Pennsylvania inspection of a real *bomb* lol

Pennsylvania inspection of a real bomb lol

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Chris - 21 Feb 2007 15:56 GMT

I have a '90 LeBaron w/the following issues:

1) needs struts/shocks

2) needs radiator

3) burns oil, particularly when idling, was told needs valve stem
seals replaced

4) steering wheel wobbles when driving 20-35 mph (most pronounced
there anyway).

hole in catalytic converter *intentional*. While driving on rte.80
over a year ago, it wouldn't take to hills very well (would overheat),
apparently due to clogged cat from leaking oil. I needed to drive
another ~150 miles, so my guess was punching a hole in the cat would
relieve the pressure.

After I got it home from that trip, it had a number of electrical
problems, so I left it alone until recently. Runs fine, but has the
above issues.

So my question is how much of this can I *get away with*, w/o dumping
too much money into an old beater. I certainly am not replacing the
cat, cuz it'll just bite the dust once more when that oil gets to it
(I figure for inspections sake, I could patch it w/epoxy putty or
something). PA is a bit more of a pain then NY/NJ, so I'm looking to
hear from someone who's been through it.

And I do live in a county where only a safety inspection is required.

I figured right off I could get away w/1 and 4, being they're not
going to take it for a test drive. If I leave the heat on (obviously a
problem in the summer), the radiator gets depleted ~1 quart over
several days to a week I guess, so no big issue there. And since
they're not going to be running it, the smoking/oil leaking won't be
apparent. Thanks in advance for the help.

If it makes any difference, I'll be having the thing looked at in the
Philly area.

Reply to this Message

cuhulin@webtv.net - 21 Feb 2007 16:30 GMT

I know a guy (via emailing) who lives in Philadelphia,Penns
Woods.According to him about autos,you can't ''get away'' with anything
in Penns Woods.
cuhulin

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dahpater@yahoo.com - 21 Feb 2007 18:36 GMT

> I have a '90 LeBaron w/the following issues:
>
[quoted text clipped - 36 lines]
> If it makes any difference, I'll be having the thing looked at in the
> Philly area.

1) needs struts/shocks
Can be failed only if leaking, broken, missing, or rebound is
excessive.

2) needs radiator...
Can be failed only if leaking onto engine belts causing a steering
problem, running problem or visability hazard.

3) burns oil, particularly when idling, was told needs valve stem
seals replaced...
Can be failed only if causing a visibility hazard due to excessive
smoke, leaking onto engine belts causing a steering problem, running
problem.

4) steering wheel wobbles when driving 20-35 mph (most pronounced
there anyway)...
Will have to be repaired.

5)hole in catalytic converter *intentional*...

Will have to be "REPLACED" (There can not be any external repairs on
mufflers or convertors. Repairs to pipes are permissable.

Reply to this Message

Chris - 21 Feb 2007 20:01 GMT

> 1) needs struts/shocks
> Can be failed only if leaking, broken, missing, or rebound is
> excessive.

LOL LOL LOL @ missing struts. LOL LOL

> 4) steering wheel wobbles when driving 20-35 mph (most pronounced
> there anyway)...
> Will have to be repaired.

But how would they know? Truthfully that is a problem I'm going to
address in the next couple of days though...

> 5)hole in catalytic converter *intentional*...
>
> Will have to be "REPLACED" (There can not be any external repairs on
> mufflers or convertors. Repairs to pipes are permissable.

I think I might try to patch it in an inconspicuous manner. No way
I'm putting a brand new cat in at this point, not until I decide if I
want to do the valve stems seal job. Maybe I'll just junk the car
before very long...

Funny I brought my van in last year, attempting to get that through.
It has some sort of an exhaust leak, which makes it noisy while
driving. He told me flat out to take it to an exhaust shop, cuz I
wasn't getting a nod w/that problem. I couldn't understand why though.
I think he even said that it was not permissible to repair pipes, but
maybe it was just that mine were pretty nasty. Maybe some of these
guys are more anal then others.

If you're reading this stuff from a spec or something, I'd like to
know where you found it. Presumably you're a mechanic in PA. Thanks
for the help.

Reply to this Message

Steve W. - 22 Feb 2007 22:21 GMT

> I have a '90 LeBaron w/the following issues:
>
> 1) needs struts/shocks

(3) Inspect suspension system and REJECT
IF one or more of the following apply:
(i) The ball joint movement is in excess of the manufacturer’s
specifications.
(ii) The shock absorbers are missing.
(iii) The shock absorbers mounting bolts or mounts are broken.
(iv) The shock absorbers have severe leakage–not slight dampness.
(v) The sway or stabilizer bar is missing or broken.
(vi) The coil spring or main leaf spring is broken if originally equipped.
(vii) The spring attaching part is loose, badly worn, broken or missing.
(viii) Spring shackle kits or blocks are used to lower the suspension of
the front of the vehicle.
(ix) Spring shackle kits are more than 2 inches over original equipment.
(x) Blocks are used on front axle to raise the vehicle.
(xi) Blocks used on rear axle exceed 5 inches over original equipment.

> 2) needs radiator

> 3) burns oil, particularly when idling, was told needs valve stem
> seals replaced

> 4) steering wheel wobbles when driving 20-35 mph (most pronounced
> there anyway).

(4) There is a malfunction of the braking or steering mechanism, in
particular shimmy, wander, pull or another questionable operating
behavior that affects safe operation of the vehicle.

> hole in catalytic converter *intentional*. While driving on rte.80
> over a year ago, it wouldn't take to hills very well (would overheat),
> apparently due to clogged cat from leaking oil. I needed to drive
> another ~150 miles, so my guess was punching a hole in the cat would
> relieve the pressure.

(6) Inspect exhaust system and REJECT IF one or more of the following apply:
(i) The vehicle has no muffler or muffler has external repair.
(ii) There are loose or leaking joints.
(iii) There are holes, cracks or leaking seams in exhaust system.
(iv) There is muffler cutout or similar device.
(v) Part of the exhaust system passes through occupant compartment.
(vi) The elements are not securely fastened with proper clamps and
hangers.
(vii) The exposed exhaust system does not have adequate heat shield or
protective system.
(viii) The exhaust does not discharge to the outside edge of the vehicle
body, including a truck bed, or as originally designed.

Oh and FYI you violated the federal clean air act by disabling the cat
in the first place.

> After I got it home from that trip, it had a number of electrical
> problems, so I left it alone until recently. Runs fine, but has the
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
> If it makes any difference, I'll be having the thing looked at in the
> Philly area.

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