warning about oil catch cans and California smog test

Sad thing is, they’re saying “can’t have you burning less crud”.

 

Many have reported similar problems in carb states. I am sure if it were factory like in some cars with an auto drain to the crankcase it would be fine.

 

I would just stencil a Toyota part number on the can, and make it look like it is supposed to be there!

PA where I live is a CARB state, but because we have private inspection stations, I don't think we have this issue.

 

Taking it off is not trivial, but meh. Just think though: the one time you’re back to full-blown PCV dumping into the intake, is during a pollution control check…

 

Pennsylvania annual emissions inspections involve connecting the state-sanctioned computer to the diagnostics port to verify that there is no active maintenance indicator and that all monitors are completed and not left pending. That's it.

They don't pop the hood to follow hoses or lift the car and compare the catalyst to pictures in a state-published binder like the California smog shops.

 

This

reminds me of using the Google maps and it always wanting me to take the tolls even though at times its longer to do.

 

Google maps has an "avoid tolls" setting, which I use for personal driving. I sometimes forget to turn the setting off while Ubering. I was over the river in Camden NJ one night, and picked up somebody going to the PHL airport (a 20 minute ride). Google had me driving about 50 miles north to avoid any of the Toll bridges. It added at least 90 extra minutes to the trip, to save a $5 toll. I didn't figure out what had gone wrong until the next day.

There is an app called "Toll Guru" that does a much better job of dealing with tolls. You tell the app your typical MPG, the cost of gasoline in your area, and how much you would be willing to pay to save one minute. It will offer you routes that actually make sense. This really works in my area, as the PA turnpike is quite expensive per mile, and you can often avoid the toll with only adding a few minutes. The Delaware River is harder to avoid.

 

I just got home from getting a smog check in California, on my Lexus. I asked the guy about oil catch cans. He said he'd never heard of them being used on passenger vehicles other than on diesel engines. This particular guy said that if he saw anything unusual he would warn the owner prior to running the test.

I got the impression he wouldn't care, as long as his computer passed the vehicle.