This stuff is copied right off the Connecticut emissions website. This is what I am wondering about, Large exhaust systems that are bigger than what the vehicle normally requires may cause a sample dilution rejection. I have a header and a Highflow Cat and all the piping is 2.25" in diameter. Will any of this be an issue for me? my car is in tip top running order, will I fail emissions with my aftermarket exhaust?

What Is a Sample Dilution Rejection?

A sample dilution rejection will be issued to motorists whose vehicle emissions cannot be properly tested because too much air is present within the exhaust sample.

The emissions testing equipment automatically determines if exhaust gases are being diluted before and during every test. It does this by verifying that enough combustion byproduct, carbon dioxide (CO2), is present in the exhaust gases. If there is not enough CO2 present, the computer will not allow the test to proceed and the vehicle will be rejected.

A sample dilution rejection does not constitute a complete test, and no $20 fee will be charged. However, a sample dilution rejection does not exempt your vehicle from testing, nor does it exempt your vehicle from any potential late fees if your rejection or actual test are 30 consecutive days beyond the vehicle's test date.

A rejected vehicle cannot be inspected until the problem is fixed. Some potential ways for air to enter the exhaust sample include:

leaks, holes or disconnected components in the engine's exhaust system
engine idle speeds set below the manufacturers' specifications
large exhaust systems that are bigger than what the vehicle normally requires
misfiring cylinders including lack of spark; incorrect air/fuel mixture
mechanical engine problems such as worn rings, deficient valve operation, defective valves, loose cylinder head bolts or a blown head gasket
These repairs, while required to be addressed prior to an actual test, do not count toward obtaining a waiver. Sample dilution repair costs do not apply because waiver expenditures, a minimum of $660, must be spent on emissions-related repairs conducted between the first and second tests. Since vehicles rejected for sample dilutions are not actually tested, they cannot be declared to have passed or failed a test.

 

jeez... i hope i don't get rejected. i have a 4-1 header, high flowcat, and 2.25 thermal. i wonder if the intake will also play a role in this sample dilution test.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by broncoman74 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
A rejected vehicle cannot be inspected until the problem is fixed. Some potential ways for air to enter the exhaust sample include:

leaks, holes or disconnected components in the engine's exhaust system
engine idle speeds set below the manufacturers' specifications
large exhaust systems that are bigger than what the vehicle normally requires
misfiring cylinders including lack of spark; incorrect air/fuel mixture
mechanical engine problems such as worn rings, deficient valve operation, defective valves, loose cylinder head bolts or a blown head gasket
These repairs, while required to be addressed prior to an actual test, do not count toward obtaining a waiver. Sample dilution repair costs do not apply because waiver expenditures, a minimum of $660, must be spent on emissions-related repairs conducted between the first and second tests. Since vehicles rejected for sample dilutions are not actually tested, they cannot be declared to have passed or failed a test. </TD></TR></TABLE>

that just sounds like a large pain in the ***. alot of the cars i see coming into my station won't pass this at all. i think the state is just trying to get rid of all the busted up broke *** cars in the state. and what better way to do that than have this test before the actual test, and then not let you take the test because you need to get a new motor because you have bad rings and a leaking head gasket. seems kinda overboard doesn't it.

 

we have similiar testing and specs in MA and if you find the right shop, you'll be fine. you just need to find the place that cares a little less than some others.

 

Yeah I think that you both will be fine with the 2" and 2.25" exhaust I would say even all the way up to 3" would be OK? I think not positive on this but I think what that is for is for people with the big ol fart cans and their 4-6" tips so their equipment wont fit over the tail pipe so if it doesnt fit over it they would have to put it inside of it which would cause more air to be present since it will be sucking in the outside air. Unless of course your facilities over there use the "sniffer" which is just a skinny little rod that they stick in the tail pipe to test the emmisions?? Than I dont know what would be considered "too big"??

 

I wouldn't worry about this at least for a little while...all of the motor vehicle inspection sites are closed for good. Instead the state gov't amid their budget crisis (which isn't helped by governor ******** -ahem-...sorry, Roland) is looking to have local garages and dealerships take care of emmisions testing, but that program won't take effect for a couple years at least, and certainly not until they come up with a friggin budget.

Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. =

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by highhopes &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I wouldn't worry about this at least for a little while...all of the motor vehicle inspection sites are closed for good, but that program won't take effect for a couple years at least.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I received in the mail a notice that says the emmisions at local garages will be opening in September or October and you can actually check when your test date is starting August 22, 2003 at the CT emissions website.