California Construction Trucking Association (CCTA)

By: Mike Leff

A couple of months ago I was attending a conference and after I gave a short, informal talk about the retrofit business, I was approached by Rudy Navarrete.  We started talking about the CARB rules that are affecting our industry; retrofit devices, installers, etc. needless to say, we barely scratched the surface. In our meetings that followed, I listened while Rudy talked, heard his concerns, and he listened to what I had to say, hence, he asked me to write a short piece that I hope will help you better understand what is involved with retrofitting your truck.

Here are some things every truck owner needs to know about compliance with the CARB on-road diesel regulations regarding installation of diesel particulate filters both from the perspective of the owner and the vendor/dealer/installer:

OWNER/OPERATOR RESPONSIBILITY (before installation)  
(1) KNOW THE RULE: I know the rule is long and complicated, just ask questions that just pertain to you.  If you don’t have time to attend a free class, call CARB’s “hotline” 866-634-3735.  ASK QUESTIONS

(2) KNOW YOUR PREFERRED VENDOR: There are a lot of installers in California, some good, some not so good.  Ask around, if you know someone with a retrofit device, ask.

(3) GET A COUPLE OF QUOTES: There are over 6 manufacturers of verified devices.  Just because the device is verified doesn’t mean it is the best, some devices work better on certain engines that others.  ASK QUESTIONS

(4) ENGINE EMISSION CERTIFICATION LABEL: You must have this label on your engine.  Sometimes it can be painted over or steam cleaned off, it doesn’t matter.  When inspected by CARB and the label is not in place, $300.00 fine.  If you are missing the label, call the engine manufacturer for replacement.

(5) ENGINE MUST BE MAINTAINED:  If the engine is not maintained properly, the retrofit device will not work as designed.  For instance, if you have injector problems or if you use a lot of oil, the system will plug-up very quickly and if not attended to, may cause damage to the filter itself, which means expensive repairs! 

(6) ENGINE DUTY CYCLE: When asked by your selected device provider, be completely honest.  He or she should ask about your normal daily driving activity.  For instance, one week you will work on a job site, the next two weeks run 200 miles a day on highway, the next week you may run locally maybe 100 miles per day.

VENDOR/DEALER/INSTALLER RESPONSIBILITY
(1) INSPECT VEHICLE: He or she should look for exhaust leaks, available space for installation, measure exhaust muffler, engine emission certification label, and obtain pertinent information from label. 

(2) INSTALL DATA LOGGER: Each dealer will install a data logger.  The device is required to remain on vehicle for as long as it takes to record a minimum of 24 hours of engine run time.  As an example, if the engine works an average of 4 hours a day, it will take 6 days to obtain the required hours.  If the engine works 12 hours a day, it will take 2 days.

(3) MANUFACTURERS PRE INSTALLATION FORM: Each manufacturer has a pre installation form or sheet that is required for proper sizing.  In a few cases, the manufacturer requires a signature from the owner.  Simply put, it says you answered the questions to the best of your knowledge.

(4) FORWARD MANUFACTURER INFORMATION: It is the responsibility of the dealer to provide the most accurate information and data to the manufacturer for proper sizing.  If any information is incorrect, there is a good chance of miss sizing and that is not good.

(5) INSTALLATION: It is the sole responsibility of the approved provider to install your device in a location which has reasonable access for filter maintenance and meet all OSHA requirements.

(6) FILTER ORIENTATION: The installer will provide the end-user information with regards to warranty, understanding warning lights, filter removal and cleaning requirements (usually determined by miles/hours), and owner’s manual. 

I truly hope this short article has helped in a small way.  Remember, ASK QUESTIONS. Mike Leff can be contacted at Diesel Emission Service 909-947-3620 or by email
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Here are a few pictures of Trucks with filters.

A New Chapter

We’re half-way through 2012. The month of June brings graduations. This means the end of school, maybe elementary, Jr. High, High school or college.

It is time to welcome new challenges, new ideas, new faces, new beginnings, new friends and reconnections with old friends. It is a time to reflect on our past accomplishments and look forward to new endeavors.

Although we are still experiencing a struggling economy, we need to think positively and stay optimistic about our future. Surely we will encounter some road blocks and speed bumps (Trucking analogies) as we press forward, we can still have good attitudes and turn these obstacles into stepping stones. This is good time to turn over a new a leaf. Next time you ask someone how they are doing, let them know that you really care about them and that you’re inquire about their wellbeing is sincere.

When you say “can I be of any assistance?” be ready to assist them. Too many folks go about their day making countless empty gestures, such as “how’s it going?” or “GOD Bless you”. As we open a new chapter in our lives, let’s start by saying kind and uplifting words to one another and mean it. I know it makes me feel good when someone asks about my family. Remember to treat others as you would have them treat you.

Rudy N.