74-12 RBM
Evaluation of a Renault Prototype Low Emission Vehicle
                    September 1973
         Emission Control Technology Division
           Office of Air and Water Programs
            Environmental Protection  Agency

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Background
Laboratory correlation between the automobile manufacturers
and EPA for device prototypes has been a continuing function
of the Emission Control Technology Division.  For this reason
the ECTD agreed to test a prototype low emission vehicle from
Renault which had recently been tested at their laboratory in
France. Renault plans to use this system for the 1975 model
year exclusively in California.

Vehicle Tested

The vehicle tested was a 1973 Renault 15 sedan with engine
modifications, a Bosch air injection pump, and an Engelhard
monolithic catalyst which was located a few feet downstream
of the exhaust manifold in the exhaust system. Details of this
system are included in the Vehicle Data Sheet at the end of
this report. At the time of testing the vehicle system had
accumulated about 5,000 miles.

Two emission tests were performed on the vehicle according to
the 1975 Federal Test Procedure. Dynamometer inertia weight was
set at 2750 Ibs.

Test Results

The emission results are presented below along with fuel economy
which was calculated ±>y a carbon balance method.
Test No.             HC

16-681              .28
16-684              .29
Renault results     .38
'75 Cal. Standards  .90
'76 Fed. Int. Stds.- .40
 CO

2.94
3.50
1.93
9.00
3.40
NOx
1,
1,
1,
2,
48
48
56
00
MPG

19.3
18.9
2.00
The two tests at EPA were run differently. The idle CO was
raised after the first test  (with air pump disconnected) from
about 2.3% to 3.3%. Also, the choke was operated differently
on the tests. At the start the carburetor was fully choked on
both tests. Then at about 25 seconds into the test the choke
was let off about half way on the first test but not quite as
far on the second. At about 170 seconds into the test the choke
was pushed fully off on both tests. For about 145 seconds the
choke was in different positions for the two tests.

Conclusions

At low mileage the Renault showed the capability of not only
meeting the 1975 California standards, but also the 1976 Federal
emissions interim standards.

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                   VEHICLE DATA SHEET
Engine;   843 engine family (this engine is based on the 807
         engine family; the bore has been increased from
         3.032 to 3.110 inches).

         Compression ratio has been reduced from 9 to 8 (to
         allow for use of non-leaded regular grade gasoline
         and because 1975 models feature a new camshaft
         design).

         Intake valve opening advance at 21* instead of 40'.

         Intake valve closing retard 59" instead of 72*.

         Exhaust -valve opening advance 59" instead of 72*.

         Exhaust valve closing retard 21" instead of 40".

Carburetor;  Solex single barrel 32 EISA carburetor with
         manual choke and altitude compensator.

Distributor: Ducellier conventional R243 D59 set at 5* BTDC.

Bosch air injection pump and related components  (as used on
present and previous models):Drive ratio 1.14 times that
of the engine.

Engelhard monolithic catalytic reactor;  Type American Lava
node-to-node No. 88.

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