Diesel Brothers

SidecarFlip wrote:
Like the lights, all about accountability and common sense. If I was LE, I'd be wailing through ticket books nailing inconsiderate people with illegal 'off road use' only light bars running them on public streets and highways.

Far as exhaust opacity concerning diesel engines is concerned, the Federal Department of Transportation already has guidelines and regulations in place as well as testing equipment for big trucks that can be used for pickup trucks as well.

Really simple equipment that measure ambient light transmission through the exhaust stream of an engine. The test sequences is as follows... The sensing modules are set up parallel to the exhaust and the operator is instructed to throttle up the engine to maximum governed speed (floor the fuel pedal) and the exhaust stream is measured for visible particulates (smoke) and those tests are compared to the Tier requirement for that particular build year (because not every diesel engine on the road today is a Tier 4 final engine). If the measured visible particulate output is above the requirement for that build year, the operator / owner has to bring the vehicle into compliance and at the official's decision if the vehicle has to be repaired on the spot or if the owner or operator can drive away and get it repaired at another location.

Besides getting cited for non compliance, you get a hefty fine.

How it works and the test can be administered anywhere, weigh station, rest stop or in a truck stop for that matter... anywhere. The equipment is completely portable and does not require specialized training, IOW, anyone can administer the test.

I'm not a tree hugger but stupid is still stupid.

In Ontario this is called a "stab test". Three times foot to the floor and they take a weighted average. Not a big deal unless you don't abuse your truck once in a while, have heard rumour of guys bricking their engines who take it easy with them or in bad repair. I have a portable unit come to my office, takes a half hour.