United States Region /
Environmental Protection 324 East Eleventh St.
Agency Kansas City, Mo 64106
Air May. 1980
&EPA Federal Initiative
For Clean
Inspection
and
Maintenance
Inspection Record:
Date . ID No.
Carbon Hydrocarbons
Your Car Monoxide (CO) (HC)
Passed
Failed
Voluntary (Demonstration)
Emission Standards CO HC
1975 and Newer 3.0% 300 ppm
1970 to 1974 5.0% 500 ppm
1968 and 1969 7.0% 700 ppm
1967 and Older 8.5% 1400 ppm
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Thank you for participating in this voluntary
l/M program. This booklet will provide you
with additional information and serve as a
reference a
Read and keep it
This Federal Initiative was endorsed by the Federal Regional Council and is co-
sponsored by the Federal Executive Board.
for further information:
US Environmental Protection Agency, Region VII
324E. 11th St.
Kansas City, MO 64106
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WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
ABOUT INSPECTION
AND MAINTENANCE
I/M Program
Your car plays a part in
an urgent health
problem—air pollution.
In 1978, 104 out of
105 major urban areas
in America violated one
or more of the air
quality standards that
are related to health.
Automobiles are a
major cause of
unhealthful air.
Although your car has
equipment that is
designed to control
pollution, the benefits
of these controls are
often not realized
because the car is not
properly maintained.
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WHAT I/M IS
Inspection and
maintenance (l/M), is a
program that reduces
air pollution by requiring
periodic inspection of
motor vehicles and
maintenance of those
that do not pass the
inspection.
Your car is inspected for
tailpipe emission levels
of CO (carbon
monoxide) and HC
(hydrocarbons). High
levels of CO or HC
mean that your car is
running inefficiently and
wasting gasoline, as
well as polluting the air
we breathe.
WHY I/M IS NEEDED
Air pollution from
transportation
continues to poison our
air In the Nation’s urban
areas, almost all of the
carbon monoxide,
about half of the
hydrocarbons, and
somewhat less than
half of the nitrogen
oxides (NOx) come
from mobile sources.
Carbon monoxide is a
colorless, odorless,
poisonous gas
produced by the
incomplete burning of
fuels. When inhaled,
this gas reduces the
oxygen available to the
brain and body cells and
puts an extra burden on
the heart and lungs.
Hydrocarbons and
nitrogen oxides react
together in the
presence of sunlight to
form photochemical
oxidants (smog).
Ozone, the main
constituent of
photochemical smog, is
a severe irritant to all
mucous membranes. It
has an especially bad
effect on the respiratory
system. On the
following page is a
summary of the health
problems caused by
these pollutants:
2
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HEALTH PROBLEMS
Health Problems
Carbon monoxide Ozone
Dizziness Coughing and wheezing
Headaches Eye irritation
Blurred vision More frequent asthmatic
Slowed-down responses attacks
Fatigue
Strain on cardiovascular
system
3
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WHERE I/M
IS NEEDED
The air we breathe
contains excessive
amounts of carbon
monoxide and ozone.
The amounts must be
reduced in St. Louis,
Kansas City, and
Wichita before the
standards of the Clean
Air Act can be met.
In the Clean Air Act
Amendments of 1977,
Congress singled out I !
M as a unique and cost-
effective strategy for
reducing pollution from
automobiles. Urban
areas that are unable to
meet air quality
standards by 1982 will
be required to initiate
l/M programs. Many
states will begin these
programs in the next
few years.
REDUCTIONS NEEDED’ IN AIR POLLUTION
Carbon
Ozone monoxide
St. Louis 50% 35%
Kansas City 11% a
\Mchita 0% 44%
1 Found in State mp1ementation Plan.
Insufficient data to make projections.
4
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HOW I/M WORKS
Inspections may be
performed by a state or
municipal authority at
centralized inspection
stations or by licensed
service stations and
garages. The testing
process is the same in
either case. When a
motorist brings a car to
the inspection site, an
inspector inserts a
probe into the tailpipe
to measure emissions
of hydrocarbons and
carbon monoxide. If the
emissions are within the
prescribed standards,
the motorist receives a
certificate of
conformance or a
windshield sticker. With
a mandatory inspection
program, if the car fails
the test, the motorist
receives a notice of
failure with a brief
statement of probable
causes. The motorist
must then have the
vehicle repaired so that
it will meet the
standards, and must
return it for
reinspection. The
repairs are usually
simple adjustments.
In contrast to a
mandatory program,
this Federal initiative for
l/M is a voluntary
program. If your car
fails the test, repair of
your car is voluntary.
5
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BENEFITS OF i/M
Fuel savings is a further
benefit. Studies on pre-
1975 model cars have
shown that the fuel
economy of cars failing
an l/M test will probably
improve following
maintenance.
l/M programs have been carbon monoxide
shown to reduce emissions from
hydrocarbon and automobiles.
REDUCTIONS IN AUTOMOTIVE EMISSIONS
FOLLOWING I/M PROGRAMS 1
Hydrocarbons
Phoenix, Arizona
Portland, Oregon
1 Taken from U.S. EPA’s “Fact Sheet” May 17, 1979.
Carbon
monoxide
40%
47%
25%
54%
6
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PUBLIC ATTITUDES
Inspection and
maintenance programs
have worked well in
areas where they have
been introduced. Public
opinion surveys in four
states having l/M
programs indicated that
most people are in favor
of the programs.
Reduced pollution
means reduced
suffering from heart,
circulatory, and lung
disorders. Less pollution
means less aggravation
of asthma, bronchitis,
and allergies. Cars that
go through an annual 1/
M program bum less
fuel, need fewer repairs,
and last longer.
%
Favoring
l/M
100
PUBLIC ATTITUDES TOWARD I/M PROGRAMS 2
75
50
25
0
Arizona
California
2 from U.S. EPA ’s “I/M Updatt” November 30, 1979.
New Jersey
Rhode Island
7
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WHAT I/M COSTS
Cars are most likely to
fail an inspection
because of excessive
CO emissions. Minor,
inexpensive
adjustments can often
correct this condition.
For example, nearly half
the failing vehicles in
New Jersey in 1976-
7
1977 required only a
carburetor adjustment
at $10 or less, one-third
needed a minor tuneup
between $13 and $40,
and only one-sixth
needed major work at
$30 to $100.
Inspection fees for l/M
programs now in
operation range from
$2.50 to $1 2.50; a
$5.00 fee is typical.
Most inspection fees
include the cost of the
annual state vehicle
safety inspection.
SAMPLE INSPECTION AND REPAIR COST
Phoenix, Arizona
Portland, Oregon
New Jersey (statewide)
Inspection fee
$5.00
$5.00
$2.50
‘Taken from U.S. EPA’s “Fact Sheet” May 1 7, 1 979
Average repair
cost for vehicles
failing test
$30.00
$29.00
$19.00
8
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TAMPERING AND
FUEL SWITCHING
Allowing someone to
tamper (remove or
make ineffective) with
the air pollution control
devices on your car is
against Federal law. 3 It
is also against Federal
law to put leaded fuel
into a car requiring
unleaded. 4 Violators are
subject to a fine of up
to $10,000 per
violation.
Besides the threat of
federal prosecution, the
main reason for not
tampering or switching
fuels is that, in most
cases, removing
pollution control device,
does not improve your
car’s gas mileage and
performance. In many
cases it may make them
worse. The one sure
result from tampering
or fuel switching is that
it will increase your
car’s emissions and add
to air pollution.
3 Taken from U.S. EPA’s “Do You Own A Car?” January. 1978.
4 Taken from U.S. EPA’s “Unleaded Gas.. . The Way To Go” September, 1978.
9
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IF YOUR CAR FAILS
THE TEST...
* ———
w
Your car failed because
it was not maintained to
assure CLEAN AIR. If
you work on your car,
you may be able to
correct the problem by
making the adjustment
yourself. Of course, you
might need the help of
a professional to tackle
the more complex
problems.
The information on
pages 12, 13, 14, and
15 tells you what needs
to be done and how to
do it. Read it over
before you jump in.
Whoever works on your
car has the
responsibility for the air
you breathe .
I
p
10
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CAUSES OF FAILURE
The following chart
shows probable causes
for failing either the CO
or the HC emissions
test. Use this chart to
aid in the diagnosis and
repair of your
automobile. If your car
had excessive
emissions of both CO
and HC, perform repairs
to correct the CO
problem first. Consult
the Glossary at the end
of this booklet for
definitions of some of
the terms used.
PROBABLE CAUSES OF FAILURE 5
Excessive CO
emissions
1. Airfilter
2. Choke
3. Thermostatic air
filter housing
4. PCV valve
5. Heat riser
6. Idle air/fuel
Excessive HC emissions
1. Air pump
2. Ignition system
3. Dwelltiming
4. Air/fuel ratio
Vacuum system
EGR, PCV valves
Idle air/fuel
5. Engine mechanical
Valves
Rings
Gaskets
5 from U.S. EPA’s “So You Failed the Emission Test.”
Undated
11
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STEPS TO FOLLOW
TO REDUCE CO
EMISSIONS
Check
1. Air filter Remove air filter with the housing in place. Hold filter up to
a bright light. If light shines through the filter, it is still
good.
2. Choke With engine warmed up and at normal idle, the choke
plate should be open and move freely with light finger
pressure.
3. Thermostatic With engine idling and air filter housing in place, stick
Air filter finger into cold air intake snorkel; flap should be folded
housing back.
4. PCV valve Remove PCV valve from grommet on valve cover, leaving
hose connected. While engine is idling, feel for strong
vacuum at PCV valve opening. Strong vacuum indicates
that valve and hose are not restricted.
5. Heat riser CAUTION: HOT. Use a screwdriver or pliers to move heat
riser balance arm. It should move freely.
6. Idle air/fuel If limiter caps are in place, idle air/fuel mixture is close to
being correctly adjusted.
12
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STEPS TO FOLLOW
TO REDUCE CO
EMISSIONS
Service
Replace filter or service as necessary.
Binding or sticking to the carburetor body can be corrected by bending the
choke plate. Choke adjustments should be made to manufacturer’s
specifications.
PROFESSIONAL REPAIR IS RECOMMENDED.
If cold air flap is blocking opening, repair binding problem, misrouted vacuum
lines, or faulty temperature sensor. PROFESSIONAL REPAIR IS
RECOMMENDED.
If only slight or no vacuum is felt, remove PCV valve from hose and feel for
strong vacuum at hose. If hose vacuum is strong, replace PCV valve and clean
PCV filter in air filter housing. If hose vacuum is weak, clean or replace cracked,
broken, or collapsed hose. Retest.
Apply carburetor spray (CAUTION: FLAMMABLE) and graphite lube; work until
arm moves freely.
While engine is off, remove air filter housing and plug the vacuum lines. If car
has a multiple-barrel carburetor, turn mixture screws clockwise to seal lightly.
Turn both counterclockwise three (3) turns. BOTH SCREWS MUST ALWAYS BE
ADJUSTED THE SAME NUMBER OF TURNS IN OR OUT
13
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STEPS TO FOLLOW
TO REDUCE HC
EMISSIONS
Check
‘I. Air pump While engine is off, check belt tension and pulley
connection if the car is so equipped. Check air pump hose
for wear, cracking, or loose connections.
2. Ignition system In nonelectronic ignition systems, with engine off, check
points for burning or pitting. Perform the following
cylinder balance test: (1) Record initial idle RPM, then turn
car off. (2) Carefully remove one plug wire, restart engine,
and record idle RPM. (3) Stop engine and reconnect plug
wire. Repeat for each cylinder (CAUTION: Catalyst-
equipped cars should not idle for prolonged periods
during balance test). If the balance test shows a similar
RPM difference for each cylinder, engine is operating
properly (each cylinder is contributing equal power to
the engine). A balance test showing a small or no drop in
RPM indicates an ignition problem, an engine mechanical
problem, or misrouted plug wires. Use a compression
test to see if there any any engine mechanical problems
(rings, valves, gaskets). Check spark plugs for evidence
of gross defects.
3. Dwell timing Uče a dwell meter and a timing light.
4. Air/fuel ratio With the engine turned off, check vacuum and PCV hoses,
connections, and accessories for breaks, cracking, and
loose connections. Remove PCV valve from grommet on
valve cover. Leave connected to PCV hose. Start engine,
and cover end of PCV valve. If engine RPM increases, PCV
is allowing too much air into system.
5. Engine The balance test and compression test results will show
mechanical whether a problem exists with rings, valves, or head
gaskets.
lf these steps do not reduce the HC emissions, and if a professional mechanic
finds no engine mechanical or ignition problems, the likely cause is one of the
following:
14
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STEPS TO FOLLOW
TO REDUCE HC
EM ISSIONS
Service
As necessary. PROFESSIONAL REPAIR IS RECOMMENDED.
Check firing order and wire problems. Replace and gap spark plugs if
necessary. Simple ignition problems can be solved by making sure connections
are tight and free from corrosion. If any cylinders are serviced or repaired,
perform the balance test again for them. PROFESSIONAL REPAIR IS
RECOMMENDED for more complex ignition or engine mechanical problems.
In nonelectronic ignition systems, first adjust dwell angle (point gap) to
manufacturer’s specifications. Next, adjust the initial timing, using
manufacturer’s procedure (consult the engine decal or specification sheet). The
correct initial timing is very important for passing an emissions test.
If necessary: (1) replace vacuum hose(s). (2) Tighten carburetor and intake
manifold ho lddown bolts to manufacturer’s specified torque. (3) Replace PCV
hose or valve (use proper type for engine). (4) if EGR valve requires service,
remove the valve, clean stem and orifices and reinstall with new gasket. (5)
Adjust carburetor as outlined in steps from reducing CO emissions.
PROFESSIONAL REPAIR IS RECOMMENDED.
PROFESSIONAL REPAIR IS RECOMMENDED.
Leaking EGR valve
Leaking intake manifold
Leaking carburetor gasket
Leaking vacuum accessory/diaphragm or misrouted vacuum line.
15
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GLOSSARY
air filter: Filters air entering the carburetor. If restricted, too little air mixes with fuel in the
carburetor. Result: rich mixture, excessive CO. poor combustion, poor fuel economy.
air/fuel mixture screws: Controls air/fuel mixture at idle and low speeds. Located at base of
carburetor One screw on single-barrel carburetor, two screws on multiple-barrel carburetor.
Improper adjustment can cause either a rich or a lean mixture. Result: rich mixture, excessive
CC; lean mixture, excessive HC, poor combustion, poor fuel economy.
air pump: Provides air to the exhaust manifold for more complete oxidation of HC and CC.
Malfunctions of the pump, belt/pully connection, or piping can cause defective operation.
Result: excessive HC.
choke: Provides a rich mixture for starting by restricting air-flow into carburetor Binding of the
choke plate or extemal linkages can cause choke to remain closed after warmup. Result: rich
mixture, excessive CO, poor combustion, poor fuel economy.
converter: Oxidizes HC and CO to water and carbon dioxide. Located between the exhaust
manifold and muffler Use of leaded fuel can reduce converter efficiency. A mixture of
leaded and unleaded fuels can cause overheating, which may melt the catalyst bed and
cause exhaust backpressure. Results: excessive HC and CO, possible backpressure problem
that will reduce fuel economy.
EGR valve: Recirculates exhaust gases into the intake manifold to reduce nitrogen oxixde (NOx)
emissions. Located near the carburetor base on the intake manifold! Deposits can cause
EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve to remain open at all times. Result: lean misfire,
excessive I-IC, poor combustion, poor fuel economy.
engine mechanical integrity: Assures proper engine operation. Includes valves, rings, gaskets,
etc. Wear or failure may reduce engine performance. Result: excessive HC, poor fuel
economy.
engine vacuum: Controls engine and accessory operation. Includes vacuum lines, intake
manifold, carburetor, distributor advance unit, and vacuum-operated accessories. Air leaks
in those components may significantly change the air/fuel ratio. Result: lean mixture,
excessive HC, poor combustion, poor fuel economy.
heat riser: Circulates exhaust through special passages of the intake manifold to assist warmup.
This valve is located between exhaust manifold and exhaust pipe. If stuck in the cold
position heating will occur after warmup. Result: poor combustion, poor fuel economy.
ignition system: Provides spark at the right time and of the proper duration for good
combustion. Improper timing, poor spark, or faulty components can cause emission and
performance problems. Result; faulty combustion, excessive HC, poor fuel economy.
PCV valve: Prevents crankcase vapors from polluting the air by drawing them into the intake
manifold. An incorrect PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) valve may lessen intake manifold
vacuum. A restricted PCV system may cause improperly high intake manifold vacuum.
Result: lean mixture, excessive HC; rich mixture, excessive CO. poor combustion, poor fuel
economy.
16
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soo too 3oo zoo ioo o
MILES TRAVELED
MILES PER GALLON COMPUTER
A: Determine total miles traveled and amount
of gas to refill tank. B: Line up both figures
with straight edge on computer scale. C: The
intersecting point on the center diagonal line
will give you miles per gallon.
j-I I I I IH 1+iII H -
1_1111I1hT 4 l uu l l—I
hi IIIIIl II tIIis}F
20
I i i
25
METRIC CONVERSION TABLE
LENGTH
WEIGHT
VOLUME
1
1
1 inch
1 foot
1 yard
1 mile
1 ounce
1 pound
quart
gallon
2.5 centimeters
0.3 meters
0.9 meters
1.6 kilometers
28.4 grams
453.6 grams
1.1 liters
3.8 liters
GALLONS OF GAS TO FILL TANK
Hl IlI lIl ItII lIJ 11111 1 11
10 15
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Retest Information
The l/M program is being developed for you and all the people around you in an
attempt to improve air quality. The program has been proved effective in other
cities. The information that you, the concerned motorist, supply is the most
important input in the program. This information will then allow the
effectiveness of the program to be evaluated. If your car does fail the emission
test, please help everyone by making an attempt to have it repaired. If you have
your vehicle repaired, or if you do the repairs yourself, please complete the
requested information below and bring your car back for a retest. PLEASE
REMEMBER THAT THIS IS A VOLUNTARY PROGRAM.
Repair Information
(Please Complete)
Explanation of repairs: Please check appropriate categories.
Carb adj . _________
Air filter _____________
Choke _________
PCV
Timing
Spark
plugs
EGR
Air pump
Other
Cost:
Facility name:
Mileage:
Idle Reinspection Data
Your car
Passed
Failed
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