Reason for no more angled defoulers

***NitrousG35*** · 02-25-2008, 08:15 PM

I went on the Strutking site to find out why they had voluntarily quit selling angled defoulers. Strutking mentioned that they did not want the same thing happen to them that happened to Casper's Electronics.

This, from Strutking: We have voluntarily discontinued them due to the legal circumstances that had happened to Casper's Electronics

Casper's Electronics has had a Federal settlement with the EPA. They can no longer sell O2 oxygen sensor simulators. Here is the article that I found. It is from last July.

Now Casper's Electronics was apparently selling electronic devices that could fool the computer into thinking that the gases going out the tailpipe were in compliance, even without a cat. Apparently, Strutking doesn't want to run afoul of the law even though they were selling non-electrical devices.

Company Will Pay Penalties and Recall Devices

WASHINGTON, July 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of
Justice and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today a
landmark settlement requiring Casper's Electronics, of Mundelein, Ill., to
pay a penalty and stop selling devices that allow cars to release excess
levels of pollution into the environment, in violation of the Clean Air Act
(CAA).
Today's settlement, the first of its kind, requires Casper's to stop
selling electronic devices -- known as oxygen sensor simulators or "O2
Sims" -- recall the devices, and pay more than $74,000 in civil penalties
to the United States. An O2 Sim tricks an automobile engine's computer into
sensing a properly functioning emission control system, even when the
catalytic converter is missing or faulty. These "after-market" sensors are
considered illegal "defeat devices" under the federal CAA.
Casper's has sold approximately 44,000 defeat devices through retailers
and from its Web site since 2001. The EPA estimates that the increased
emissions from installation of these devices over the life of the vehicles
are 7,400 tons of hydrocarbons, 347,000 tons of carbon monoxide, and 6,000
tons of nitrogen oxides. This is equivalent to the emissions produced by a
half-million cars with fully operational emission control systems over
their lifetimes.
"Emission control defeat devices, like those used here, risk harming
human health and the environment by allowing huge increases in pollutants
from motor vehicles," said Ronald J. Tenpas, Acting Assistant Attorney
General for the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources
Division. "The Justice Department will continue to vigorously enforce all
of the provisions of the Clean Air Act -- including its rule against these
devices -- against violators, including those using the Internet to
illegally sell their wares."
"Reliable and effective automobile pollution control systems are
essential to protect human health and the environment from harmful
automobile emissions," said Granta Nakayama, the EPA's Assistant
Administrator for enforcement and compliance assurance. "Casper's sale of
the oxygen sensor simulator defeat devices over a multi-year period is a
serious violation because it facilitated the removal or malfunctioning of
motor vehicle catalytic converters, which are the primary emission controls
devices to prevent excessive pollution from cars and trucks."
An oxygen sensor simulator sends a false electronic signal to the car's
engine control computer, preventing the "check engine" or "malfunction
indicator" light from illuminating. The malfunction light, part of a
vehicle's on-board diagnostic (OBD) system, alerts the driver when there is
a problem with the emission control system.
Casper's O2 Sims allowed vehicle owners to remove or disable the
catalytic converter without the OBD system detecting the problem and
turning on the check engine light. The CAA prohibits the manufacture and
sale of any devices, such as Casper's O2 Sims, that bypass or defeat
required pollution control equipment on motor vehicles. Cars and trucks
with defeat devices can emit up to 50 times the amount of harmful pollution
emitted by vehicles with properly functioning emission controls.
The EPA is currently investigating other automobile parts manufacturers
and sellers that may also be making and selling similar products. EPA has
found that some companies are advertising O2 Sims and other defeat devices
as a way to enhance a car's performance. In addition, some companies
include in their advertisements a claim that the devices are for "off-road
use only", despite clearly marketing the devices for on-road vehicles.
Air emissions from cars include harmful pollutants such as non-methane
hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen, key ingredients in the production of
ozone, a major component of urban smog. Tailpipe emissions also include
carbon monoxide, which impairs breathing. Both ozone and carbon monoxide
are especially harmful to children, people with asthma and the elderly.
The recall required by the settlement requires Casper's to implement a
mandatory repurchase program under which it must notify its customers that
Casper's will buy back any O2 Sims sold by Casper's or its distributors,
and create and implement a reporting system to ensure future compliance.
Both the complaint and the consent decree were filed today in the U.S.
District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division.
The consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period and
subsequent court approval, and is available for viewing at the Justice
Department Web site USDOJ: Environment and Natural Resources Division, Proposed Consent Decrees.

Federal Settlement Targets Illegal Emission Control 'Defeat Devices' Sold for Autos

soxfan143 · 02-25-2008, 08:21 PM

And I bet our car without a cat at all is still releasing less gasses than any full size SUV with 4 cats. I was behind an old ford expedition once that was so bad my eyes were tearing. I actually had to pass this truck or I would have probably died.

caveman74 · 02-25-2008, 08:22 PM

wow, there will be a recall for all the angled o2

***NitrousG35*** · 02-25-2008, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxfan143

And I bet our car without a cat at all is still releasing less gasses than any full size SUV with 4 cats. I was behind an old ford expedition once that was so bad my eyes were tearing. I actually had to pass this truck or I would have probably died.

So true. Try going behind sooty, black diesel trucks, whether the 18 wheeled variety or a pickup truck. I have to put a rag in front of my nose and mouth to breathe.

***citizh*** · 02-25-2008, 08:25 PM

boooooo

soxfan143 · 02-25-2008, 08:26 PM

Then we will just make our own. lol. Use the defouler trick. I'm supposed to be getting my DCRH this week. Have any of you guys ordered from SCTuned and had any problems? I know this is WAY off topic but I'm getting nervous. I dumped $400.00 and my tracking number they gave me isn't working.

***NitrousG35*** · 02-25-2008, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxfan143

Then we will just make our own. lol. Use the defouler trick. I'm supposed to be getting my DCRH this week. Have any of you guys ordered from SCTuned and had any problems? I know this is WAY off topic but I'm getting nervous. I dumped $400.00 and my tracking number they gave me isn't working.

Got my Vibrant RH within 4 days of ordering it. PM Carlos. He will help you out.

Forklift352 · 02-25-2008, 08:52 PM

If its soooooo bad how about cutting NAZCAR,truck-pulls,moto-raceing.......
Hell how about cutting back on air flights.....When them things happen then you
know its time.This is more Gov.getting in the way of a good time...for more money.

onefastsi · 02-25-2008, 09:22 PM

LOL..well, I ordered my angled defouler from Weapon R...the did say they had them as of 2 days ago. So...just in case I need it...I'll have one :)

onefastsi · 02-25-2008, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxfan143

Then we will just make our own. lol. Use the defouler trick. I'm supposed to be getting my DCRH this week. Have any of you guys ordered from SCTuned and had any problems? I know this is WAY off topic but I'm getting nervous. I dumped $400.00 and my tracking number they gave me isn't working.

I WAS going to buy from Carlos at SC, but, when I went to call, no one answered...so I left a message...well, no one ever called back. I did send a few emails, that he used to return regularly, and no answer. So, I'll go with Remy and Tai at Corsport as i've dealt with them and they are great!

mattsbobo · 02-25-2008, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onefastsi

LOL..well, I ordered my angled defouler from Weapon R...the did say they had them as of 2 days ago. So...just in case I need it...I'll have one :)

I just got mine from Weapon R. It took a few days to ship. It's pretty long though, and I'm wondering if there's enough clearance to screw into my header.

Good find Nitrous. I figured it had to be something like this going on. Otherwise, I would have gotten some answers about why nobody is carrying these anymore.

***NitrousG35*** · 02-25-2008, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattsbobo

I just got mine from Weapon R. It took a few days to ship. It's pretty long though, and I'm wondering if there's enough clearance to screw into my header.

Good find Nitrous. I figured it had to be something like this going on. Otherwise, I would have gotten some answers about why nobody is carrying these anymore.

Matt, found the Company that originally made angled defoulers for Strutking. They sell extensions for O2 sensors in case you need something longer for your Weapon R defouler.

Casper's Electronics, Inc.: Honda

mattsbobo · 02-25-2008, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NitrousG35

Matt, found the Company that originally made angled defoulers for Strutking. They sell extensions for O2 sensors in case you need something longer for your Weapon R defouler.

Casper's Electronics, Inc.: Honda

Thanks Nitrous. sadly, I STILL can't rep you

***NitrousG35*** · 02-25-2008, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattsbobo

Thanks Nitrous. sadly, I STILL can't rep you

You gotta become a mod. Then you can rep away....

***NitrousG35*** · 02-25-2008, 10:19 PM

As an update, the item in question being sold by Casper's Electronics was an electronic O2 simulator that could electronically fool the computer in a car into thinking everything was in compliance.

Strutking, not wanting to run afoul with the law, voluntarily decided to stop selling angled defoulers, which is a different item than the electronic simulator. Companies can still sell defoulers for "off road use only".

I wanted to clarify all of what has been happening.

Ekora · 02-25-2008, 10:30 PM

can you just buy these defoulers at autozone???

***NitrousG35*** · 02-25-2008, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ekora

can you just buy these defoulers at autozone???

Yes, you can get a straight spark plug defouler. However, if you plan on running a race header on your Si, you might want to get an angled one instead because of clearance issues.

***Excalibur*** · 02-25-2008, 10:56 PM

Boof'nhoo. F@#% the epa. Yet, when it comes to something such as cutting down the rainforests, or poaching endangered species nothing happens, but by god if we don't nail someone for illegal o2 sims. They got their money and that's what's important though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NitrousG35

Yes, you can get a straight spark plug defouler. However, if you plan on running a race header on your Si, you might want to get an angled one instead because of clearance issues.

You should get an angled one anyways as it makes it easier to get on and off. They also seem to work better. I haven't gotten a cel on either of ours since we switched to the angled ones again. I know some do however.

Stealthcivic · 02-25-2008, 11:55 PM

where can we get the angled ones now , i may need one with my vibrant race header w/ hfc....? Thanks.

soxfan143 · 02-25-2008, 11:57 PM

Will I have to notch out the heat shield to install the regular DIY defouler on my DCRH? Or will it fit?

02-25-2008, 08:15 PM	#1 (permalink)
*NitrousG35* Mr. Cowl Induction Join Date: May 2007 Location: To Infiniti and beyond... Posts: 8,929 Wild VTEC'n Bill iTrader: 1 / 100%	Reason for no more angled defoulers I went on the Strutking site to find out why they had voluntarily quit selling angled defoulers. Strutking mentioned that they did not want the same thing happen to them that happened to Casper's Electronics. This, from Strutking: We have voluntarily discontinued them due to the legal circumstances that had happened to Casper's Electronics Casper's Electronics has had a Federal settlement with the EPA. They can no longer sell O2 oxygen sensor simulators. Here is the article that I found. It is from last July. Now Casper's Electronics was apparently selling electronic devices that could fool the computer into thinking that the gases going out the tailpipe were in compliance, even without a cat. Apparently, Strutking doesn't want to run afoul of the law even though they were selling non-electrical devices. Company Will Pay Penalties and Recall Devices WASHINGTON, July 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Justice and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today a landmark settlement requiring Casper's Electronics, of Mundelein, Ill., to pay a penalty and stop selling devices that allow cars to release excess levels of pollution into the environment, in violation of the Clean Air Act (CAA). Today's settlement, the first of its kind, requires Casper's to stop selling electronic devices -- known as oxygen sensor simulators or "O2 Sims" -- recall the devices, and pay more than $74,000 in civil penalties to the United States. An O2 Sim tricks an automobile engine's computer into sensing a properly functioning emission control system, even when the catalytic converter is missing or faulty. These "after-market" sensors are considered illegal "defeat devices" under the federal CAA. Casper's has sold approximately 44,000 defeat devices through retailers and from its Web site since 2001. The EPA estimates that the increased emissions from installation of these devices over the life of the vehicles are 7,400 tons of hydrocarbons, 347,000 tons of carbon monoxide, and 6,000 tons of nitrogen oxides. This is equivalent to the emissions produced by a half-million cars with fully operational emission control systems over their lifetimes. "Emission control defeat devices, like those used here, risk harming human health and the environment by allowing huge increases in pollutants from motor vehicles," said Ronald J. Tenpas, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division. "The Justice Department will continue to vigorously enforce all of the provisions of the Clean Air Act -- including its rule against these devices -- against violators, including those using the Internet to illegally sell their wares." "Reliable and effective automobile pollution control systems are essential to protect human health and the environment from harmful automobile emissions," said Granta Nakayama, the EPA's Assistant Administrator for enforcement and compliance assurance. "Casper's sale of the oxygen sensor simulator defeat devices over a multi-year period is a serious violation because it facilitated the removal or malfunctioning of motor vehicle catalytic converters, which are the primary emission controls devices to prevent excessive pollution from cars and trucks." An oxygen sensor simulator sends a false electronic signal to the car's engine control computer, preventing the "check engine" or "malfunction indicator" light from illuminating. The malfunction light, part of a vehicle's on-board diagnostic (OBD) system, alerts the driver when there is a problem with the emission control system. Casper's O2 Sims allowed vehicle owners to remove or disable the catalytic converter without the OBD system detecting the problem and turning on the check engine light. The CAA prohibits the manufacture and sale of any devices, such as Casper's O2 Sims, that bypass or defeat required pollution control equipment on motor vehicles. Cars and trucks with defeat devices can emit up to 50 times the amount of harmful pollution emitted by vehicles with properly functioning emission controls. The EPA is currently investigating other automobile parts manufacturers and sellers that may also be making and selling similar products. EPA has found that some companies are advertising O2 Sims and other defeat devices as a way to enhance a car's performance. In addition, some companies include in their advertisements a claim that the devices are for "off-road use only", despite clearly marketing the devices for on-road vehicles. Air emissions from cars include harmful pollutants such as non-methane hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen, key ingredients in the production of ozone, a major component of urban smog. Tailpipe emissions also include carbon monoxide, which impairs breathing. Both ozone and carbon monoxide are especially harmful to children, people with asthma and the elderly. The recall required by the settlement requires Casper's to implement a mandatory repurchase program under which it must notify its customers that Casper's will buy back any O2 Sims sold by Casper's or its distributors, and create and implement a reporting system to ensure future compliance. Both the complaint and the consent decree were filed today in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division. The consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period and subsequent court approval, and is available for viewing at the Justice Department Web site USDOJ: Environment and Natural Resources Division, Proposed Consent Decrees. Federal Settlement Targets Illegal Emission Control 'Defeat Devices' Sold for Autos __________________ Last edited by NitrousG35; 02-25-2008 at 11:24 PM.

02-25-2008, 10:19 PM	#15 (permalink)
*NitrousG35* Mr. Cowl Induction Join Date: May 2007 Location: To Infiniti and beyond... Posts: 8,929 Wild VTEC'n Bill iTrader: 1 / 100%	As an update, the item in question being sold by Casper's Electronics was an electronic O2 simulator that could electronically fool the computer in a car into thinking everything was in compliance. Strutking, not wanting to run afoul with the law, voluntarily decided to stop selling angled defoulers, which is a different item than the electronic simulator. Companies can still sell defoulers for "off road use only". I wanted to clarify all of what has been happening. __________________

02-25-2008, 08:21 PM	#2 (permalink)
soxfan143 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Lynnfield, MA Age: 34 Posts: 2,055 Mike iTrader: 2 / 100%	And I bet our car without a cat at all is still releasing less gasses than any full size SUV with 4 cats. I was behind an old ford expedition once that was so bad my eyes were tearing. I actually had to pass this truck or I would have probably died.

02-25-2008, 08:22 PM	#3 (permalink)
caveman74 Senior Member Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Woodstock, Ga Posts: 2,388 Kevin iTrader: 19 / 100%	wow, there will be a recall for all the angled o2

02-25-2008, 08:25 PM	#5 (permalink)
*citizh* THIS SPACE FOR RENT Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: EASTON,MD Age: 17 Posts: 1,669 JOE iTrader: 0 / 0%	boooooo

02-25-2008, 08:26 PM	#6 (permalink)
soxfan143 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Lynnfield, MA Age: 34 Posts: 2,055 Mike iTrader: 2 / 100%	Then we will just make our own. lol. Use the defouler trick. I'm supposed to be getting my DCRH this week. Have any of you guys ordered from SCTuned and had any problems? I know this is WAY off topic but I'm getting nervous. I dumped $400.00 and my tracking number they gave me isn't working.

02-25-2008, 08:52 PM	#8 (permalink)
Forklift352 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Salem Or. Posts: 458 Daniel iTrader: 0 / 0%	If its soooooo bad how about cutting NAZCAR,truck-pulls,moto-raceing....... Hell how about cutting back on air flights.....When them things happen then you know its time.This is more Gov.getting in the way of a good time...for more money.

02-25-2008, 09:22 PM	#9 (permalink)
onefastsi Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: http://fa5ville.myminicity.com/ Age: 42 Posts: 172 I M SPEED iTrader: 0 / 0%	LOL..well, I ordered my angled defouler from Weapon R...the did say they had them as of 2 days ago. So...just in case I need it...I'll have one :)

02-25-2008, 10:30 PM	#16 (permalink)
Ekora Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 446 iTrader: 0 / 0%	can you just buy these defoulers at autozone???

02-25-2008, 11:55 PM	#19 (permalink)
Stealthcivic Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Southeast U.S. Posts: 452 iTrader: 0 / 0%	where can we get the angled ones now , i may need one with my vibrant race header w/ hfc....? Thanks.

02-25-2008, 11:57 PM	#20 (permalink)
soxfan143 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Lynnfield, MA Age: 34 Posts: 2,055 Mike iTrader: 2 / 100%	Will I have to notch out the heat shield to install the regular DIY defouler on my DCRH? Or will it fit?