Thanks for the reassurance.I found the rulkes applying specifically to this situation. Here is the link http://www.epa.gov/otaq/imports/quiktext.htm#usversionB. (2) Engine not in Vehicle or ChassisEPA regulates the entire vehicle, not individual parts, for cars, light trucks, and motorcycles. If an engine is not installed, and is to be used in a car, motorcycle, or light truck, it may be imported as an automotive part. No approval or Customs bond is required by EPA. Importers should be aware, however, that replacement of an engine in a U.S. version vehicle with an engine of a different type or model year which is not currently covered by an EPA certificate or will be covered by an EPA certificate prior to introduction into commerce may violate EPA regulations.To import an engine for use in a car, light truck or motorcycle, the importer must file with U.S. Customs, upon entry, an EPA Form 3520-1 and declare code "W" on that form.link to formhttps://www.smartwebmove.navsup.navy.mil/swm/documents/EPA%203520-1.pdfFor a "heavy" vehicle or "heavy" truck, EPA regulates the engine, whether or not it is installed. EPA considers a vehicle or truck as "heavy" if it has a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 8,500 pounds, or a curb weight of more than 6,000 pounds. To be imported, such an engine must be either excluded, exempted, covered by an EPA certificate of conformity, or imported by an independent commercial importer.
I drove my aaz across with no troubles. I declared I had an engine they didnt want to even look at it and waved me through. That was crossing in wa state though.
so the above post basically means that the border guards were full of crap, and should be fired for malconduct.
When I got back from my 16 hour wasted trip to buy what Jeff Desroche said he had - an 1983 complete and running rabbit diesel, I checked first with the detroit agents. Because it was 25 years old, it is exempt from EPA rules.... at my crossing with the consolation diesel parts in the back of my jeep (Jeff flat out lied about having this car) I told the agent I had diesel engine parts, but I had just bee, swindled about buying a entire diesel car. They did not even ask how many dollars in parts I had or years.So, next time you go for diesel engines, get a "bill of sale" from whom ever you buy from and have it clearly state the year and it will be at least a 25 year old car. You will then have legal rights to bring them here as EXEMPT from EPA sticker laws. (There is such a law, but it has exception at 25 years and older) - OR if the diesel was newer but had a VIN in the range they also sold in the US... the Nazi agents have access to some database with the VIN numbers.