FINAL
PHASE 2 RFG PERFORMANCE SUBCOMMITTEE
MEETING SUMMARY
MARCH 14, 1995
I. Introduction
The performance subcommittee discussed the following key
issues regarding the Phase 2 Reformulated Gasoline
performance and compatibility testing program:
Progress of On-Road Test Program
Progress of Off-Road Vehicle and Equipment Test Program
Volumetric Fuel Economy
Other Company Test Programs
The minutes from the previous meeting, January 17, 1995,
were approved with no changes. Copies of presentations
given at this meeting are enclosed with this summary.
II. Progress of On-Road Test Program
The on-road test program began at the end of February and no
problems have been reported. The test fleet vehicle
inspection is complete and all of the memorandums of
understanding have been signed except for the Fresno State
University memorandum. Delivery of the wintertime test fuel
began on February 27, 1995. Summertime test fuel delivery
to Southern California locations will begin near the end of
March and in Northern California delivery will occur in the
middle of April. The on-road fleet composition has changed
slightly since the last meeting. Attached, for your
information, is a table of the on-road fleet composition and
size.
Today was, also, the first meeting of the Technical Review
Panel. The panel consists of experts from automotive
manufacturers and oil companies to evaluate any
incompatibility problems that may occur.
Contact: Nelson Chan (916) 327-1510
III. Off-Road Vehicle and Equipment Test Program
The off-road test program is being conducted in various
stages. Tecumseh and Briggs and Stratton have completed
testing; however, Briggs and Stratton is holding their
Phase 2 RFG test report confidential due to the situation in
Wisconsin. Neither company has encountered mechanical or
performance problems with the fuel. UCD will begin testing
lawn and garden equipment and portable power equipment, and
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo will begin testing tractors near
the end of March. Caltrans has already started testing off-
road equipment with the fuel used for the on-road vehicles.
Contact: Kathleen Nolan (818) 350-6519
IV. Volumetric Fuel Economy
Prior to the meeting, members were provided with a copy of a
draft document comparing the theoretical volumetric fuel
economy of California Phase 2 RFG with California Phase 1
RFG. The paper represents staff's analysis through a
literature search which shows that dynamometer testing
results indicate that volumetric fuel economy is linearly
proportional to energy content. Based on staff's
preliminary analyses indicates that Phase 2 RFG will have a
two to four percent fuel economy loss compared to California
Phase 1 RFG. A final copy of this document will be made
available to the general public, soon. General Motors using
indolene as their control fuel estimated a fuel economy
impact of three to four percent loss, and the Federal
Express fleet found from a back to back control test a 0.1
percent gain to a 2.7 percent loss. We will monitor fuel
economy in our test program.
Contact: Jim Guthrie (916) 327-1508
V. Other Company Test Programs
EMCO Wheaton has recently volunteered to test fuel pump hose
compatibility with Phase 2 RFG. Both Ford and General
Motors are ready to begin bench testing, but they are
awaiting delivery of the summertime fuel to begin testing.
The Department of Energy will test 5 California model
vehicles with wintertime and summertime Phase 2 RFG to
evaluate high mileage performance and emissions from
Phase 2 RFG.
VI. Other Issues
Concerns with MTBE, stemming from the problems in Wisconsin,
are being monitored carefully. Thus far, the complaints
reported in Wisconsin have not been substantiated by
engineers.
Chevron will replicate ARB analysis of the fuel samples
collected.
Attachments
CBG Program Advisory and Subcommittee Activities