Exhaust Emissions from a Passenger Car Powered by
Marvel-Schebler LPG Conversion
September 1970
Henry L. Gompf
Division of Motor Vehicle Research and Development
National Air Pollution Control Administration
Department of Health, Education and Welfare
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Vehicle Tested
The exhaust emission characteristics of a 1969 Ford LTD
equipped with a Marvel-Schebler LPG conversion were de-
sired to supplement this agency's information on gaseous
fuel vehicles. The car was equipped with a 429 cubic inch
displacement engine and automatic transmission. In addi-
tion to the equipment necessary for LPG operation the car
had a decel-device which held the throttle partially open
on deceleration.
Tests Conducted
Because the car was only available for three days, tests
were limited to the following types:
1. Standard 1968 Federal test procedure for exhaust
emissions (FTP).
2. A closed, constant volume sampling technique using
9 repeats of the Federal emissions test cycle (CVS).
3. Two closed, constant volume sampling technique using
the LA4-S3 driving schedule as specified for 1972 and
later testing. One test was performed with the decel-
device, one without.
Closed cycle data were taken using a constant volume sampling
technique. Bag samples were analyzed using non-dispersive
infrared analysis for carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide with
hydrocarbons measured using a flame ionization detector. The
Whittaker "NOx Box" was used for determination of oxides of
nitrogen in the CVS sample.
Emission Results
Table I shows the test results and indicates the comparison
between the decel-device configuration and no device. As
is shown by the CVS results the car in both configurations
meets or surpasses the 1972 Federal emission standards of
2.9 grams per mile (gpm) hydrocarbon, 37.0 gpm carbon mono-
xide, 3.0 gpm oxides of nitrogen. With the decel-device
removed hydrocarbons increased about twenty percent.
Conclusions
I. The Marvel-Schebler car demonstrated the attainment of
1972 Federal standards.
2. The decel-device attached decreases hydrocarbon levels.
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Table I
Marvel-Schebler 429.CID LPCJ Ford
19b8 FTP HC ppm CO % NO ppm
With decel 48.1' .11 404.5
device
9 Cycle CVS HC gpm CO gpm NO gpm
With decel .91 4.4l- 3-00
device
1972 FTP
With decel 1.04 3-77 1.95
device
Without decel 1.2"9 3-99 1.94
device
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