WAC 173-422-075   Diesel vehicle inspection procedure.  Diesel vehicles shall be tested using the following snap-acceleration test procedure unless the department requires the Acceleration Simulation Mode (ASM) test procedure specified in WAC 173-422-070 adapted for the testing of diesel cars or light trucks (0-8500 pounds gross vehicle weight rating) be used in lieu of the snap-acceleration test procedure.

     Prior to beginning the test verify the engine is within its normal operating temperature range, all vehicle accessories including air conditioning are off, the parking brake and an engine brake or retarder is off, the transmission is in neutral (and clutch released if manual transmission).

     (1) The vehicle shall receive at least three preliminary snap-acceleration test cycles until consistent engine operation is achieved. The snap-acceleration test cycle consists of moving the accelerator pedal from normal idle as rapidly as possible to the full power position, then fully releasing the throttle so the engine returns to idle.

     (2) Then perform additional snap-acceleration test cycles while measuring the smoke opacity with an opacity meter which meets the requirements specified in WAC 173-422-095. The engine must be allowed to remain at idle for at least ten seconds between snap-acceleration test cycles. If a subsequent snap-acceleration cycle is not begun within 45 seconds, the entire sequence of snap-acceleration test cycles must be restarted. The three preliminary snap-acceleration test cycles described in (1) need not be repeated.

     (3) Record peak opacity readings from each snap-acceleration test cycle up to nine times if necessary to obtain a peak opacity reading and two consecutive peak readings that are equal to or less than the standard established in WAC 173-422-065.

     If a peak opacity reading and two consecutive peak readings that are equal to or less than the standard established in WAC 173-422-065 are not obtained, the vehicle fails the test.

     (4) Steps 2 and 3 are repeated for any additional exhaust pipes.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.120.120. 02-12-072 (Order 02-04), § 173-422-075, filed 6/3/02, effective 7/4/02. Statutory Authority: Chapter 70.120 RCW. 94-05-039 (Order 93-10), § 173-422-075, filed 2/8/94, effective 3/11/94; 93-10-062 (Order 91-46), § 173-422-075, filed 5/3/93, effective 6/3/93.]