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 ------- 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 ------- 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. ------- 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 ------- 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 ------- 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 ------- 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 ------- 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 ------- 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 ------- 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 ------- 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 ------- 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 ------- 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 ------- 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 ------- 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 ------- 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 ------- 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 ------- 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 ------- 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 ------- 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 ------- |