5426 United States Environmental Protection Agency Mobte Source Enforcement Division Washington, DC. 20460 June 1976 Emission Investigations Report OOOR76003 i.nvirj-.3Ge::fcdi 1 r.-section Agency Rcsiovi \\ Lib; 230 South Daar'boi-n Street Chic-jgo9 Illinois 6060H ------- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY ------- ^^Environmental News O'Neill (202) 755-0344 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FRIDAY. JUNE 25, 1976 EPA RELEASES REPORT ON AUTO RECALL INVESTIGATIONS The Office of Enforcement of the Environmental Protection Agency today issued a report listing all cases of suspected vehicle emissions problems which were under formal investigation by the Mobile Source Enforcement Division as of June 1, 1976. The report lists twenty-five classes of vehicles which are under investigation for possible recall. Stanley W. Legro, EPA's Assistant Administrator for Enforcement, emphasized that: "The fact that a class of vehicles is under investigation is not reason to conclude that a recall necessarily will be ordered as a result. It does mean, however, that emissions data indicate a potential violation of emissions standards or that some defect related to emissions controls may exist." However, EPA's chief enforcement officer stated: "In those cases where investigation reveals a basis for recall, we will move promptly to order the recall." Information bearing on any of the listed investiga- tions or any emissions problems on classes of vehicles not listed is solicited from the public. Persons with information bearing on current "investiga- tions or additional emissions-related problems are invited to write to: Director, Mobile Source Enforcement Division (EN-340), 401 M Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20460. (more) Return this sheet if you do NOT wish to receive this material O, or if change of address is needed G (indicate change, including zip code). EPA FORM 1510-1 (REV. 8-72) R-175 ------- -2- Reports should indicate the make, model, year and serial number (VIN) of the vehicle, if known, and all facts related to the suspected problem. ------- EMISSIONS INVESTIGATIONS REPORT The Office of Enforcement, Environmental Protection Agency, through its Mobile Source Enforcement Division, has undertaken formal investigations of those vehicle classes listed in this Report for possible noncompliance with air pollutant emissions standards. The authority for this investigative activity is section 207(c) of the Clean Air Act which provides that if a substantial number of vehicles of any class, although properly maintained and used, do not conform to the emissions standards when in actual use, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall order the manufacturer to recall the vehicles to remedy the nonconformity. The Environmental Protection Agency is constantly alert for the existence of possible nonconformities and seeks information about possible emissions noncompliance through a number of programs. Informal .investigation activities are ongoing at all times. In many of these, a preliminary inquiry indicates that there is not a sufficient basis for going forward. However, where based upon the preliminary inquiry a decision is made that a formal investigation should be initiated, the manufacturer is notified in writing, the formal investigation is begun and is listed in the Environmental Protection Agency Emissions Investigations Report, The fact that a class is under investigation should not be cause to assume that noncompliance, in fact, exists or that a recall determination will be made. A formal investigation is initiated when an emissions-related problem has been indicated, either by the report of a defect or the receipt of emissions data, and sufficient information exists to warrant a formal recall investigation. The aim of a formal investigation is to collect additional information, to determine the extent and, if possible, the cause of non- conformities, and to determine if the recall of that class of vehicles is appropriate. The Agency will make public its conclusions upon completion of each formal investigation- ------- EPA solicits from the public any pertinent information relating to the cases listed. Persons with information bearing on current investigations or other indications of possible emissions nonconformities are invited to write to: Director, Mobile Source Enforcement Division (EN-340) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 401 M Street, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20460 Reports should indicate the make, model, year and serial number (VIN) of the vehicle, if known, and all pertinent facts relating to the suspectofd problem. Stanley *Vif. Legi Assistant Administrator for Enforcement ------- INVESTIGATIONS For the purposes of this report, MSED considers a possible emissions-related problem to be an "investigation" during the period when information about the potential problem is being actively solicited by the Agency through surveys of vehicle owners or users, when testing and data analysis are being per- formed, or whiJLo- manufacturers' data are under review. As will be seen from the report, EPA conducts investigations involving an identifiable component defect as well as investigations in which no defect has been identified but where emissions levels are suspected of exceeding the standards. EPA is interested in receiving any pertinent information in either of those two areas Cases of Suspected Emissions-Related Problems Under Investigation as of June 1, 1976 Case No.: Manufacturer: Vehicle Class: Year: Possible Emissions Problem: Potential Cause: Apparent Symptoms: 75-6 American Motors Pacers with 232 and 258 CID engines 1975 Excessive carbon monoxide (CO) emissions Undetermined ISIone obvious to driver ------- Case No.: Manufacturer: Vehicle Class: Year : Possible Emissions Problem: Potential Cause: Apparent Symptoms: 75-3 Chrysler 318 and 360 CID engines 1974 Excessive hydrocarbon (KG) and carbon nonoxide (CO) emission; Undetermined Vehicle may fail State emissions tests Case No.: Manufacturer: Vehicle Class: Year: Possible Emissions Problem: Potential Cause: Apparent Symptoms; 75-7 Chrysler Chryslers, Plyruouths and Dodges, all v;ith catalyst-equipped 360 or 400 CID engines 1975 Excessive carbon monoxide (CO) emissions Undetermined Hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg) odor; vehicle may fail State emissions test Case No.: Manufacturer: Vehicle Class: Year: Possible Emissions Problem: Potential Cause: Apparent Symptoms: 75-22 Chrysler 198 and 225 CID engines 1973 Excessive carbon monoxide (CO) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions Undetermined None obvious to driver ------- Case No.: Manufacturer: Vehicle Class: CID 318 440 Year: Possible Emissions Problem: Potential Cause: Apparent Symptoms: 76-20 Chrysler Chryslers with one of the following engine CID and carburetion com- binations: Carburetor 1 barrel 4 barrel 1975 Excessive carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions Overly rich carburetion at idle Hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg) odor; vehicle may fail State emissions test Case No,: Manufacturer: Vehicle Class: Year: Possible Eini-sSions Problem: Potential Causa: Apparent Symptoms: 76-21 Chrysler 318 CID (noncatalyst) engines 1975 Excessive carbon monoxide (CO) emissions Carburetor defect None obvious'to driver ------- Case No.: Manufacturer: Vehicle Class: Years: Possible Emissions Problem: Potential Causei Apparent Symptoms: 76-1 General Motors Pontiacs with V-3 engines Late 1973,- all 1974 Excessive oxides of nitrogen. (NOx) emissions Failure of cold temperature thermal vacuum valve None obvious to driver Case No;: Manufactuer: Vehicle Class: Years: Possible Emissions Problem: Potential Cause: Apparent Syrr.ptons: 76-2 General l-loiiors Chevrolet Vegas with 140 CID engines 1972, 197.3r 1974 Excessive hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon ir.onoxide (CO) ernissioi Excessive oil consumption possibly as a result of valve stem oil seal failure, cylinder wall scoring or other causes High oil consumption ------- Case No.: Manufacturer: Vehicle Class: Year: Possible Emissions Problem: Potential Cause: Apparent Symptoms: 76-11 General Motors Chevrolets with 400 CID engines and 4 barrel carburetors: Monte Carlo, Chevelle, Belair, Impala, Caprice, El Camino 1975 Excessive oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions Undetermined None obvious to driver Case No.: Manufacturer: Vehicle Class: Year: Possible Emissions Problem; Potential Cause: Apparent Symptoms: 76-12 • General Motors Pontiacs with catalyst-equipped 350 and 400 CID engines 1975 Excessive oxides of nitrogen (NOx) Undetermined None obvious to driver ------- Case No.: Manufacturer: Vehicle Class: CID 350 400 455 350 455 Year: Possible Emissions Problem: Potential Cause: Apparent Symptoms: 76-18 General Motors Pontiacs with one of the following engine CID and carburetion combinations: Carburetor 2 barrel 2 or 4 barrel 4 barrel Oldsmobiles with one of the following combinations: 4 barrel 4 barrel 1975 Excessive carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions Overly rich carburetion at idle Hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg) odor; vehicle may fail State emissions test Case No. : Manufacturer: Vehicle Class: Years: Possible Emissions Problem: Potential Cause: Apparent Symptoms: 75-20 Toyo Kogyo Mazdas with 70 CID rotary engines: RX2, RX3 1973, 1974 Excessive hydrocarbon (HC) emissions Undetermined None obvious to driver ------- Case No.: Manufacturer: Vehicle Class: Year: Possible Emissions Problem: Potential Cause: Apparent Symptons: 76-19 Ford Fords with 460 CID engines and 4 barrel carburetors 1975 Excessive carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions Overly rich carburetion at idle Hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg) odor; vehicle may fail State emissions test Case No.: Manufacturer: Vehicle Class: Year: Possible Emissions Problem: Potential Cause: Apparent Symptoms: 75-5 General Motors Cadillacs with 500 CID engines: Brougham,, Calais, DeVille, Eldorado, Fleetwood 1975 Excessive carbon monoxide (CO) emissions Undetermined None obvious to driver ------- Case No.: Manufacturer: Vehicle Class: Year: Possible Emissions Problem: Potential Causa: Apparent Syraptoras: 76-22 Chrysler 225 CID catalyst-equipped engines 1975 Excessive carbon monoxide (CO) emissions Carburetor misadjustment Hydrogen, sulfide (rotten egg) odor; vehicle nay fail State emissions test ------- Case No.: Manufacturer Vehicle Class: Year: Possible Emissions Problems: Potential Cause: Apparent Symptoms: 75-8A Ford Ford Mavericks, Granadas and Mustangs and Mercury Comets and Monarchs, all with 250 CID EGR/AIR (non-catalyst) engines 1975 Excessive carbon raonoxids (CO) emissions Undetermined None obvious to driver Case No.: Manufacturer: Vehicle Class: Year: Possible Emissions Problem: Potential Cause: Apparent Symptoms: 75-8B Ford Ford Maveri'c*ks, Granadas and Mustangs and Mercury Comets and Monarchs, all with 302 CID EGR/AIR (non-catalyst) engines 1975 Excessive hydrocarbon (HC) emissions Undetermined None obvious to driver ------- Case No.: Manufacturer: Vehicle Class: Year: Possible Emissions Problem: Potential Cause: Apparent Symptoms: 75-18 Ford 351C CID engines with 4 barrel carburetors 1973 Excessive hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions Undetermined None obvious to driver Case No. Manufacturer: Vehicle Class: Year: Possible Emissions Problem: Potential Cause: Apparent Symptoms: 75-19 Ford Ford Torinos, Mustangs, Rancheros, Customs, Galaxie 500s, LTDs, Country Sedans and Squires and Mercury Montegos, all v/ith 351C CID engines and 2 barrel carburetors 1973 Excessive carbon monoxide (CO) emissions Undetermined None obvious to driver ------- Case No.: Manufacturer: Vehicle Class: Year: Possible EiTilssions Problem.: Potential Cause: Apparent Symptoms: 76-5 Ford Ford Custon 500s, Galaxie 500s, LTDs, and Torinos and Mercury Cougars and Hontegos, all with 351V7 CID, engines and 2 barrel carburetors 1974 Excessive carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions Undetermined None obvious to driver Case No.: Manufacturer: Vehicle Class: Year: Feasible Emissions 76-15B Ford Fords, and Mercurys with 351W CID engines: Ford Granada, F-100 Torino, Elite„ and Ranchero and Mercury Monarch, Montego and Couga: 1975 Excessive oxide (NOx) en-^ .iti.o •• ,:i hrog^vs ------- Case No. Manufacturer: Vehicle Class: Years: Possible Emissions Problem: Potential Cause: Apparent Symptoms: 75-1 Toyota Coronas, Celicas and HiLux Pickups, all with 18 R-C engines 1972, 1973 Excessive hydrocarbon (HC) emissions Valve burning Poor driveability (hard starting, low power, engine overheating) Case No. Manufacturer: Vehicle Class: Year: Possible Emissions Problem: Potential Cause: Apparent Symptoms: 76-13 Toyota Corollas with 97 CID (1600cc) engines and Coronas, Celicas and Hilux pickups all with 133 CID (2200cc) engines 1975 Excessive oxides of .nitrogen (NOx) and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions Undetermined None obvious to driver ------- Case No.: Manufacturer: Vehicle Class: Year: Possible Emissions Problem Potential Symptoms: Apparent Symptoms: 75-21 Volkswagen 97 CID engines 1974 Excessive hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions Undetermined None obvious to driver Case No.: Manufacturer: Vehicle Class: Years: Possible Emissions Problems: Potential Cause: Apparent Symptoms: 75-13 Volvo Volvo 142, 144, 145, and 164 and P-1800 1972, 1973 Excessive evaporative hydrocarbon (HC) emissi6ns Rubber deterioration allows fuel leakage especially after lack of use in cold weather for several day None obvious to driver Agency T^orr ?' Q-'^ Yf 1 -^ j^cA"1"/ 230 South Dearborn Street Chlce.qoB Illinois 6060H ------- UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460 OFFIC IAL BUSINESS PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE $300 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER POSTAGE AND FEES F^AID U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY EPA-335 ------- |