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The influence of fuel composition on exhaust emissions from four 1982 model light-duty diesel vehicles was studied on the FTP cycle and at two steady-state conditions, but only the FTP results are presented and discussed in this paper. Nine test fuels were blended specifically for the program, with intentional variation in aromatic content, 90% boiling point, and 10% boiling point. Limited data were also acquired with injection timing at advanced and retarded settings, in addition to the main body of data taken with the engines adjusted to recommended timing. A comparatively small effort was also made to evaluate a tenth fuel consisting of a blend of two of the original nine fuels. Of the fuel characteristics varied intentionally, aromatic content generally had the greatest effect on most emissions of major interest (hydrocarbons, oxides of nitrogen, particulate, soluble organic fraction, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, and mutagenicity of extract by Ames bioassay).

Small engines which are friendly toward the environment are needed all over the world, whether the need is expressed in terms of energy efficiency, useful engine life, health benefits for the user, or emission regulations enacted to protect a population or an ecologically-sensitive area. Progress toward the widespread application of lower-impact small engines is being made through engine design, matching of engine to equipment and task, aftertreatment technology, alternative and reformulated fuels, and improved lubricants. This paper describes three research and development projects, focused on the interrelationships of fuels, lubricants, and emissions in Otto-cycle engines, which were conducted by Southwest Research Institute. All the work reported was funded internally as part of a commitment to advance the state of small engine technology and thus enhance human utility.

A major gap exists in available baseline emissions data on the small utility engine population between the mid-1970's and present day. As part of the input required for a standard-setting process, the California Air Resources Board has funded limited laboratory emission measurements on a number of modern small engines, both 2-stroke and 4-stroke designs. Exhaust constituents characterized in this study include total hydrocarbons, reactive hydrocarbons (RHC), methane, CO, NOx, CO2, O2, aldehydes, and particulate matter. A total of nine engines were evaluated, spanning the range from the smallest widely-used 2-strokes (about 20 cc displacement) to 4-strokes approaching 20 hp.