Phase 2 Reformulated Gasoline
Performance Subcommittee
Final Meeting Summary
May 16, 1995
California Air Resources Board
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 the Chevron Test Program
Progress of Off-Road Vehicle and Equipment Test Program
Volumetric Fuel Economy
Other Issues
The minutes from the previous meeting, March 14, 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
We are in the third month of the test program and no problems have been
reported to date; however, the test program has changed slightly. The
test fleet has decreased from nearly 1,000 vehicles to just under 800,
and the control fleet has decreased from approximately 600 vehicles
to about 550. A table listing the fleet composition by vehicle type and
age is included in the attachments. Also, the delivery of summertime
test fuel began on May 1, 1995 rather than in March. The program should
not be affected due to the long winter. Fuel sampling is continuing
and winter fuel properties will be available soon. Over 150 samples
have been collected. The fuel sample properties are expected to be
provided at the next subcommittee meeting.
Contact: Nelson Chan (916) 327-1510
III. Progress of Chevron Test Program
Chevron's program has seen 4 incidents of elastomer failure in their
Phase 2 RFG test fleet compared to none in their control (conventional
gasoline) fleet after approximately 4months of testing. The parts are
being studied to determine the cause of the incidents. Chevron's test
program ends at the end of the month, and they expect to provide the
results of their program at the next meeting.
Contact: Randy Barber (510) 242-2448
IV. Off-Road Vehicle and Equipment Test Program
We have anticipated that UC Davis would test lawn and garden equipment
and agricultural vehicles, and Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo would test
tractors for the test program, but both have dropped out of the test
program due to administrative delays. Fortunately, CSU Fresno is
available as a site to test the same types of equipment, and these two
programs have been shifted to CSU Fresno. Off-road test programs
underway include the Portable Power Equipment Manufacturers Association
(PPEMA), Lake Tahoe Winter Sports, and CSU Fresno. Harley Davidson, in
Alabama, began testing last week. Their testing includes emissions,
fuel economy, and durability studies. Two other programs soon to begin
include Tahoe Paradise Boat Rental and Mercury Marine. To date, no
problems have been reported for the off-road fleet.
Contact: Kathleen Nolan (818) 350-6519
V. Volumetric Fuel Economy
Additional changes were made to the ARB fuel economy paper to include
data from Auto-Oil dynamometer testing and from the Battelle test
program. The paper is to be provided to the Public Education
Subcommittee for use in future fact sheets.
Contact: Jim Guthrie (916) 327-1508
VI. Other Issues
The ARB is sponsoring a research program to collect ambient air quality
data for hydrocarbons in an attempt to allow the direct quantification
of the benefits of the Phase 2 RFG regulations. The results are
expected to be available in 1997.
In 1992 and 1993 some fuel leaks occurred in Nissan Maximas with over
100,000 miles. Nissan reported that the leaks were associated with high
MTBE concentrations up to 19%. In an attempt to find the cause, Nissan
reproduced the failure symptoms with a 15% MTBE fuel in a controlled
test that duplicates 100,000 miles of use. Note that Phase 2 RFG will
be oxygenated with about 11% MTBE when MTBE is the oxygenate used.
A draft of the Phase 2 RFG test program report outline is expected to be
completed and made available for review and comment by the next meeting.
Attachments
CBG Program Advisory and Subcommittee Activities