I want to follow the laws, but not spend so much. Possible?

[greglovescng]

I read that the EPA restrictions aren't in force for 1993 and earlier cars. Since I can't afford a newer nicer approved cng car, can I just bypass the EPA, get a '93 Honda Accord with less that 100,000 miles on it, and get a conversion kit from somewhere (like ********.com) with a safe filament wound composite tank and call it a day.

In the Utah forum, they said the service stations are going to stop passing cng cars for the emissions test unless they have the EPA/CARB certifications. Does that mean they won't pass my '93 Accord or whatever?

If it's not 1993, what year is it? What do I need to do to prove that it is not under regulations? Anyone know the reference where I can get this info?

[afvman]

Re: I want to follow the laws, but not spend so much. Possible?

Hello Greg,

The short answer is YES (prior to 1993=OK).

The long answer can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/cert/dearmfr/cisd0602.pdf

But the relavant portion of that document titled, "Updated Certification Guidance for Alternative Fuel Converters" is question #5...

5. What model year standards apply to converted vehicles?

Ans.
The applicable standards are discussed in 40 CFR 85.504.
Model year (MY) 1993 and newer model year vehicles must meet the standards applicable at the time the vehicle was originally certified by EPA. For example, a 1996 MY vehicle converted to alternative fuel usage in the 2002 calendar year must meet the applicable 1996 MY standards.
MY 1992 and earlier vehicles must meet the Tier 0 standards for hydrocarbon, and the CO, NOx, particulate, and evaporative emission standards applicable at the time the vehicle was originally certified by EPA.

(For further information see: Addendum to Mobile Source Enforcement Memorandum 1A: Tampering Enforcement Policy for Alternative Fuel Aftermarket Conversions, dated September 4, 1997 and subsequent revisions, and certification regulations and applicable standards set forth at 40 CFR Parts 85 though 88.)

Hope this helps???

afvman/Bill

[greglovescng]

Re: I want to follow the laws, but not spend so much. Possible?

Hey, that is great. Thank you for the response.

I also talked to an employee from Natural Gas Vehicles for America (ngvamerica.org) and he said that the typical EPA regulations don't apply to vehicles 10 years or older, or that have 120,000 miles or more.

Better stated, that vehicles in this description don't require the stricter EPA/Carb regulations, and only need to provide some sort of evidence that the emissions are not worsened after the kit is applied. He is finding the EPA language for me that states this, and I am also trying to get a hold of the EPA rep for the West Region to verify.

[younkin]

Re: I want to follow the laws, but not spend so much. Possible?

Doesn't this Law http://www.epa.gov/otaq/cert/dearmfr/cisd0602.pdf
apply to Fleets or resellers that sell to the public?
Does this law apply to an individual who converts his own car to CNG?
Also I didn't see why an OBDII car couldn't pass emissions and be able to be licensed on a CNG Conversion if all the readiness codes are set and the MIL light isn't on?
Jim

[midijeep]

Re: I want to follow the laws, but not spend so much. Possible?

Any verification? I am trying to figure out what I can and can't do. I have a 2003 Dodge dakota and I would like to legally put a conversion kit on it. At this stage I am totally confused on what I can and can't do.

Hey, that is great. Thank you for the response.

I also talked to an employee from Natural Gas Vehicles for America (ngvamerica.org) and he said that the typical EPA regulations don't apply to vehicles 10 years or older, or that have 120,000 miles or more.

Better stated, that vehicles in this description don't require the stricter EPA/Carb regulations, and only need to provide some sort of evidence that the emissions are not worsened after the kit is applied. He is finding the EPA language for me that states this, and I am also trying to get a hold of the EPA rep for the West Region to verify.

[Big Gus]

Re: I want to follow the laws, but not spend so much. Possible?

I bumped this up as it pertains to my question also... 10 yaers old or over 120K miles and the it is Exempt from EPA?

[bakaroma]

Re: I want to follow the laws, but not spend so much. Possible?

I hold you are way better off buying a factory installed system like an older model cavalier. You will spend less and probably have fewer miles on the car. Unless you absolutley love your car it is worth considering. I have 02Cavaliers available from a buyer for $6,500 with about 100k miles. The seller back east has sent about 10 out here and they have all been great cars for my friends and co-workers.