So Fix it

The emission controls on an Oldsmobile Cutlass are fully integrated with ignition and fuel system controls. All of these control systems work together to ensure the engine works efficiently with minimal production of harmful exhaust gases.

Crankcase Ventilation System

The crankcase ventilation system controls unburned fuel vapor that leaks from the pistons into the crankcase. Normally these vapors would leak into the atmosphere since they are under pressure. If left alone they contaminate the engine oil and allow sludge to build up in the crankcase. The crankcase ventilation system recycles these gases back into the air intake so they can be re-burned in the pistons. The Positive Crankcase Valve (PCV) controls how much of the gas is recycled at any given time.

Evaporative Emission Control System

The Evaporative Emission Control System (EEC) is a carbon canister that reduces emissions of fuel vapors from the fuel system. It stores fuel vapors and vents them through a filter containing activated charcoal. The charcoal absorbs vapors while the engine is not running. The charcoal releases the vapors into the air intake manifold when the engine is running. A solenoid closes the canister to air when the engine is turned off so that fuel vapor is not lost to the atmosphere.

Exhaust Gas Recirculation System

The Exhaust Gas Recirculation System, or EGR, reduces oxides of nitrogen emissions. Nitrogen oxides are often written as "NOx" and they are harmful to human and animal health. The EGR is a valve which, under certain conditions, allows some exhaust gas to recirculate into the intake manifold. The exhaust gas then cools combustion temperature and controls detonation of the fuel/air mixture. The EGR valve is mounted on the intake manifold and uses manifold vacuum to open up and vent some exhaust gas into the intake manifold. It is activated only when the engine reaches normal operating temperature. Too much exhaust flow into the intake manifold can cause stalling after a cold start or during deceleration.

Thermostatic Air Cleaner

The Thermostatic Air Cleaner (THERMAC) warms air entering the carburetor when the engine is cool and maintains a controlled air temperature into the carburetor. This reduces the amount of time the choke needs to be on and results in better fuel economy and lower harmful emissions.

Air Management System

The Air Management System injects oxygen into the exhaust ports, exhaust manifolds and catalytic converter to burn off any fuel vapor left in the exhaust gas. The system shuts off only during deceleration or rapid acceleration to prevent backfiring. The system reduces the levels of hydrocarbon and carbon-oxygen combinations in exhaust gases.

Exhaust emissions contribute to a large amount of the pollution that now exists in the atmosphere. To reduce the emissions that are released by cars, state laws require that many vehicles be tested in order to determine whether the car meets emission standards.

Instructions

1

Visit your states inspection center. A routine part of each inspection is to test your vehicles emissions. The inspection sticker on your mirror will let you know when you are due to have your exhaust emissions and car inspected.

2

Wait for your car to be placed on the machine used by the inspection station for the test. An on-board diagnostic test and idle test are the tests used to inspect emission systems. The system is going to check how well your emissions system works and if its up to state standards.

3

Find out if your exhaust emissions have passed the test. The inspection station is going to let you know immediately whether your car meets the standards or not.

4

Take your car in for repairs if you fail. If your car fails the test, you need to go to an emissions repairman to fix the problem. Once the repair has been done, you can return to the inspection station to test the exhaust emissions again.