Air Pump
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
IIRC they all came with EGR & A.I.R. pumps (Ford terminology: Thermactor pumps) despite
GVWR ratings but the heavier trucks didn't have catalytic converters and at least some
also didn't have evaporative emissions controls (charcoal canisters for tank fumes).
Look at the vacuum hose routing table under the hood on the radiator support (mine is below
for reference) and see if you can find a device called AIR BPV:
AIR BPV is the bypass valve for the AIR (aka smog) pump this controls to where the
output of the pump is sent.
Even though the heavier trucks didn't have catalytic converters they still had AIR pumps, I
never did find the reason for that....
GVWR ratings but the heavier trucks didn't have catalytic converters and at least some
also didn't have evaporative emissions controls (charcoal canisters for tank fumes).
Look at the vacuum hose routing table under the hood on the radiator support (mine is below
for reference) and see if you can find a device called AIR BPV:
AIR BPV is the bypass valve for the AIR (aka smog) pump this controls to where the
output of the pump is sent.
Even though the heavier trucks didn't have catalytic converters they still had AIR pumps, I
never did find the reason for that....
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 570
Likes: 1
From: Austin Texas (area)
Yeah, that's kinda why I asked. I'm planning to install a Performance 306 from Ford. I asked my State inspection guy about what emission equipment I'd need, beside the cat and pcv systems. He wasn't sure so he gave me the phone number he has for the Vehicle Inspection Dept of Tx DPS. Talked with Ronnie in that dept. Ronnie advised that besides the cat/pcv systems, if the intake has a bung for an EGR valve, one should be installed.....doesn't have to function, just be there. Same with the AP. AP is more of a problem because of the drive-belt. IF the 302s in '81 had an AP then one would have to be visible to pass the annual inspection. I'm just tryin' to get my Tees dotted and eyes crossed before the project gets goin'. Thanks
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Yeah, the law is something to the effect of, all factory-equipped emissions equipment must
be present and appear to be functional.
My emissions guy looks at the vacuum hose routing label on the radiator support to see
what should be on the engine.
be present and appear to be functional.
My emissions guy looks at the vacuum hose routing label on the radiator support to see
what should be on the engine.
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 570
Likes: 1
From: Austin Texas (area)
Yeah I understand about the label. It will not have any meaning once a V-8 is in place of the OE 6.
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Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
How do you figure? The label shows the connections of hoses to devices, the devices are
installed on all gasoline engines irrespective of displacement.
installed on all gasoline engines irrespective of displacement.
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 570
Likes: 1
From: Austin Texas (area)
every engine type has its own label and there are many/many labels depending on vehicle type and location. the label on my radiator support is for a 6-cylinder engine.....is how I figure, and what the inspection guys go by. if the engine doesn't 'fit' the label they are looking at, then they go to the 'book'. thanks, I'm good now.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 7,437
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From: Charles Town, W bygod Va
I don't remember where I got this info, but I was told that they had to pass an emmissions test where they check PPM of polutants in the exhaust, if you pump fresh air into the exhaust it reduces the PPM of polutants allowing it to pass even though it doesnt actually reduce emissions
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
IMHO these are important technical points that MAY keep somebody from
getting into trouble.
This stuff is all well-defined in Sections 203(a)(3)(A) and (B) of the Federal
Clean Air Act (initially instigated in 1970 and modified in 1990).
In short, the emissions configurations of a vehicle as built at the factory must
remain that way for the life of the vehicle, ANY changes to this configuration
are considered Tampering which is punishable by fines & jail time.
For example, if the label shows a certain emissions-related device connected
to a carburetor-supplied vacuum source, that configuration must necessarily
remain in place forever. If the existing installation does not match what the
label indicates should be there, the vehicle is considered out of compliance
and does not pass, and the inspector is obligated to report the incident to the
EPA.
In 1981, all (except for California vehicles which are their own mess)
emissions devices were controlled by vacuum & temperature. In my 1981,
there is at least one VCV (temperature-activated Vacuum Control Valve) in
the engine's water jacket and at least one in the radiator side of the coolant
flow. (There are actually three in total but I forget where the third is located,
on the engine side or radiator side.)
These three devices together control what should be opened & closed,
activated & deactivated, and when.
Of course, that's an oversimplification but shall suffice for these purposes.
This is not to say you cannot replace your engine, but it says the newly-
installed engine must have the same emissions configuration.
That being said, in reality, this is an old enough vehicle that the inspector
may turn a blind eye and let it go so long as the tailpipe emissions are OK.
However, he may not....
Clean Air Act | US EPA
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
I don't remember where I got this info, but I was told that they had to pass an emmissions test where they check PPM of polutants in the exhaust, if you pump fresh air into the exhaust it reduces the PPM of polutants allowing it to pass even though it doesnt actually reduce emissions
something about this, I guess the air merely dilutes the emissions enough to be
acceptable.
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