UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460 OFFICIAL. BUSINESS PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE $300 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER A Environmental News Rice (202) 755-0344 FOR RELEASE AFTER 12;00 NOON THURSDAY. OCTOBER 21. 1976 EPA ORDERS RECALL OF 330/000 PONTIACS TO CORRECT EMISSIONS DEFECT Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Russell E. Train today ordered the General Motors Corporation to recall approximately 330,000 1974 Pontiacs in order to correct a defect in the vehicles' emission control system. The vehicles recalled are^those with 350 cubic inch dis- placement (CID) and 400 CID engines equipped with 2 barrel carburetors. These include Catalina, Lemans, Bonneville, Ventura, Firebird, and Grand Am body styles. The defective component is a thermal vacuum valve which activates the Exhaust Gas Recirculation System (EGR). The EGR system is designed to reduce the nitrogen oxide emissions to comply with Federal standards. In his letter to GM, Train stated: "It is my,conclusion that sufficient data e^ist to determine that for the approximately 330,000 1974 Pontiacs....(with the 350 and 400 CID engines) sold by GM, a substantial number of those equipped with Dole Thermal Vacuum Valves will exceed the Federal standard of 3.0 gm/mile for NOx emissions withiipi their useful life of 50,000 miles." (more) Return this sheet if you do NOT wish to receive this1 material ~, or if change of address is needed ~ (indicate change) including zip-code). EPA FORM 15t0-1 (REV. 8-72) \ R-254 POSTAGE AND FEES PAID U«S* ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY EPA-335 ------- -2- Two different thermal vacuum valves were used in 1974 Pontiacs by GM. EPA's analysis of a sample of both valves .concluded that only the valve manufactured by the Dole Divi- sion of Eaton Corporation is defective. The Dole valve is .• :used in 195,000 of the approximately 330,000 vehicles affected by the recall. However, all of the vehicles must be inspected to determine- if they have the Dole Valve. EPA's Mobile Source Enforcement Division began an investi- gation of this matter in January of 1976. A sample of valves was obtained in Houston and Washington, D.C. and tested by EPA. These tests indicated that 67 percent of the Dole valves were defective. The valve in question is a temperature sensing device which at certain temperatures is designed to transmit vacuum signals to the EGR system. EPA found that the valves were not transmitting enough vacuum to activate the EGR system. No external symptoms are readily apparent which would enable vehicle owners to recognize this defect. The EPA order was issued under Section 207(c) of the Clean Air Act. Under the order, GM must submit a plan to remedy the problem within 45 days. GM will be required to pay for the costs of any necessary repairs. Owners will be notified by the company if their car is involved. US EPA Headquarters and Chemical Libraries EPA West Sldg Room 3340 Mailcode 3404T 1301 Constitution Ave NW Washinqton DC 20004 202-566-0556 R-2 54 ------- |