Truth is, a smog technician can fail a vehicle for ANY emissions related
problem; an exhaust leak would be considered an emissions fault regardless
of the actual emissions (pollutants) your vehicle produced. Note however
this applies if and only if the exhaust leak is before the CAT (Catalytic
Converter). Downstream of the CAT (after the CAT - for example a loose
muffler) does not matter, and can not effect the smog test results. We know
it does not seem fair since your Honda passed the emissions portion of the
smog inspection, however unfortunately a visual (or audible in this case)
emissions problem will cause a smog failure as well; it is the law. Consider
this... if in fact the leak is small and is coming from the exhaust manifold
perhaps tightening the manifold bolts or nuts will stop the leak and the
sound. Same goes for the leak being along the exhaust pipe before the CAT.
Tighten what you can see and get a retest. Hopefully your Honda will once
again produce passing emissions results.
posted by SmogTips Support
