When cars and trucks get older, they develop different problems that require our attention. According to emission systems, you will have to worry about catalytic converters, DPFs, and other units that are obviously not eternal. When a cat converter or a DPF filter start causing problems, the natural solution is to delete them. But will a truck with a deleted DPF or cat converter pass the emission test?
In this article, we'll tell you whether it's possible for a deleted truck to pass the inspection and how you can do it with minimum investment. Unfortunately, in most cases, you won't get any good news here because the emission control laws have become much stricter now. But let's see what you can do.
Why is your truck deleted?
If your pickup truck or semi truck has the deleted catalytic converter or DPF filter, it means the vehicle has a lot of miles on it. Usually, these parts live from 150,000 to 200,000 miles and only then start causing some problems.
People tend to delete these emissions units when engines can't breathe anymore. So, the air circulation is blocked in the exhaust system because of the clogged exhaust gas filter. The legal way is to replace one catalytic converter with another. But in most cases, it's very expensive, so people just delete these cat converters or DPFs and keep driving.
Unfortunately, it's not legal in most states, so you will have to pass the emission test and show that all equipment is in its place and working properly. If not, you aren't going to be allowed to drive your truck on public roads. And this is not exactly what you want.
What about EGR deletion?
If you delete catalytic converters and DPFs, you aren't likely to pass the inspection in your truck, no matter if it is used for personal purposes or for commercial ones. But what about the EGR? In most cases, your personal pickup truck will pass the inspection with no problems because inspectors won't check the presence of the EGR equipment. They will just rely on emission test results which aren't going to be changed much.
But commercial trucks are a different thing. If you have a semi truck with a deleted EGR, you are likely to fail to get the emission test approval. Inspectors will check the exhaust system and see whether it was modified or not. If something in the system doesn't seem to be like it should be, the inspector will never approve your truck for further driving.
How can you get the deleted truck through the emission test?
Well, as we've told you before, different states will have different emission rules, so you may try and get your certificate in the other state. Also, you may try going to a different inspection in a different place in your state.
The emission inspection is a very individual thing, so one inspector can reject your truck while some other guy will close their eyes and allow you to drive the vehicle for one more year. We've heard that people in different states manage to get through the inspection with deleted converters, EGRs, and DPFs.
Of course, you should also understand that you may have to pay a fine for modifying the exhaust system in your truck in an illegal way. This is not going to be cheap, by the way.
The only legal way to get the deleted truck through an emission test
So, the only good thing you can do is to get the truck back to its original condition. If you just look at the prices of all those catalytic converters, DPF filters, and EGR valves, you'll be shocked. But you can always find some aftermarket solutions.
For example, an OEM cat converter for your truck may cost $2,000 or even more but one of the aftermarket options will cost $250. Yes, it will live a much shorter life than the OEM part, but it can let you pass the fog test and get your truck legally on the road.
In most cases, you can restore the exhaust system of your vehicle quite cheaply. You should also know that not all aftermarket converters and DPFs will be good and will save you from penalties during the inspection. So, you should pay attention to feedbacks from other buyers when you are choosing the best exhaust equipment for your truck.
Unfortunately, we don't know any other way to get your vehicle back on the road legally. Restoring the exhaust system seems like the best idea. But if you have a private truck and no EGR in it, just don't worry - these trucks will easily pass the fog test in most states.
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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