #13 (**permalink**) 05-05-2008, 03:16 PM

My wife's 164 has been tagged for Test Only for the last two years. This year it failed twice. Finally got a pass when we put on a "new" catalytic converter. I always change the oil and filter before the test as a matter of course in both the 164 and the GTV6. The GTV6 passes on the first pass. It has been Test Only for 4 years.