'November 1977' MOTOR VEHICLE EMISSIONS CONTROL THERMOSTATIC AIR CLEANER SYSTEMS U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Office of Air and Waste Management Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711 ------- EPA-450/3-77-037 MOTOR VEHICLE EMISSIONS CONTROL BOOK TWO THERMOSTATIC AIR CLEANER SYSTEMS by B.D. Hayes, Project Director M.T. Maness, Associate Project Director R.A. Ragazzi, Principal Investigator R.A. Barrett, Graduate Research Assistant Department of Industrial Sciences Colorado State University Fort Collins, Colorado 80523 EPA Grants No. T008135-01-0 and T900621-01-0 EPA Region VIII Project Officer: Elmer M. Chenault EPA Project Officer: Bruce Hogarth Prepared for U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Office of Air and Waste Management Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards Control Programs Development Division 30 Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711 November 1977 ------- Copies of this publication are available free of charge to Federal employees, current contractors and grantees, and nonprofit organizations - as supplies permit - from the Library Services Office (MD-35), Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711; or, for a fee, from the National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, Virginia 22161. This report was furnished to the Environmental Protection Agency by the Department of Industrial Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80523, through Grants No. T008135-01-0 and No. T900621-01-0. The contents of this report are reproduced herein as received from Colorado State University. The opinions, findings, and conclusions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Environmental Protection Agency. Mention of company or product names is not to be considered as an endorsement by the Environmental Protection Agency. Publication No. EPA-450/3-77-037 ii ------- ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The Motor Vehicle Emissions Control Staff of the Department of Industrial Sciences at Colorado State University would like to acknowledge the efforts extended by the Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, and Region VIII Environmental Protection Agency, Manpower Development Division. A special thanks must be extended to the automotive vehicle equipment and parts manufacturers for their cooperation and assistance in the development of this training material. iii ------- MOTOR VEHICLE EMISSIONS CONTROL -- SERIES OF SEVEN BOOKS -- MOTOR VEHICLE EMISSIONS STAFF, COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY BOOK ONE - POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION SYSTEMS BOOK TWO - THERMOSTATIC AIR CLEANER SYSTEMS BOOK THREE - AIR INJECTION REACTION SYSTEMS BOOK FOUR - FUEL EVAPORATION CONTROL SYSTEMS BOOK FIVE - EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION SYSTEMS BOOK SIX - SPARK CONTROL SYSTEMS BOOK SEVEN - CATALYTIC CONVERTER SYSTEMS IV ------- INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE USE OF THIS BOOK This book is one of a series designed specifically to teach the concepts of automobile emissions control systems. Each book is designed to be used as self-instructional material. Therefore, 1t is important that you follow the step-by-step procedure format so that you may realize the full value of the emissions system which 1s being presented. The topics are taught in incremental steps and each topic treatment prepares the student for the next topic. Each book 1s divided into sections which Include the introduction, purpose, function, inspection and testing of the emissions system presented. As you proceed through this series, please begin with book one and read the following books in sequence. This 1s important because there are several instances where material covered in a given book relies on previously covered material in another book. To receive the full benefits of the book, please answer the self- evaluation statements related to the material. These statements are separated from the text by solid lines crossing the page. The answers to the statement can be found at the end of the book as Identified by the table of contents. You should check for the correct answer after you respond to each statement. If you find that you have made a mistake, go back through the material which relates to the statement or statements. Fi1l-1n-the-blank statements are utilized for self-evaluation purposes throughout the material. An example statement would appear like this: The American flag is red, white, and You would write "blue" In the blank and immediately check your answer at the end of the book. ------- The material, statements and illustrations should be easy to follow and understand. In several illustrations a small ghost named "VEC" (Vehicle Emissions Control) has been used to make the picture easier to understand. Upon completion of this series, you should be able to better understand the emissions control systems and devices which are an integral part of automobiles today. Your increased knowledge should help you keep these "emissions controlled" vehicles operating as they were designed to operate. Respectable fuel economy, performance and driveability, as well as cleaner air, can be obtained from the automobile engine that has all of its emissions systems functioning properly. vi ------- CONTENTS Introduction to Emissions Control 2-1 Hydrocarbons 2-1 Carbon Monoxide 2-1 Oxides of Nitrogen 2-2 Formation of Hydrocarbons 2-2 Formation of Carbon Monoxide 2-3 Formation of Oxides of Nitrogen 2-3 Ignition Timing 2-3 Carburetion 2-5 System Introduction 2-7 System/Component Purpose 2-11 Thermostatic Type Air Cleaner 2-11 Vacuum Override Motor 2-13 Air Valve Type Air Cleaner 2-15 Air Bleed Valve-Temperature Sensor 2-17 System/Component Function 2-19 Thermostatic Type Air Cleaner 2-19 Vacuum Override Motor 2-22 Air Valve Type Air Cleaner 2-25 System Inspection 2-33 System Testing 2-35 Thermostatic Type Air Cleaner Test 2-35 Vacuum Override Motor Test 2-37 Air Valve Type Air Cleaner Test 2-38 Summary 2-45 Answers 2-47 vii ------- INTRODUCTION TO EMISSIONS CONTROL As we all know emissions systems and devices have been installed on the automobile engine because of the air pollution problem. In order for you to understand these emissions systems and devices you should have a background of the problem. All of the emissions control systems were installed on the engine to reduce just three specific exhaust products. These are known as products of combustion. The three products which the emissions systems are designed to reduce are hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen. HYDROCARBONS Gasoline, like all petroleum products, is made up of hundreds of hydro- carbon compounds. The name "hydrocarbon" has been given to these com- pounds because they are made up of hydrogen and carbon atoms. This is also the reason hydrocarbons have the abbreviation (HC). Hydrocarbons are gasoline vapors or raw gasoline itself. One reason hydrocarbon emissions must be controlled is because it is one of the major components of photochemical smog. Photochemical or "Los Angeles" smog forms when hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen combine in the presence of sunlight. In order to avoid this smog condition the hydro- carbon emissions from automobiles must be controlled. Hydrocarbons also act as an irritant to our eyes and some are suspected of causing cancer and other health problems. CARBON MONOXIDE Another product of combustion that must be controlled is carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide has the abbreviation (CO). CO is also hazardous to our health when it is mixed with the air we breathe. It can cause headaches, reduce mental alertness and even cause death if enough of it is in the air. Carbon monoxide is also a problem in that it speeds the formation of photochemical smog. For these reasons CO emissions must be controlled. 2-1 ------- 2-2 OXIDES OF NITROGEN Oxides of nitrogen are the last harmful products of combustion we will discuss. Nitrogen oxides have been given the abbreviation (NO ). As /\ you already know, oxides of nitrogen and hydrocarbons combine to form photochemical smog. The sunlight which triggers the formation of photo- chemical smog has another effect on oxides of nitrogen. Some of the oxides of nitrogen are broken down and a gas called ozone is formed. Ozone is a lung and eye irritant and it also deteriorates rubber and affects the growth of vegetation. Since the nitrogen oxides have these effects they must also be controlled. Now that you are familiar with the emissions which must be controlled let's find out where they originate. FORMATION OF HYDROCARBONS Hydrocarbons, you will recall, are fuel vapors or raw fuel. For this reason hydrocarbon emissions will result from any uncontained supply of gasoline. Hydrocarbon emissions also come from the tailpipe. If the automobile engine could achieve "complete combustion," all of the unburned fuel or hydrocarbons would be used up. However, it is impos- sible for today's automobile engines to achieve "complete combustion." Any time the fuel mixture in the combustion chamber is not completely burned, some hydrocarbons will be emitted from the tailpipe. The two main reasons why hydrocarbons are not completely burned are because of engine misfire and "quench areas." When an engine misfire occurs, none of the raw fuel or hydrocarbons are burned. When this happens they are simply exhausted directly to the atmosphere. Quench areas are places in the combusion chamber where the flame goes out before the fuel is com- pletely burned. Small cavities such as where the head gasket seals the cylinder head to the block is a quench area. Another quench area is located between the top of the piston and the first compression ring. These areas are sources of hydrocarbon emissions. ------- 2-3 FORMATION OF CARBON MONOXIDE Carbon monoxide is partially burned fuel. Carbon monoxide is formed in the combustion chamber whenever there is not enough air to burn all the fuel. This means that whenever a "rich" air/fuel mixture is pulled into the combustion chamber carbon monoxide will be formed. After the flame goes out the carbon monoxide is exhausted through the tailpipe and into the air. FORMATION OF OXIDES OF NITROGEN Oxides of nitrogen are also formed in the combustion chamber. These oxides result from the nitrogen which is contained in our air. In some cases combustion temperatures in the automobile engine can exceed 4500°F. At temperatures above approximately 2500°F, nitrogen oxides will start forming. Therefore, If combustion chamber temperatures exceed 2500°F, oxides of nitrogen will be produced and then exhausted to our atmosphere. Now that you understand how these emissions are formed in the automobile engine, we will see how changes in ignition timing and carburetor adjust- ment affect the amount of these pollutants. As you know, changes in timing and carburetion can have a large effect on how an engine performs. These changes in timing and carburetion also can have drastic effects on the amount of pollutants which are present in the automobile's exhaust. The amount of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen which are present in the exhaust gases will vary as timing and carburetion adjustments are changed. IGNITION TIMING Prior to emissions controlled automobiles, advancing the spark timing was a common practice. Setting the spark timing this way caused the spark plug to fire before the piston reached top dead center. This advanced spark timing allowed the maximum amount of heat energy to be ------- 2-4 exerted on the piston. As a result the best performance and fuel econ- omy could be obtained. Unfortunately, this also produced high hydro- carbon and nitrogen oxide emissions .levels. In order to reduce emissions levels, ignition spark timing was retarded. By firing the spark plug after the piston reaches top dead center, not as much of the heat energy is converted to work on the piston. The extra heat energy which is not used on the piston now passes through the exhaust valve and into the exhaust manifold. This keeps the exhaust gas temperatures higher. These higher exhaust temperatures allow burning of the air/fuel mixture to continue in the exhaust manifold. This further oxidation or burning in the exhaust manifold helps to reduce HC and CO emissions. Another advantage of retarded timing from an emissions standpoint is that combustion temperatures are not as high. This is due to the fact that the maximum combustion pressure will be lower. Since the combustion temperatures will be lower and the formation of oxides of nitrogen de- pends on temperature, a smaller amount of these pollutants will be ex- hausted to the atmosphere. There is one more advantage to using retarded spark timing. As you know, when ignition timing is retarded the engine's idle speed will drop. This decrease in idle speed occurs because less heat energy is applied to the combustion chamber and more heat energy is being supplied to continue the burning process in the exhaust manifold. In order to regain an acceptable idle speed, the throttle plates must be opened wider. This wider throttle plate opening allows more air to pass through the carburetor. This increase in air flow will reduce the amount of residual exhaust gases in the cylinder. This in turn will allow a more burnable mixture which can be made leaner. Since the mixture can be leaner there will be more air in the combustion chamber. As you know, the more air that is made available during com- bustion the lower will be the HC and CO emissions. ------- 2-5 CARBURETION Adjustments made to the carburetor air/fuel ratio can also have a large effect on the amount of pollutants which come from the automobile engine. When idle mixture settings become richer there is less air present for the combustion process. This lack of air results in an increase in hydro- carbon and carbon monoxide emissions. When the idle mixture screws are turned in, the amount of fuel is reduced and the mixture becomes leaner. This leaner mixture contains more air and therefore more oxygen is available for more complete burning of the fuel. This results in lower HC and CO emissions levels. As the idle mixture screws are turned in, the idle air/fuel mixture be- comes leaner. If this mixture becomes too lean a "lean misfire" will occur. A "lean misfire" will occur because the fuel is so diluted or thinned out by the air that the mixture will not ignite. This leads to a very large increase in hydrocarbon emissions. This happens because the failure of the mixture to ignite results in that amount of raw fuel being emitted to the atmosphere. The carbon monoxide emissions decrease when a lean misfire condition is present. Carbon monoxide is partially burned fuel. Since no combustion takes place during a lean misfire condition no CO is formed and the total amount of CO produced by the engine will be less. A lean misfire usually occurs in one or more cylinders. This condition may also move from cylinder to cylinder while the engine is running. This is caused by the uneven distribution of the air/fuel mixture delivered to each cylinder. This condition occurs mainly because of problems with intake manifold design. Now you should understand how changes in timing and^carburetion adjust- ment can affect emissions levels. With thisj^knowtedge you will be able to understand how each emissions;control system we will discuss helps to reduce the air pollution caused by the automobile. ------- TAG 2-7 SYSTEM INTRODUCTION The next emissions control system we will examine is the Thermostatic Air Cleaner system, abbreviated TAG. The TAG system helps in controlling auto emissions and also increases vehicle performance and driveability. Certain engineering changes on late model engines were necessary to obtain the most "complete combustion" with the least amount of air pollution. The TAG system is one of these engineering changes. By varying the necessities of combustion (air, fuel, spark timing, etc.) we may obtain a higher combustion efficiency and lower emissions. As you know, two of the most common emissions are hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO). These pollutants are produced because of "incomplete combustion." Incomplete combustion occurs when all of the air/fuel mixture entering the engine is not used in the combustion process. When the combustion process is not complete, some of the unused air/fuel mixture is exhausted to the atmosphere. These left-over products of combustion are hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions. One method used to help limit the amount of HC and CO in the automobile's exhaust is to provide a leaner air/fuel mixture to the engine. This means less fuel is mixed with the air enter- ing the carburetor. This increases the efficiency of the combustion process and leaves fewer left-over HC and CO pollutants to go into the exhaust. There is a problem, however. This leaner air/fuel mixture burns well when the engine has been warmed up and is running at a relatively high temperature. The problem occurs when using a lean mixture in a cold engine. Before the engine is warmed up to normal operating temperature we usually "choke" the carburetor. This provides a very "rich" air/fuel mixture to the engine. A mixture rich in fuel is necessary to obtain satisfactory performance with a cold engine. When gasoline leaves the carburetor it must atomize to be easily mixed with the air. Atomization is the process of breaking down the fuel into small particles to form a vapor to mix with the air entering the carburetor. The air and fuel must be thoroughly mixed for a more complete combustion to occur. ------- 2-8 This is easily accomplished when the engine has been warmed up. When the engine is warm, the air entering the carburetor is at a temperature high enough to rapidly atomize the fuel. When the engine is cold however, the carburetor is cold and the air entering the carburetor is also cold. This causes problems in the fuel atomization process. The atomization of fuel can be compared to the evaporation or vaporization of water on a hot day in summer compared to a cold day in winter. When the air temperature is high, atomization occurs much easier. Fuel atomizes much easier with warm A air than with cold air. When the fuel is not atomized completely the engine operates rough because the air/fuel mixture will not burn smoothly. Under certain cold conditions, when the air entering the carburetor is insufficient to warm the fuel, a freezing of the air/fuel mixture may occur. This is called "carburetor icing." What is now used to eliminate this cold engine problem is the Thermostatic Air Cleaner (TAG). The TAG system was first introduced on some 1966 automobiles. This thermostatic (heat-activated) air cleaner provides heated air to the carburetor during warm-up operations. Air is heated by the exhaust manifold before entering the carburetor. EXHAUST MANIFOLD PIPE (HOT AIR PIPE) FILTER EXHAUST MANIFOLD EXHAUST MANIFOLD HEAT SHROUD FIGURE. 2-1 ------- TAG 2-9 Heated air entering the carburetor allows better fuel atomization, smoother cold engine performance and helps reduce carburetor icing. The thermostatic air cleaner provides heated air only during the engine warm- up period. The air temperature is regulated as needed during this time. After the engine has been warmed-up and no longer needs heated air, normal engine compartment air is provided as with conventional air cleaner systems. The thermostatic air cleaner permits smooth engine operation while using a lean air/fuel mixture at all times. During warm-up periods heated air is provided. During normal operating conditions engine compartment air is supplied. The TAG system eliminates much of the hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions usually formed during cold engine warm-up. 1. TAG means 2. The TAG system helps control auto emissions. It also increases vehicle performance and 3. Two of the most common emissions are hydrocarbons and carbon monoxides. These pollutants are produced because of 4. One method used to help limit the amount of HC and CO in auto emissions is to provide a air/fuel mixture to the engine. ------- 2-10 5. is the process of breaking down the fuel into small particles to form a vapor to unite with the air entering the carburetor. 6. Fuel atomizes much easier with air than with cold air. 7. The thermostatic air cleaner provides to the carburetor during engine warm-up operations, 8. The TAG system provides heated air only during the engine - periods. 9. The TAG system eliminates much of the HC and emissions usually formed during cold engine warm-up. ------- TAG 2-11 SYSTEM/COMPONENT PURPOSE The introduction explained how heated air, provided during warm-up operation would benefit engine performance. The purpose of the Thermo- static Air Cleaner is to provide heated air. The TAG system provides this heated air and regulates the temperature at which it enters the carburetor. Therefore, the TAG system improves cold engine performance and reduces emissions by warming the air used for the combustion process, There are two widely used types of thermally activated systems. One is called a thermostatic type, the other an air valve type. You will see that although the component parts of the two differ somewhat, the purpose of both is to control intake air temperature. THERMOSTATIC TYPE AIR CLEANER The" main component acting on intake air entering the carburetor is the air cleaner. The air cleaner is composed of two main parts: the main body, containing the filter and air inlet tube or snorkel. With both types of TAG systems we have an opening in the bottom of the snorkel to which is attached an exhaust manifold pipe or hot air pipe. This pipe connects the opening in the snorkel to an exhaust manifold heat shroud. EXHAUST MANIFOLD PIPE SNORKEL (HOT AIR 7i0iqiELr PIPE) FILTER EXHAUST MANIFOLD EXHAUST MANIFOLD HEAT SHROUD FIGURE 2-2 ------- 2-12 These two components form a heat path to the air intake system. Heat is picked up by air passing through the shroud. The heated air is drawn up through the hot air pipe to the snorkel. 10. There are two widely used types of thermostatic air cleaner systems. One is called a type. The other is called an air valve type. 11. Both types of TAG systems have an opening in the bottom of the snorkel to which is attached a pipe. AIR VALVE DOOR The next component we will look at is the air valve or air valve door. The air valve door is located inside the snorkel and above the hot air AIR VALVE (DOOR) FILTER TO EXHAUST MANIFOLD SHROUD FIGURE 2-3 ------- TAC 2-13 pipe. The valve is hinged on one side acting as a door to the hot air coming from the exhaust manifold heat shroud. The air valve door is connected to an air door spring. This spring holds the air door up, blocking cold engine compartment air from entering the snorkel. This allows hot air to enter from the hot air pipe. To regulate the temperature of air entering the carburetor the TAC system mixes relatively cold engine compartment air with heated air. The door should be open to the hot air pipe allowing heated air to enter during engine warm-up periods. During warm-up it should prevent cold engine compartment air from entering. When the engine has been warmed up and is operating at normal temperature, the door should cover the hot air pipe and allow only cooler engine compartment air to enter. THERMOSTAT The door operation is controlled by a thermostat connected to the air door near its hinge or pivot point. The thermostat is a heat sensing device that operates the air valve door as determined by the temperature of the intake air. VACUUM OVERRIDE MOTOR Figure 2-3 shows the basic components used in thermostat!c type air cleaners. One additional device however is sometimes used on this type system. A Vacuum Override Motor seen in figure 2-4 may be attached to TAC WITH VACUUM OVERRIDE MOTOR AIR DOOR SPRING iUUM OVERRIDE MOTOR TO INTAKE MAMIFOLD VACUUM FIGURE 2-4 ------- 2-14 the snorkel and connected to the thermostat and air door by an override lever. The motor uses intake manifold vacuum. The override motor is used only during cold engine acceleration. We have seen that when the engine is cold the air valve door is closed to engine compartment air and is passing air from the hot air pipe. During cold engine acceleration however, more air is needed by the engine than can be supplied through the hot air pipe. The purpose of the vacuum override motor is to over- ride the thermostatic control of the air valve door. This provides air from both the engine compartment and the hot air pipe in a sufficient amount to sustain cold engine acceleration. 12. Located inside the snorkel and above the hot air pipe opening is an door. 13. To control the temperature of air entering the carburetor, the TAG system mixes heated air and _^_^ air before it enters the air cleaner. 14. Sometimes a ' . motor is attached to the snorkel and air door on the thermostatic type system. 15. The vacuum override motor is operated by vacuum. ------- TAG 2-15 16. The vacuum override motor's purpose is to override the control of the air valve door during cold engine AIR VALVE TYPE AIR CLEANER Next we will look at the Air Valve Type air cleaner. As mentioned before, the purpose of both the Thermostat!c Type and Air Valve Type air cleaner is the same -- to heat air entering the carburetor and insure a warm air/ fuel mixture during cold engine operation. By heating the air we eliminate many of the HC and CO emissions which occur during engine warm- up and cold engine operation. When describing components of the Air Valve Type air cleaner you will see many are similar to the Thermostatic Type. The differences occur in the method of regulation. As with the Thermostatic Type system, we have an air cleaner consisting of a filter and a snorkel as seen in figure 2-5. The snorkel has an EXHAUST MANIFOLD PIPE (HOT AIR PIPE) SNORKEL FILTER EXHAUST MANIFOLD HEAT SHROUD FIGURE 2-5 ------- 2-16 opening through which heated air enters. The heat collector is again the exhaust manifold heat shroud, connected to the snorkel opening by a hot air pipe. AIR VALVE DOOR As with the Thermostatic Type system, the heat path opening is regulated by an air valve door. It is the air door that regulates the amount of cold engine compartment air and warm, exhaust-heated air entering the system. In the Air Valve Type system, the air door is operated by a vacuum motor. As seen in figure 2-6, a vacuum hose runs from the intake manifold to a vacuum motor positioned on top of the snorkel. The vacuum motor has a linkage connecting it to the air door. AIR VALVE TYPE AIR CLEANER VACUUM MOTOR VACUUM HOSE J oo oo 00 TO EXHAUST MANIFOLD . SHROUD TEMPERATURE SENSOR (AIR BLEED VALVEK FIGURE 2-6 As vacuum reaches the vacuum motor the air door is lifted up limiting engine compartment air and allowing heated air to enter the system. The amount of intake manifold vacuum reaching the vacuum motor determines the position of the air door. This vacuum is carried by a vacuum hose routed through the air cleaner body. Located on the vacuum hose in the air cleaner body is an air bleed valve. ------- TAG 2-17 AIR BLEED VALVE-TEMPERATURE SENSOR The air bleed valve controls the amount of vacuum in the vacuum hose. When the air bleed valve opens, the vacuum in the hose is released. When and how much the air bleed valve opens is determined by a temperature sensor on the air bleed valve. This means both the amount of vacuum reaching the vacuum motor and the temperature of air entering the system is controlled by a temperature sensing device. Now that you are familiar with the purpose of the components in the TAG system it is time to learn how they function. 17. With the air valve type TAG system the amount of intake manifold vacuum received by the vacuum motor determines the position of the 18. An is located in the vacuum hose in the air cleaner body. 19. When and how much the air bleed valve opens is determined by the • . ------- TAC 2-19 SYSTEM/COMPONENT FUNCTION The purpose of the TAC system 1s to provide heated air to the carburetor. The function of the system is to control the temperature of the intake air. This is done by regulating the position of the air valve door. By changing the position of this door the TAC system controls the amount of heated air entering the system and thereby controls the temperature of air entering the carburetor. THERMOSTATIC TYPE AIR CLEANER We will now examine how the Thermostatic Type system functions. As you recall, the air door is connected to a spring and a thermostat. In the cold start position the spring holds the air door up. This allows only heated air to enter the system. Remember, the heated air has been warmed by passing through the exhaust manifold heat shroud. This air door position 1s called the "Hot A1r Mode." 20. The TAC system functions to the tempera- ture of the air entering the carburetor. HOT AIR MODE When the TAC system 1s in the hot air mode, air from the engine compart- ment is blocked from entering the system. Only heated air will be allowed to enter the carburetor. The door is in the "Hot Air Mode" when air entering the system is below approximately 100°F. The system would be in this position when a cold engine has just been started. It would also be in this position if the engine was off and cold. ------- 2-20 HOT AIR MODE INCOMING AIR TEMPERATURE BELOW APPROX. IOO°F HOT AIR FIGURE 2-7 REGULATING MODE As the temperature of the air entering from the hot air pipe reaches approximately 100°F the thermostat becomes activated. Remember a thermo- stat is just a temperature sensing device. The thermostat is connected to the air door by a rod. As the temperature rises above 100°F, the REGULATING MODE INCOMING AIR TEMPERATURE BETWEEN APPROX. KX>-I3O°F FIGURE 2-8 ------- TAG 2-21 thermostat begins to extend; this pushes the rod and moves the door away from the "Hot Air Mode" into the "Regulating Mode." In this mode both heated air and cooler engine compartment air enter the system. The amount of heated and cool air is regulated by the thermostat which controls the position of the door. The system is in the "Regulating Mode" when the temperature is between approximately 100°F and 130°F. This temperature range will occur after the engine has been started and is approaching operating temperature. COLD AIR MODE When the temperature of the air passing the thermostat on its way to the carburetor has reached approximately 130°F the air door will be completely closed to heated air. This position is called the "Cold Air Mode." COLD AIR MODE INCOMING AIR TEMPERATURE ABOVE APPROX. I30*F FIGURE 2-9 The system will be in this position when the engine has warmed up. All air entering the carburetor will now be coming from the engine compartment. ------- 2-22 21. The air door will be in the when air entering the system is below approximately 100°F. 22. As the temperature rises above 100°F, the air door will move away from the "Hot Air Mode" into the 23. When the temperature of the air has reached approximately 130°F, the door will be completely closed to heated air. This position is called the " . " 24. In the Regulating Mode both heated air from the heat shroud and cooler air enters the system. 25. In the " " only cooler engine compartment air can enter the system. VACUUM OVERRIDE MOTOR We have discussed the way all thermostat!c type air cleaners work. How- ever, some systems include an additional vacuum override motor. You will recall that the vacuum override motor was used to provide additional air during cold acceleration. During engine warm-up when the air door is in the "hot air mode" or beginning stages of the "regulating mode," only ------- TAG 2-23 a limited supply of air is entering the system. This is obvious since the air door is blocking much of the engine compartment air from entering the system. Also the engine compartment is the main source of air for the carburetor. During cold acceleration more air is needed to sustain the engine than can be supplied from the hot air pipe. Therefore, we use a vacuum override motor to override the thermostatic control of the air door and allow more engine compartment air to enter. Figure 2-10 shows a cut- away view of the vacuum override motor. The override motor is connected TAG WITH VACUUM OVERRIDE MOTOR AIR OOOR SPRING THERMOSTAT VACUUM OVERRIDE MOTOR TO INTAKE MANIFOLD VACUUM FIGURE 2-10 to the air door on one end and to an intake manifold vacuum hose on the other. The motor is made up of a spring and a diaphragm. As you can see in Figure 2-11, when the engine is at idle, there is high intake manifold vacuum. This vaucum will pull the motor diaphragm back and allow the air door to be pulled up by the air door spring. As the temperature increases the thermostat will begin to close the door as usual. However, if accel- eration is needed before the thermostat has opened the system to engine compartment air, there would not be enough air to supply the engine. With the vacuum override motor, when the throttle is opened, the intake manifold loses much of its vacuum. This allows the spring in the motor to push the diaphragm and rod forward. Pushing the rod forward overcomes spring ------- 2-24 AIR DOOR IN HOT AIR MODE AT IDLE TO INTAKE MANIFOLD VACUUM HEAT DOOR IN PARTIAL HEAT-OFF POSITION UNDER COLD ACCELERATION LOW OR NO VACUUM FIGURE 2-11 tension on the door and allows engine compartment air to enter. This will happen regardless of the position of the thermostat. The action of the vacuum override motor essentially forces the system into a "regulating mode" regardless of the temperature of the entering air. One more thing to remember about a thermostatic system with a vacuum over- ride motor is that when the engine is off the hot air door will be down, ------- TAG 2-25 in a "cold air mode." In systems without the vacuum override motor the air door would be in the "hot air mode" because of the spring connected to the door. In a system with the vacuum override motor, the spring connected to the door would also try to hold the door up, but with the engine off there would be no intake manifold vacuum. With no vacuum, the motor's spring would force the door down just as in cold acceleration. 26. The override motor is connected by a linkage to the air door on one end. It also has an vacuum hose connection on the other end, 27. The vacuum override motor essentially forces the system into a " " regardless of the temperature of the entering air. AIR VALVE TYPE AIR CLEANER The purpose of the Air Valve Type air cleaner as mentioned before is to provide heated air to the carburetor during warm-up operations. The Air Valve Type system functions somewhat differently than the Thermostatic Type, but the purpose is the same. This system regulates the position of the air door according to intake manifold vacuum. The air door is linked mechanically to a vacuum motor mounted on top of the snorkel above the hot air pipe. The motor consists of a spring and a diaphragm assembly much like a vacuum override motor. A vacuum hose connects the vacuum motor to the intake manifold. This hose runs through the air cleaner. Located on the hose inside the air cleaner is a temperature sensor. This temperature sensor is the device that controls the vacuum signal. Vacuum for the motor is supplied by the intake manifold. The temperature sensor controls the vacuum ------- 2-26 AIR VALVE TYPE AIR CLEANER DIAPHRAGM SPRING VACUUM MOTOR DIAPHRAGM \ oo 00 00 00 oo 00 oo AIR VALVE (DOOR) TO EXHAUST MANIFOLD — L SHROUD TEMPERATURE SENSOR (AIR BLEED VALVE) TO MANIFOLD FIGURE 2-12 signal to the vacuum motor by using an air bleed valve and a temperature sensing spring or thermostat. AIR BLEED VALVE CLOSED TEMPERATURE SENSING SPRING FULL VACUUM SIGNAL TO VACUUM MOTOR TO MANIFOLD VACUUM FIGURE 2-13 ------- TAC 2-27 HOT AIR MODE When a cold engine is started and the temperature of the air passing the temperature sensing spring is below approximately 85°F, full vacuum is allowed to the vacuum motor. Full vacuum is allowed below approximately 85°F and the temperature sensing spring keeps the air bleed valve closed. As you can see in figure 2-13, this allows a full vacuum signal to reach the vacuum motor. When the temperature sensor allows a full vacuum signal to reach the vacuum motor, such as when the temperature is below approxi- mately 85°F, the system is in the "Hot Air Delivery Mode." This is shown in figure 2-14. HOT AIR DELIVERY MODE DIAPHRAGM SPRING VACUUM MOTOR DIAPHRAGM \ J oo 00 oo Trfcjnro »• oo SENSOR FIGURE 2-14 In the "Hot Air Delivery Mode" the vacuum draws the motor diaphragm up, overcoming the diaphragm spring tension. Because the air door is linked to the diaphragm spring, as the spring is pulled up by vacuum the air door is also pulled up'. This opens the system to heated air from the hot air pipe. In the Hot Air Delivery Mode cooler engine compartment air is prevented from entering the system. ------- 2-28 REGULATING MODE When the temperature of the air passing the temperature sensing spring in the air cleaner rises above approximately 85°F the air bleed valve begins to open. The sensor has reacted to the increase in temperature. As it AIR BLEED PARTIALLY OPEN TEMPERATURE SENSOR SPRING TO V VACUUM^ MOTOR WEAKENED VACUUM SIGNAL TO MANIFOLD VACUUM FIGURE 2-15 senses these warmer temperatures it forces the air bleed valve to allow atmospheric pressure to bleed into the vacuum line. This reduces the vacuum signal to the vacuum motor. The weakened vacuum signal can no longer hold the diaphragm spring and the spring tension starts to close the air door. It has now moved to the "Regulating Mode." In the Regulating Mode both heated air from the exhaust manifold and cooler engine compartment air enter the system. The air door begins to move down at a temperature of approximately 85°F. It is fully closed when the temperature of air passing the temperature sensing spring is approximately 130°F. ------- TAG 2-29 REGULATING MODE DIAPHRAGM SPRING VACUUM MOTOR DIAPHRAGM \ -AIR FILTER TEMPERATURE SENSOR FIGURE 2-16 COLD AIR MODE When the temperature of air passing the temperature sensing spring reaches approximately 130°F or above, the air bleed valve has opened completely. The air bleed valve now allows atmospheric pressure into the hose at such a rate that it eliminates the vacuum reaching the vacuum motor. AIR BLEED OPEN TEMPERATURE SENSOR SPRING LOW OR NO VACUUM SIGNAL TO VACUUM MOTOR TO MANIFOLD VACUUM FIGURE 2-17 ------- 2-30 The vacuum signal can no longer overcome the diaphragm spring tension on the vacuum motor. The air door is forced closed to heated air. The system is now in the "Cold Air Mode." COLD AIR DELIVERY MODE DIAPHRAGM SPRING VACUUM MOTOR DIAPHRAGM \ oo oo oo 00 00 ^^^AIR F FILTER TEMPERATURE SENSOR BLEEDING ' AIR FIGURE 2-18 In the Cold Air Mode only cooler engine compartment air can enter the system. This operating mode is used whenever the vacuum can no longer overcome the diaphragm spring tension. This occurs when either the temperature sensing spring has opened the air bleed valve to atmospheric pressure (temperature above approximately 130°F) or when intake manifold vacuum is too low to overcome the spring tension. 28. When the intake air passing the temperature sensor in the air cleaner rises above approximately 85°F, the air bleed valve begins to . ------- TAG 2-31 29. When the engine has reached normal operating temperature the air bleed valve will be fully . 30, The air door is held in the hot air mode by COLD ACCELERATION You will recall that under certain cold acceleration conditions more air is needed by the engine than can be supplied through the hot air pipe. In the Thermostatic Type air cleaner a vacuum override motor was used to supply more air. The Air Valve Type air cleaner does not need such a device. During acceleration the carburetor throttle plates open. This reduces manifold vacuum. With low manifold vacuum, the vacuum signal to the vacuum motor is too weak to overcome the spring tension holding the door closed to engine compartment air. Thus the volume of air required for acceleration is provided regardless of the air temperature passing the sensor. LOW VACUUM CONDITION VACUUM MOTOR DIAPHRAGM SPRING FILTER / 00 oo 00 ^^^..^-•AIK r TEMPERATURE SENSOR \ FTGIIRF ?-!Q ------- 2-32 With the engine off or during low vacuum conditions the air door blocks the hot air pipe. Now that you are familiar with the function of the TAG system, it is time to learn about the inspection and testing procedures used for this system. 31. The Air Valve Type air cleaner does not need a acceleration. motor to supply more air during cold 32. The Air Valve Type air cleaner will move to the air mode during cold wide-open throttle acceleration. ------- TAC 2-33 SYSTEM INSPECTION A visual inspection of the TAC system should take place periodically and previous to any testing. The visual inspection requires no tools or instruments and takes only a few minutes. Many problems can easily be avoided by following this simple procedure. 1. Check that the air cleaner is in place and has not been modified. The snorkel opening should not be blocked preventing air from freely entering the system. Modifications to the air cleaner, such as an upside down lid, shortened snorkel or holes drilled into the air cleaner body will not allow the TAC system to operate correctly. 2. Check that the air cleaner filter element is in place and clean. A dirty filter element will decrease air flow to the carburetor and possibly starve the engine of air. 3. Check the exhaust manifold heat shroud and hot air pipe leading to the snorkel. They should be installed properly and securely fastened. These two components provide the path for heated air used in the system. Connections must be secure to prevent loss of heat. Passages must be open to allow proper flow of air. 4. Check the vacuum hose routing through the system. Hose routings must be correct for the system to operate. The routing must be followed from the vacuum motor into the air cleaner and to the temperature sensor. This is accomplished by si:u:;y r«,iiovi:i(j the air deo-rier winy n^t. and lifting off ------- 2-34 the top. From the temperature sensor the hose should connect to the intake manifold where the vacuum signal is produced. On systems equipped with a vacuum override motor, the vacuum hose from the motor should be followed to the intake manifold connection. 5. Check the vacuum hoses for cracks and deterioration. Cracks and deterioration on vacuum hoses allow atmospheric pressure to leak into the lines. This severely limits the vacuum signal and prohibits proper system response. 6. Check that all hose connections are tight and secure. A loose connection anywhere in the system will weaken or prevent the vacuum signal from passing any further along the routing. 33. When inspecting the TAG system, insure that the air cleaner is properly in place and has not been 34. The opening should not be blocked preventing air from freely entering the system. 35. All hose connections should be ------- TAC 2-35 SYSTEM TESTING The system should be tested periodically and whenever it is suspected of working improperly. We have discussed the Thermostatic Type air cleaner with and without the vacuum override motor. We have also examined the Air Valve Type air cleaner. The testing procedures for each type will now be presented. THERMOSTATIC TYPE AIR CLEANER TEST The Thermostatic Type air cleaner is relatively easy to test. First inspect the air door linkage and spring for freedom of movement. If the linkage and spring are functioning properly, remove the air cleaner assembly from the carburetor. Lift off the air cleaner top and remove the air cleaner assembly from carburetor. Place the snorkel, containing the thermostat in a pan of water with a temperature below 85°F or place a cold rag on the thermostat. Allow a few minutes for the assembly to reach this TESTING HOT AIR MODE OF THERMOSTAT WATER TEMPERATURE BELOW 85°F FIGURE 2-20 cooler temperature. The thermostat should position the air valve door in the heat on or hot air delivery mode. ------- 2-36 FIGURE 2-21 Now, using a thermometer and heat source, heat the water (or hot rag) to approximately 130°F. At this temperature the thermostat should be fully extended. This would position the air door in the cold air delivery mode, allowing only cooler engine compartment air to enter the carburetor. Should this cold air delivery mode not occur, the thermostat should be replaced. TESTING COLD AIR MOD OF THERMOSTAT WATER TEMPERATURE ABOVE 130° F FIGURE 3-22 ------- COLD AIR MODE TAG 2-37 FIGURE 2-23 VACUUM OVERRIDE MOTOR TEST If the system has a vacuum override motor, this component must also be tested. With the engine off and the air cleaner assembly installed, cool the thermostat to below 85°F. The air valve door should be in the regulating mode position. If the air door is not in this position, check for possible interference with the door opening or vacuum motor which would not allow the door to move. Correct by realigning the air door or vacuum motor as required. Next, with the temperature still below 85°F, start the engine to introduce intake manifold vacuum to the override motor. With temperature below 85°F the air valve door should be in the full hot air delivery mode. Align the door or vacuum motor if interference is noted. If the air valve door remains in the regulating mode position, remove the vacuum hose at the override motor. Using a vacuum gauge check for full manifold vacuum at the hose. If vacuum is weak, check for vacuum leaks. If the vacuum signal is correct and the air valve door still will not move, disconnect the vacuum motor and observe the action of the thermostat on the air valve door. Using the testing procedure for the air cleaner with the thermostat alone, determine if the air valve door moves with temperature changes. If the thermostat operates the air door properly without the vacuum motor, the problem is not in the thermostat or linkage but with the vacuum motor itself. ------- 2-38 AIR VALVE TYPE AIR CLEANER TEST We will now discuss the relatively easy testing procedures for the Air Valve Type air cleaner. First a thermometer is taped in the air cleaner next to the temperature sensor. Install a tee in the vacuum line between vacuum motor and temperature sensor. Connect a vacuum gauge to the tee. -VACUUM GAUGE THERMOMETER HOSE TEE TEMPERATURE SENSOR VACUUM MOTOR TO EXHAUST- MANIFOLD SHROUD AIR, CLEANER TO CARBURETOR BASE MANIFOLD VACUUM FIGURE 2-24 ENGINE OFF VACUUM MOTOR TEMPERATURE SENSOR FIGURE 2-25 ------- TAG 2-39 With the engine off the air valve door should be closed to hot air, allow- ing cold air to enter carburetor. This will occur at any temperature if the engine is off. Look into the snorkel to make sure. Either allow engine compartment to cool down or apply a cold wet rag or ice to bring temperature down to 85°F or less. Start engine and allow it to idle. The air valve door should be closed to engine compartment air. The vacuum gauge should register full manifold vacuum. A hand vacuum pump can also be used without starting the engine. If the valve door is not closed with full vacuum at idle, shut off the engine and check for the following: ENGINE AT IDLE VACUUM GAUGE VACUUM MOTOR TEE AIR FILTER TEMPERATURE SENSOR HEATED AIR FIGURE 2-26 1. Binding air valve door. This is a common problem. Align for free movement as necessary. 2. Disconnected linkage. 3. Vacuum leaks in the system (if full vacuum is not indicated on vacuum gauge). 4. Defective vacuum motor. ------- 2-40 Next with the engine at idle (or vacuum created by hand pump) allow temp- erature to rise above 85°F. As the temperature rises the air door should begin to open to cooler engine compartment air. WITH ENGINE AT IDLE 8 AMBIENT TEMPER- ATURE BETWEEN 85° a 95° F, VALVE DOOR SHOULD START TO OPEN. 00 oo oo r\ r\ FIGURE 2-27 Without a change in vacuum reading, the air door should be completely opened to cold air at a temperature of approximately 130°F. If vacuum reading drops to 5"-9" mercury (Hg) the temperature will be between 105°F and 130°F when the door is completely opened. When the air valve door in the snorkel begins to move toward the cold air delivery mode, remove the cover on the air cleaner and check the thermometer next to the sensor for specified temperature. Also check vacuum reading. Vacuum reading should be 5"-9" of mercury (Hg) when the air door is completely open to cold air. A hand vacuum pump with attached gauge can also be used to conduct the vacuum test. If the temperature is within specifications and the air valve door opens to cold air, the system is operating correctly. If the temperature is out of specifications, but vacuum is correct, "replace the temperature sensor." ------- TAG 2-41 TEMPERATURE SENSOR FIGURE 2-28 If both the temperature and vacuum are within specifications and the air valve door remains closed to cooler engine compartment air, "replace the vacuum motor." Remember: the temperature sensor is preset at the factory, do not adjust. Some manufacturers use an additional air intake that is available as an option on certain models. The thermostatic controlled air cleaner is basically the same as the air valve type discussed previously except it has two snorkels. One snorkel contains a vacuum motor with a temperature sensor and works the same as we have discussed. The additional snorkel contains a vacuum motor but does not have a temperature sensor. The air valve door is controlled only by intake manifold vacuum and is closed to cold air under all conditions except heavy acceleration. Testing procedure is the same as for the single snorkel air cleaner. ------- 2-42 DUAL SNORKEL AIR CLEANER NON- HEATED AIR SNORKE TO VACUUM MOTOR TO MANIFOLD VACUU OPENING TO EXHAUST HEAT SHROUD TEMPERATURE SENSOR FIGURE 2-29 The processes and procedures above are basic to temperature controlled air cleaners. For exact procedures and specifications on specific makes and models you should refer to the manufacturer's technical and/or service manual. By following the inspection and servicing procedures for the TAG system, the intake air for the carburetor will be approximately 100°F or higher. This temperature enhances a more complete combustion, better cold engine driveability and a significant reduction of HC and CO emissions. 36. First inspect the air linkage and spring for freedom of movement, 37. Place the snorkel, containing the in a pan of water with a temperature below 85°F. ------- TAG 2-43 38. Using a thermometer and heat source, heat the water (or hot rags) to approximately 130°F. At this temperature, the thermostat should be 39. During the vacuum override motor test, and if the thermo- stat operates the air door properly without the vacuum motor, the problem is not the thermostat or linkage but with the itself. ------- TAG 2-45 SYSTEM SUMMARY PURPOSE The TAG system is designed to provide heated air to the carburetor during cold-engine conditions. By providing heated air during engine warm-up conditions, a leaner air/fuel mixture can be used thereby reducing hydro- carbon emissions. The system also assists in cold-engine driveabiltiy and the elimination of carburetor icing. MAIN COMPONENTS Exhaust Manifold Heat Shroud - A metal shroud around the exhaust manifold that directs air flow over the exhaust manifold to preheat it. Hot Air Pipe - Directs air from the exhaust manifold heat shroud to the snorkel of the air cleaner. Air Door Assembly - Regulates when and how much heated air enters the air cleaner. Vacuum Diaphragm Unit - Controls the air door assembly. Actuated by spring pressure and intake manifold vacuum. Temperature Sensor - Senses incoming air temperature by means of a temp- erature sensing spring. The position of the spring operates a small valve that determines if vacuum is applied to vacuum diaphragm or if it is vented. SYSTEM FUNCTION When the temperature sensor detects cold engine conditions, it allows intake manifold vacuum to reach the vacuum diaphragm unit. When the vacuum diaphragm receives a vacuum signal, it opens the air door assembly to allow exhaust manifold heated air to enter system. As temperature of incoming air reaches approximately 100°F, the temperature sensor bleeds off vacuum to the diaphragm unit closing the system to heated air allow- ing only cooler engine compartment air to enter. ------- ANSWERS TAG 2-47 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. Thermostatic Air Cleaner driveabiltiy incomplete combustion leaner atomization warm heated air warm-up CO Thermostatic hot air air valve engine compartment vacuum override intake manifold acceleration air door air bleed valve temperature sensor control or adjust 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. hot air mode regulating mode cold air mode engine compartment cold air mode intake manifold regulating mode open open vacuum vacuum override cold modified snorkel secure valve door thermostat fully extended vacuum motor ------- TECHNICAL REPORT DATA (Please read Instructions on the reverse before completing) 1 . REPORT NO. EPA-450/3-77-037 2. 3. RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION NO. 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Motor Vehicle Emissions Control - Book Two Thermostatic Air Cleaner Systems 5. REPORT DATE November 1977 6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE 7. AUTHOR(S) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO. B.D. Hayes M.T. Maness R.A. Ragazzi R.A. Barrett 9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS Department of Industrial Sciences Colorado State University Fort Collins, Colorado 80523 10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO. 11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO. T008135-01-0 T900621-01-0 12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS Control Programs Development Division Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards Office of Air and Waste Management U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED Final Report 14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE EPA 200/04 15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711 16. ABSTRACT This book is one of a series designed specifically to teach the concepts of auto- mobile emissions control systems. It is intended to assist the practicing mechanic or the home mechanic to better understand the Thermostatic Air Cl%aner Systems which are an integral part of automobiles today. The mechanic's increased know- ledge should help him keep "emissions controlled" vehicles operating as designed. Respectable fuel economy, performance and driveability, as well as cleaner air, can be obtained from the automobile engine that has all of its emissions systems functioning properly. 7. KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS DESCRIPTORS b.lDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS c. COS AT I Field/Group Air Pollution Thermostatic Air Cleaner Photochemical Hydrocarbons Intake Manifold System Inspection Carbon Monoxide Oxides of Nitrogen 13. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT Release Unlimited Ignition Timing Carburetion Atomization Acceleration Temperature Sen sor Snorkel Thermostat 19. SECURITY CLASS (ThisReport) Unclassified 21. NO. OF PAGES 54 20. SECURITY CLASS (Thispage) Unclassified 22. PRICE EPA Form 2220-1 (9-73) *U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1978 -745- ------- |