1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.

EPA to effeectively halt importation of mini-truck

Discussion in 'EPA Regulations' started by Krakatoa, Oct 17, 2008.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. Mighty Milt

    Mighty Milt Active Member

    that was actually a common practice by dodge, chevy and ford starting in the 70's and continued well into the 90's? they were called "smog pumps" and it was an air pump that was plumbed into the exhaust manifolds by each cylinder. i'm working on an 89 lincoln mark VII with a buddy of mine right now and it's hard to find that smog pump. they had a high failure rate because they were oil less air pumps... and since they weren't a closed system like an a/c pump with a lubricant in them they dried up and seized A LOT. it's honestly a BS approach to it, but it just goes to show how narrow minded they can be... your car isn't polluting any less, but it's "cleaner" at the tail pipe, so it's good.
     
  2. myazel

    myazel Member

    I think if you do a littel research the "air pump" actually added oxygen downstream to complete combustion in the hot gases not to dilute the exhaust.
     
  3. canadian1

    canadian1 Member

    boosted

    are you certifying for on or off road use?
     
  4. canadian1

    canadian1 Member

    first hand knowledge

    i think you would argue with a brick wall. i've had 3 go to the shredder and i know from by broker that another importer had 3 containers go to the shredder. also to the person that said it won't happen in the u.s. this was in the u.s.
     
  5. canadian1

    canadian1 Member

    p.s.

    if this is what you think than where do you think it would go from impound?
     
  6. dmerc

    dmerc Member

    At import, that could be possible. But,you previously stated that if caught on the road,we would be fined 30k, and the truck shredded. THAT, will NOT happen. I'm not saying I won't get a ticket, but that's it.
    This is STILL America! Not like it was when I grew up, but still bearable.
     
    Last edited: Oct 27, 2008
  7. canadian1

    canadian1 Member

    dmerc

    i don't want to argue this and the amount of fine my change but if the trucks are ruled illegal by d.o.t. and e.p.a do you think they are mearly going to give you a ticket and let you continue on? they will confiscate the trk. because it is illegal and it will not go to impound because it can not be sold at auction because it is illegal. it has to be destroyed. check it out
     
  8. dmerc

    dmerc Member

    They're already illegal here. I sympathize with all the Dealers, but NOBODY is taking my truck.....nobody! Are farm vehicles inspected by the EPA?
     
  9. jtpc

    jtpc Member

    Let's not argue about circumstantial what-ifs and scenarios.
    This thread is becoming less and less informative with each rabbit-trail.
    Lets save the posts for those with the latest news from a representative, dealer, epa official, document, etc.
    :) It might work better that way.
     
  10. BIG DADDY

    BIG DADDY New Member

    WERE DID YOUR TRUCK CLEAR CUSTOMS AT.
     
  11. canadian1

    canadian1 Member

    dmerc

    the trks. cannot be classified as a farm vehicle. sorry
     
  12. canadian1

    canadian1 Member

    customs

    tacoma,wa.
     
  13. BIG DADDY

    BIG DADDY New Member

    Yea They Say It Is Bad Up Their
     
  14. sf46

    sf46 New Member

    So how does all of this pertain to someone who wants one of these trucks for ON ROAD use since they are now legal to be registered & licensed in Louisiana, Oklahoma, etc.?
     
  15. boosted mitsu

    boosted mitsu Member

    ok, first of all some one said that the mini trucks are illegal here in the U.S. now.
    that is not true.
    i also read that the EPA will allow the mini trucks into the U.S. any longer.
    that is also not true.
    someone also said that if caught their mini will go to the shredder....
    that..... i can't say...but i doubt it.

    i spoke with the EPA this morning and they have clarified the situation.
    all trucks imported will have to have 2008 engine certifications. this is regardless of year of the truck and model. this will have to be done to each truck imported. not per make and model year. ( i thought this part was total BS)

    trucks that are 6 years or older do not have to go through standard engine certification processes. they must go through a MOD test option.

    certifications can only be done by an I.C.I . they are expensive but can be negotiated with.

    i rented a trailer today and took a mini over to the I.C.I. for inspection to see what the process was and what needed to be done.
    this is what they said i need/recommended to pass and get certified.

    1) new 3 way cat weld or bolted in closer to the exhaust manifold - they said this is a must but i will confirm with EPA in the morning

    2) crack free exhaust system - the one i brought down turned out to have a small crack on the exhaust system. they will not pass it with cracks or rust holes.

    3) new spark plugs - this was highly recommended to insure that the truck would pass.


    i have also confirmed with EPA that any truck sold before the december 8 deadline will not be subject to the new regulations. ( i think that was obvious though)

    i will confirm all of my info again tomorrow with EPA.

    once certified this will help some register thier vehicles in their state. it will NOT make them road legal. these will still be considered non-road use vehicles.

    they are making it difficult but it is not impossible and I dont think it will turn out to be that expensive.

    hope this helps some.

    i think once we can clear this leg it will get a little easier to get these in and registered.
     
  16. BIG DADDY

    BIG DADDY New Member

    I DONT KNOW HOW IT PERTAINS TO THEM. I KNOW THAT IT IS VERY HARD TO GET TRUCKS CLEARED THROUGH CUSTOMS IN Tacoma,Wa. I THINK THAT EVEYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO HAVE ONE OF THESE TRUCK TO DRIVE ON THE ROAD NEEDS TO CHILL OUT AND LET ALL THIS STINK CLAM DOWN BEFORE PUSHING THE ISSUE. I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE ONE TO RUN BACK AND FORTH FEED COWS AND HORSES, BUT IM NOT GOING TO PUSH THE ISSUE JUST YET. BUT I WILL TELL YOU ONE THING IF I LIVED IN A TOWN THAT HAD MORE THAN 7000 PEOPLE IN IT I WOULD NOT DRIVE ONE OF THESE TRUCKS ON THE ROAD. JUST MY OPINION
     
  17. kl7jw

    kl7jw New Member

    Here's another manufacturer (about 40 miles from where I live) that probably is in on stopping the imports:

    http://www.tigertruck.com/

    John Hart
    94 Daihatsu
     
  18. canadian1

    canadian1 Member

    legal

    they won't be for long
     
  19. danish

    danish Member

    Boosted, your post has made the most sense out of all the posts today and to help clarify this situation. Thanks...
     
  20. canadian1

    canadian1 Member

    import

    not just at the ports but anywhere. e.p.a. d.o.t. usda. ect. write the rules and customs is paid to enforce them. customs is a policing agency. before my trks. were destroyed customs phoned e.p.a. to get verification. it can happen anywhere
     
  21. dmerc

    dmerc Member

    "Here", meaning Ohio, they ARE illegal (for road use) here!! .....I didn't mean for import.
     
  22. canadian1

    canadian1 Member

    not legal

    that is the key: THEY WILL NOT BE STREET LEGAL.
     
  23. Rural

    Rural Member

    Some folk really have to relax and have a homebrew. I can't wait to come back in a few months, look through the statements and predictions on this thread, and decide for myself who has any credibility.

    But it's good to see some talk of organization. I'm surprised American dealers haven't banded together earlier. Organize and have another homebrew.
     
    jtpc likes this.
  24. boosted mitsu

    boosted mitsu Member


    i'm having a brew right now :)
    ....and some ice cream.
     
  25. gregw98

    gregw98 Member

    Is it to be illegal to own a KEI truck or to just drive it. Can't you own a machine gun, as long as it is not an actual working gun? I may have asked this before, but is the EPA going to start collecting powerboats and NASCAR race cars and all other vehicles that do not meet EPA standards. Like a lot of farm equipment and most chainsaws and weedeaters. Do our trucks pollute more than a 2 stroke dirt bike? Where will it start and where will it end?
     
  26. It's probably the Polaris / Gator / Rhino , dealers , worried because we have better/cheaper product, and we are cutting into there proffit, its not who you know , but who you _ _ _ _ , I guess they know someone in high places we dont!
     
  27. dmerc

    dmerc Member

    Convert to electric, then the EPA can get screwed!:D

    EDIT: Or, an easier,cheaper solution: Wouldn't a propane conversion be "EPA proof" ?? I saw a complete kit (less tank) for a Samurai, for $650
     
    Last edited: Oct 28, 2008
  28. mc22958

    mc22958 New Member

    The large success of the Kia truck has brought it into the spotlight. The trucks are now on the "hot" list for those who check on what is being imported into the States. We will now have to follow the rules as they, EPA and DOT, see it.
    You can still bring a KIA truck into the states as long as you meet the guidelines of how you are classifying it. If you are bringing it in as a UTV then I expect that you will have to follow the rules pertaining to them. If you are bringing it in as a vehicle then you will have to follow those guidelines, (which will be extremely expensive to do).

    The bottom line, as I see it, is we will be able to keep bringing them in as a UTV, but must bring them to be EPA compliant. We may also have to bring them compliant with the 25MPH rule if you want to use them on the street. I do not believe that you will ever be able to use them on Federal highways if they are brought in as a UTV unless the rules are changed.:frustration:
     
  29. TRAX and HORNS

    TRAX and HORNS Well-Known Member

    I posted in "mini truck spotting" some time ago that the city of Temple,Tx had a Vantage truck(I assume they have more than one) running around town reading water meters. It had a ladder rack, with tool boxes on each side of bed, and Texas exempt plates. This morning I took my wife to work(I am such a nice guy)and saw at least 6 utv's pulling out of the maint. building, driving down the street going to fill work orders at The University Of Texas. The UTV's were kaw. mules(gas), tiger trucks(gas), and a electric trucks. All running on city owned Austin streets. The only thing they had on the back was a orange triangle. I also live next door to the Dept. of Public Safety (Texas Highway Patrol Headquarters), the complex takes up about 10 acres just north of down town(Austin). They have a few buildings down the street from the main complex and I see on a daily bases kaw. mules driving down the city owned streets doing lawn maint. and taking what it looks like office materials from building to building. I really dont care to make these mini trucks legal but my point is whats good for the goose is good for the gander. I have personally emailed 2 Texas State Reps. (one owns a mini truck)and have mentioned what the EPA is doing. Hopefully the message will be heard.
    As I posted earlier the EPA is going after everything that burns any type of fuel not just mini trucks. Your state REP. emails are all on line.
    May the force be with us.
    Terry
     
  30. canadian1

    canadian1 Member

    D.o.t.

    NO;this would not satisfy the D.O.T. we are forgetting that the D.O.T. is involved in this also. just because a trk. may to able to pass a emissions test will not make them street legal.
     
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.

Share This Page