.74-16 DWP
EVALUATION OF AN AMC GREMLIN
INCORPORATING PETERMAN MODIFICATION
November 1973
Test and Evaluation Branch
Emission Control Technology Division
Environmental Protection Agency
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Background
Walter Peterman of Caracas, Venezuela, contacted the Office
of Air and Water Programs and requested an evaluation of his
control system. Data was presented from Olson Laboratories
compiled using the 1972 FTP on a 1973 AMC Gremlin (258 CID,
standard transmission). The data illustrated good control of
unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide.
Based on these results a confirmatory test program was under-
taken by the Test and Evaluation Branch.
Device Description
Test work was conducted on a 1973 AMC Gremlin with a 258 CID
engine and standard transmission. The control system included
a carburetor air bleed and modification of the distributor
vacuum advance. The air bleed arrangement is schematically
illustrated in figure 1. In effect, the bleed system allows
for better distribution of the fuel as it passes the throttle
plate. The distributor modification included reversing the
vacuum advance so that a vacuum retard was affected. Com-
parison of the stock vacuum advance characteristic with
Peterman's vacuum retard is schematically illustrated in
figure 2.
The Peterman modification did not use exhaust gas recirculation.
Test Program
Two tests were run on the Gremlin as modified by Mr. Peterman.
Two baseline tests were also run on this vehicle. It was later
noted by Mr. Peterman that his vacuum retard system was not
disconnected during the baseline testing. EPA personnel did
not make any note of this situation at the time of testing. All
testing was conducted in accordance with the 1975 Federal
Emission Test Procedure as described in the November 15, 1972,
Federal Register. All tests were performed at a simulated
inertia weight of 3,000 pounds.
Results
Test results are reported in the attached table. The 1975
interim emission levels were achieved with this vehicle
modification.
There were two potential driveability problems noted with
the modification. The vehicle demonstrated surge during the
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-2-
LA4 dynamometer testing. This condition was not noted on the
road. Knock was observed on medium to hard accelerations with
this vehicle when driven on the road. Knock was not observed
during the LA4 dynamometer testing. It should be noted that
100 RON lead-free fuel was used during all testing
Neither of these problems were apparent in the baseline con-
figuration.
Conclusions
1. Although 1976 interim standards were not achieved, emission
levels well below 1975 interim standards were achieved with
the Peterman modified 1973 AMC Gremlin.
2. Both knock and surge were observed during testing of the
Peterman modified 1973 AMC Gremlin.
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1975 FTP Results
with Peterman Modification
Avg.
Device Testing
Fuel
HC
gin/mi
0.97
0.94
0.96
CO
gm/mi
7.23
5.92
6. 58
NOx
gm/mi
1.14
0.89
1.02
CO?
gm/mi
531.59
500.95
516.27
Consumption
mpg
16.3
17.3
16.8
Baseline Testing*
Avg.
1.62
1.72
1.67
26.95
34.02
30.49
1.47
1.87
1.67
459.49
475.20
467.35
17.7
16.7
17.2
S75 -
tnterim
Std. 1.5
'76
Interim
Std. 0.41
15.0
3.40
3.1
2.0
NOTE: All tests conducted at 3,000 Ib. inertia and 10.3 hp
at 50 mph.
*Distributor modification was present during the baseline
testing.
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