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Emissions equipment question..

E

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Okay..

As some of you know, my brother just bought a beater; 1979 Buick LeSabre.

Has a 350 under the hood. The ammount of emissions crap stuffed under there is amazing.

Now, my truck is a 1980. It also has a 350.. it's practically the same engine, albeit hopped up a little.. yet it has no emissions stuff except for a catalytic converter. It has no trouble passing DEQ.

I don't think emissions laws were more strict in 1979 than they are now.. so why is it that the LeSabre needs all that stuff, and my truck does not?

Or maybe it doesen't need all that stuff, and it's just for "looks"?

😕
 
Ill bet both vehicles have PCV valves as well, but as long as you have all your OEM emissions equipment, the stations are programmed to accept your levels for the year of manufacture.

So, the Buick might have a slighter higher bar than your truck as "light trucks" have gotten a break from most every requirement up until recently when the SUV craze took hold.
 
Originally posted by: FelixDeKat
Ill bet both vehicles have PCV valves as well, but as long as you have all your OEM emissions equipment, the stations are programmed to accept your levels for the year of manufacture.

So, the Buick might have a slighter higher bar than your truck as "light trucks" have gotten a break from most every requirement up until recently when the SUV craze took hold.
Click to expand...
PCV valves are not emissions equipment... although they may be considered part of that system now.

Engines have always had PCV valves, they are necessary for proper lubrication system operation. Otherwise, blowby would pressurize the crankcase, leading to oil seal failure. It must be kept under a vacuum.

I have antique engines from the 30s with PCV valves. 🙂
Originally posted by: Pepsi90919
emissions requirements changed that year
Click to expand...
What do you mean? They relaxed the emissions requirements in 1980?
 
Originally posted by: Eli
Originally posted by: FelixDeKat
Ill bet both vehicles have PCV valves as well, but as long as you have all your OEM emissions equipment, the stations are programmed to accept your levels for the year of manufacture.

So, the Buick might have a slighter higher bar than your truck as "light trucks" have gotten a break from most every requirement up until recently when the SUV craze took hold.
Click to expand...
PCV valves are not emissions equipment... although they may be considered part of that system now.

Engines have always had PCV valves, they are necessary for proper lubrication system operation. Otherwise, blowby would pressurize the crankcase, leading to oil seal failure. It must be kept under a vacuum.

I have antique engines from the 30s with PCV valves. 🙂
Originally posted by: Pepsi90919
emissions requirements changed that year
Click to expand...
What do you mean? They relaxed the emissions requirements in 1980?
Click to expand...

Positive Crankcase Ventilation
 
Originally posted by: FelixDeKat
Positive Crankcase Ventilation
Click to expand...
Yes, that is what it stands for, and that is exactly what it does. The pumping action of the piston(s) force air out of the crankcase, the one way PCV valve does not allow air back in, maintaining a slight vacuum.

It only has anything to do with emissions because of the oil mist and combustion blowby gasses present. It doesen't do anything to prevent emissions by itself.
 
trucks probably didn't have to meet the same emissions requirments.

ex. the EPA say my explorer is a "Specialty Vehicle" not a car or truck. even though its pretty much a ranger with a cap.
 
Originally posted by: OrganizedChaos
also maybe the buick was made to meet stricter cali emissions if there were any back then.
Click to expand...

Ooh, you're right! It's a California car.

Interesting.
 
Trucks did not get the emissions standards until later. At that time, trucks were actually used as trucks. That is one of the reasons auto makers try to clasify anything possible as a 'truck' (even the PT cruiser is clasified as a truck) because the emissions lawes are not as stringent.
 
Originally posted by: Evadman
Trucks did not get the emissions standards until later. At that time, trucks were actually used as trucks. That is one of the reasons auto makers try to clasify anything possible as a 'truck' (even the PT cruiser is clasified as a truck) because the emissions lawes are not as stringent.
Click to expand...
in 1979 Trucks were forced to comply with stricter emmission standards, including catalytic converters. Exemptions for trucks went from 6500 lbs GVW to 8500 lbs GVW.


 
Originally posted by: Eli
Originally posted by: FelixDeKat
Positive Crankcase Ventilation
Click to expand...
Yes, that is what it stands for, and that is exactly what it does. The pumping action of the piston(s) force air out of the crankcase, the one way PCV valve does not allow air back in, maintaining a slight vacuum.

It only has anything to do with emissions because of the oil mist and combustion blowby gasses present. It doesen't do anything to prevent emissions by itself.
Click to expand...

Circumvent your PCV and watch your emissions increase! :shocked:

It plays a role in reducing those emissions.
 
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