catalytic converter?

[SnowSlide]

I'm trying to read through the vehicle inspection standards for Canada, and I found this:

http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/cvse/vehicle_in ... hicles.pdf

it implies that a catalytic converter is required. I'm not sure if this applies, however, to vehicles 15 years old or older.

First of all, do the 89-91 model years have catalytic converters?

Second, does this even matter for importing to Canada?

thanks!

[mark]

Hi Snowslide -- welcome to the forum!

My mechanical know-how is limited. However, as far as I know, Delicas do not have catalytic converters (most seem to be diesels, and I'm not sure that catalytic converters even apply to diesel - please correct me if I'm wrong on this point)...

The issue in that notice that that seems to have caused importers some grief over the last year has been lights. In the notice that you linked to, it says that DOT markings must be present
http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/cvse/vehicle_in ... hicles.pdf

Most Japanese Domestic Model vehicles will not have DOT markings on all lights (a strict interpretation of that notice seems to refer to ALL lights -- not just headlights). Similarly, seatbelts are designed to conform to Japanese standards (and will not have DOT certification either).

This said, I haven't personally heard of any vehicles being denied entry to Canada on account of these technical points. Does anyone else have experience with this?

Cheers,
Mark

[SnowSlide]

thanks Mark-

diesel engines can have catalytic converters (slightly different than gas usually):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalytic_ ... el_Engines
though it's still not clear whether Delicas (perhaps more likely in recent years) have them

as for the lights and seatbelts, I would hope that those wouldn't be the sticking point that would prevent entry of an import. I hope...

[Green1]

Wayne at Luxury Imports told me that the Delicas with the molded headlights can no longer be imported in to Canada as the headlights can not be made to meet the requirments... other importers don't seem to think it's an issue... I'm not sure what to think... I hardly want to import a $10,000 vehicle and be stuck unable to register it due to the headlights... on the other hand, if it really isnt' an issue, the molded headlight vehicles look much nicer than the other style (which looks rather dated...)

(Luxury Imports has imported vehicles with the molded headlights in the past, but says that transport canada has now started to crack down on this, and that they will no longer bring in those vehicles)

[SnowSlide]

I just spoke with an importer today about exactly this issue. He says that he orders replacement molded headlights from Taiwan that have the European code on them (E1, E4, and maybe E9 he said? rather than the SAE or DOT labels) that Transport Canada has decided to accept. I'm not sure if this is something that is available at the retail level, but I'm going to look around.

All of the glass on the 1990 L300 Super Exceed that I looked at today had DOT and/or A1 markings on them, so they are acceptable.

The other issues that this importer mentioned were related to reflectors- placement and color. It sounds like he has to stick some reflectors on the sides of the van near the front and back in order to pass.

I forgot to ask about daytime running lights, but I'm pretty sure these need to be installed. That's not a big problem, though.

This guy also said, however, that some "guys" (presumably the individual inspectors in auto shops) will still pass these Delicas without these modifications. So I think it depends a lot on which individual shop you are dealing with and how strictly they are interpreting the regulations.

I'm going to start calling around Vancouver for some shops that have seen
Delicas recently, and see if anyone can give me more info.

I just want to pay for a Delica and get it on a boat!!!! I'm really stressing out about the tightening of inspection regulations here in Canada
:(

[SnowSlide]

oh, there needs to be a middle brake light on the back window as well.

and I think the importer said that the catalytic converter rule doesn't apply to diesel engines. I'm not quite sure I entirely understood him on this one, but I think that's what he meant.

[lost1]

Last year I imported my Delica myself. I wanted the one with the molded headlights (sept 1990 and beyond). Getting the Delica certified in Quebec was a bit of a joke. No one mentioned anything about lights other than if they worked or not. No questions about the RHD or anything of the sort. I also didn`t have issues certifying a motorcycle from Australia. I believe I was given the checklist for all the requirements, I can try and scan it if anyone is interested (its in French).

lost 1

[delicanuck]

Hi,
I was curious about this myself, particularly with respect to the impact of biodiesel on AirCare results. I emailed someone at aircare and asked. Much of the reply won't address the issue of catalytic converters in general but there are a few points you'll be interested in. Here's what they said:


Thank you for your question about biodiesel. The purpose of testing vehicles at AirCare is to identify the ones that have developed emission-related defects due to component failure, lack of maintenance, deliberate tampering with engine settings or hardware, and/ or other causes. The idea is to require that these vehicles be restored to their proper operating condition as defined by the manufacturer, since manufacturers must demonstrate compliance with applicable federal emission standards prior to being able to sell their vehicles in Canada. Therefore, when set to the manufacturer's specifications, with all of the emission control hardware in place and functioning normally, we can be reasonably confident that any vehicle complies with the standards to which it was built.

Biodiesel is claimed to bring about a reduction in particulate emissions (PM) but it generally results in a slight increase in oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions. Provided that your diesel vehicle is operating normally, it is unlikely that the effect of biodiesel would be evident in an AirCare test. AirCare testing of diesel vehicles is based on the measurement of smoke density (or opacity) on the premise that excessive smoke emissions from a diesel engine are indicative of a fault. Current diesel engines produce opacity levels of less than 10% peak on our AirCare test cycle compared to a maximum of 30%. The use of biodiesel would only be expected to reduce the opacity result, giving an even greater passing margin.

You did not give any details about your vehicle, but it likely is fitted with an oxidation catalytic converter. This type is sometimes referred to as a two-way converter since it treats both total hydrocarbons (THC) and carbon monoxide (CO). Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOC's) are compatible with biodiesel and levels of THC and CO entering the converter will be roughly the same whether using biodiesel or petroleum diesel. I would not anticipate any problems with the converter when using biodiesel.
The control of NOx emissions on current diesel is achieved by exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and controlling peak combustion temperature by profiling the fuel injection. Work is being done on lean NOx catalysts for diesels and these may appear later this decade.

One of the chief advantages of biodiesel is that it is made from renewable resources and therefore, the carbon dioxide emitted when burning it in your vehicle can be recycled in the growing of the canola or soy that is used to make it. There are no real downsides to using biodiesel, particularly from an AirCare perspective. You might want to check with your vehicle's manufacturer on the status of your warranty as some manufacturers limit the percentage of biodiesel to 5% (B5), but B20 seems to cause no problems for most users.

OK well, I think he likes biodiesel.
He says "Diesel engines are tested for exhaust opacity" but I'm not 100% certain that they don't also test for content, as with gasoline powered cars. I think I might ask that question and some others. I have an '89 with original pipes and it does not have a catalytic converter. I think that what I should do is drive it through Air Care when the time comes and if required to, I'll go get a diesel oxidation catalyst can. The dealer I bought the car from says that in fact, it will probably just pass. Others of his cars do regularly.

[hutch]

On catalytic converters, diesels do have 'em but yes, they're different. in 2007 all road diesels will have to have and off road diesels have to comply by 2010. This is problematic for some engine manufacturers requiring a different engine oil since normal oil of today will impact the converter and causing them to have to be replaced. Oil companies are adjusting now with newer oil types for these requirements.
So, no you don't have to worry about your /91 or older Delicas but then again I haven't mentioned sulphur/lubricity levels in the diesel fuels which is another story!!
hutch

[josh]

Hutch,

Maybe we should get into the topic of sulphur/lubricity. I mean it is something that is going to effect us all. I was wondering if it is a good idea to add some sort of sulphur additive to the tank when I fuel up.

Anyone have any suggestions? How does the drastic lowering of the sulphur content in Diesel effect the Delica's pumps and what-not? Anyone finding it a problem yet?

Just concerned

Josh.

[Breadman]

i've read on the uk site that by adding a litre of veggie oil to every tank helps. i also ran injector cleaner through mine when i first got it. when my muffler went on my 91 i had speedy make a new and exit the side instead of the back, more room for a trailer hitch. there was no converter on my system.
paul

[fexlboi]

I'm wondering if anybody has installed a catalytic converter yet? Speaks there anything against it?
Thinking of getting this one http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MPE-94006D/ for our new exhaust...

[audi4life20v]

I wouldnt reccomend installing a CAT in your Delica's. SImple for the fact that mitsubishi didn't have one stock so the increased backpressure may result in slower spool times if not reduced performance. And from what I hear the L300's could use all the help they need for highway travel.

In alberta at least we dont have emmisions testing but do require that the exhasut is generally the same as the manufacture's intent and must vent harmfull emiisions away from cabin of vehicle bla bla bla.

So basiclly its gotta have a muffler to make it quiet and thats about it. UNless your car came wiht a cat then you need one. Unless you've already ahd your Delica inspected then remove it.

Now in alberta it is illigal to remove all of that but as long as it seems to have all of that while looking at it its fine. I hollowed out my CAT on my Audi and have had no issues with the law - one incident where I removed the muffler in favor of a stright pipe.... but thats a long story


Just dont install a cat on your deli as I fear spool issues and power reduction.