Hi guys, I did a quick search and didnt find anything about this new standard for our trucks. Im sure some of you have already found out what I'm about to report. I went to get my etest today and found out that the shop couldnt do it. The VIN wasnt in their system. This hasnt been a problem in the past, but I guess the whole program has changed. I went to Service Ontario, and they told me to contact Drive Clean Ontario. After talking with them they said I need to apply for Grey Market status for my Sambar before I can do the test. The whole process will take about a week she said after I fill in the paperwork that they email me. I have no problem with this, but it was a little frustrating to have to go through this whole process without any warning from the MTO. I guess it shouldnt really surprise me given its a government program, but I little info would have been nice. They have records of our vehicles and could have sent some sort of notice with all the other renewal paperwork. Or even the place I bought it from could have notified their customers as a courtesy. I guess thats enough ranting for now. Hopefully the application goes fine and Ill be back in business soon. Ryan
Let us know how it works out... I work for the Government and I KNOW that in Ontario most new policy is created by someone who has no clue what they are doing. Register a previously registered vehicle as "grey market" sounds fishy..one of those phrases that puts fear into peoples minds when they see it on a used vehicle listing. Wouldn't you think twice about buying a "grey market " car ? Unreal that this is their only solution. If that is what needs to be done to comply,let us know how the process goes if you can. Thanks
Ill keep posting as things progress. The woman I spoke with at Drive Clean said that it should be pretty straight forward. I'm also a government employee and its baffling to see how some things work and get approved and just the length of time everything takes. I also must add that I have a good job and am very grateful for it. One positive note may be that she said the etest standard that the truck will have to pass will be easier. She mentioned that they raise the levels allowed or something. Of course Ill know more when I get these forms and take the test. Later. Ryan
Update I successfully passed the new etest procedure now. Drive Clean email the Grey Market Status Form and then after I filled it out and emailed it back, it takes 5 days for them to call you to tell you if you successfully meet the Grey Market criteria. So I went today to get the test done. Ran into a little snag at the first shop I went to. They were unable to do the "two stage" etest. Since the new changes have been made, not all shops have the machine to do the two stage test. From what I was told, that machine costs about 4 grand more than the standard machine and since there arent that many old cars on the road, many opt not to pay the extra cash. I called around to about 6 places and the 6th was able to do it. Tire Co. My Sambar passed without any problems. Im not sure what the old standards were, but here is what is needed to pass now: 2500 RPM Limits: HC(ppm) - 600 CO(%) - 5 The same limits are required for the Idle Test. I was under the limit without a problem on each test. Hopefully this helps a few people with the new procedure. Ill include a copy of the Grey Market Status form, but you wont be able to use it, and you cant find the form on the Drive Clean website. The only way to get it is to call them and have them email it to you with your Case ID#. Good luck everyone. View attachment 13087 Ryan
Oh the joys of being unusual. Oh well, at least they raised the limits... not that my truck came anywhere close on it's last two E-Tests.
My truck failed miserably yesterday... the two previous test papers I have, it did amazing, like too good to be true amazing. So I've ordered everything I believe I can that will help. And will tune it to hopefully pass... in the mean time, I'll get started on the Grey Market application. My neighbour just had his Sambar setup for the Grey Market test too.
Still failed after new parts... 774 HC at idle. Going to have to go back and adjust the carb with the mechanic, hope I can get it to pass. Also my mixture screw appears to do absolutely nothing.
Passed today, 364 HC at 2500 RPM. It's all about carb adjustment...and I'm certain the Seafoam I tried, helped a bit too. Oh, airbox lid off too.... need the little guy to breathe better... installing a Catalytic convertor really chokes up the exhaust, so getting more air into the intake helps a lot.
My subaru failed the etest last year so i got a conditional pass. The truck has a new engine so i figured a new carb was in order. She runs really nice now and i feel like i gained a few horses. I have no concerns about passing next time.
Well its been another 2 years and just had another etest today. She passed but it was close! The mechanic said the truck must have "hot rod status" to be allowed to pass with the emissions it had. At least the pressure is off for another couple years. The truck has been amazing. I cant believe I have had it for nearly 5 years now and it has been virtually trouble free. Regular oil and coolant changes along with general maintenance works wonders.
