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Oil Catch Can Pass CA SMOG Inspection?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by idohavemail, Oct 18, 2019.

  1. idohavemail

    idohavemail Junior Member

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    I've read conflicting information whether OCCs are legal in California. I removed the hoses and catch can prior to my SMOG check a few months ago just to be safe, but the mechanic didn't even open the hood (LOL not complaining).

    Just scanned with his OBDII scanner and passed me. Don't they usually inspect the engine bay for modifications?
     
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  2. mikey_t

    mikey_t Active Member

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    The place I go to usually opens the hood for a look. Thus I haven't done the OCC myself.
     
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  3. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    As you found out, not everyone does;).

    Some who own Prii have even installed an OCC themselves:).

    Just depends where the only sure thing is an OBDII scan (y).
     
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  4. James Powers

    James Powers Senior Member

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    Probably because the mechanic wouldnt expect anyone to modify a Prius, even if it is preventative LOL I love conversations with people about modding it lol the reactions crack me up.
     
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  5. m3pare

    m3pare Senior Member

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    I have mine mounted on top. My local smog station popped the hood and didn’t even question it.
     
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  6. bostonbruins8703

    bostonbruins8703 Active Member

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    This makes me question if they are legal in Massachusetts since I just bought the parts to install an Oil Catch Can and plan on installing it once its arrives...
     
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  7. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Install it and buy a new connector for the PCV and intake for $14;).

    Then you get the benefit and have the conversion back ready to roll:).

    That’s what I did and never looked back(y).
     
    #7 Raytheeagle, Nov 1, 2019
    Last edited: Nov 1, 2019
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  8. Montgomery

    Montgomery Senior Member

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    Yes, they usually do. But lets keep this a secret between us Prius owners. The smog check places don't expect us Prius owners to have any "under the hood modifications". They just don't. We, in their minds, are boring over 50 years of age drivers. Even if you are younger and pull up to a smog place, they assume you're getting your grandparents car smogged for them because they don't drive that much anymore. But low and behold if they ever pop the hood and see all the creative things we have done! Lets just keep it on the down low.................LoL
     
  9. bostonbruins8703

    bostonbruins8703 Active Member

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    I’ve tried doing a simple Google search on whether or not oil catch cans are illegal in Massachusetts and I couldn’t find anything.
     
  10. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Label on the box for mine:

    IMG_1380.JPG
    Still, I have it mounted below the intake manifold. And, we don't have inspections, lol.
     
    #10 Mendel Leisk, Nov 2, 2019
    Last edited: Nov 2, 2019
  11. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    EVERY car that is legally allowed to drive on the roads in America, is a "pollution controlled vehicle"!
    So that means this air-oil separator is not legal in America.

     
    #11 ASRDogman, Nov 2, 2019
    Last edited: Nov 2, 2019
  12. SnowMexicanuck

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    They're probably covering their butt if any other states change their policy. If they wrote California only and that another state goes "green", then that would be false advertising.
     
  13. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    I guess it’s fair to say it can pass...
     
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  14. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    Yep, always better safe than sorry...

     
  15. orenji

    orenji Senior Member

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    It can be mounted on low side of the motor and not be seen during the smog inspection. It’s also better to have it lower then higher to catch oil.
     
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  16. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Plus it's less crowded.
     
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