Hey guys,

Holland calling. Please read on, I'm in big trouble here.

My pride and glory is a '96 Ram 2500 longbed with a fat Cummins Diesel. I love the black beast.
Which is why I bought it in Nevada early this year, and had it shipped to Holland, where I live.

Now I can't drive it. Can't get it smogged here.
According to the authorities, the NOx-level (2.05) is way over their limit.
And this is a truck that passed California smog checks!

I don't have a clue what NOx is. All I know is the truck runs great, no smoke. But these bureaucrats are now presenting me with the choice of
a) scrapping the truck
b) shipping it back to the States.

I'm tearing my hair out and demand a re-test, of course.

Before I ask for one - do any of you know how I can get this NOX-level down?

 

What condition is your exhaust system in? Is it the stock exhaust?

 

Im not sure on this, but im thinking maybe you could click the starwheel back away from thge engine to make it rev slow for the test, and then click it back to where it was when its done bieng smog tested? I dont know much about this either, but it could be worth a try. Does it blow any black smoke at all? This is a tough one. Maybe a good cattalyetic converter, and muffler would help too, but they might be a little expensive. Good luck.

Eric

 

Appreciate the creative input, Eric, thanks.!

And Palmetto Kid, I think it's the standard exhaust. Soot level is no problem in the test, and it does not blow smoke. Not even with a cold start.
Any ideas?

 

Found a couple pages on reducing NOx emissions, and they all lean towards catalytic converters, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) or Cool air intake.

Sounds like your catalytic converter is clogged, used up, or missing entirely.

If this was a California Emissions vehicle, it probably has an EGR valve as well, and it could be bad.

Another method of reducing NOx is having cooler intake air.
You might look into an aftermarket intake system that pulls air from outside the engine compartment.

NOx really doesn't have any relation to soot or smoke.


phox

Oh, your vehicle is a truck, calling it a "car" is hurting it's feelings

 

Ehh, Phox, this is way over my head. Plus, there aren't many of these truc...xxx cars around here - just so I explain it correctly to the mechanic: what's this EGR valve?

Thanks,
Cap.

 

I vote for the catalytic converter. They are now standard on 2004.5 Ram diesels and you could probably order one over the internet or call a U.S. Dodge dealer. Once it arrives have a muffler shop install it. That will most likely solve your problem.

The 2004.5 models don't have the EGR valve so I'd put that on the bottom of your "fix it" list.

Apparently Dodge/Cummins also messed with the injection timing and added a 3rd injection event to reduce the NOx levels. I'm sure getting your computer reporgrammed in Holland will be next to impossible but if the catalytic coverter doesn't solve your problem you might consider chasing this route.

Good luck! Must be very cool driving around the best truck we have to offer.

 

The catalytic converter was used from '95 to '98 to reduce NOx.
If you bought the truck used it may have been removed, replace it.
If the truck has more than 60k miles the converter may be plugged, replace it.
You should be able to get the NOx down with just a cat.

 

I barely get how it works, let alone the specifics, don't think I could explain it.

As said above, the Catalytic converter will most likey get the levels down to where they'll pass you.


phox

 

If your truck came from California, there will be a pipe about 30 mm in diameter going across the top of the engine from the exhaust manifold to the intake elbow. That's the EGR pipe. If your truck has EGR, you should pass NOx emissions no problem unless there's a problem with the EGR system. If you don't have EGR on the truck, try replacing the catalytic converter first. If it still fails, get an EGR system installed. You should have the timing checked, advanced timing will cause high NOx.

 

If I remember right EGR valve is vacum operated vavle that allow exaust gas to flow into the intake in be reburned thus lowering NOx levels.I do not have a truck book to tell me if yours has one.

 

Applause. Help from just about every state, that's great.
I'll pass it on, hope it'll pass with a converter.
Thanks!

 

Also if the timing has been advanced beyond the number stated on the engine data plate the NOx will be higher.

 

what handymantim
said does not pertain to you yours is a 96 and there were no computers for the engine on those.I would say cat to start with too if you can't get ahold of one let me know and I will check a couple places for you. good luck

 

What about putting in a little "throttle stop" so that they can't rev it too high. I don't know how much of an effect this will have, but the less fuel, the less NOx I would think. After the test you can take it out. Just a thought............