ASTM D6201 Dynamometer Evaluation of Unleaded Spark-Ignition Engine Fuel
ASTM D6201 Standard Test Method for Dynamometer Evaluation of Unleaded Spark-Ignition Engine Fuel for Intake Valve Deposit Formation
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 This test method utilizes a 1994 Ford 2.3 L in-line, four cylinder, Ford Ranger truck engine with 49 state emission calibration. The cylinder block and cylinder head are constructed of cast iron. The engine features an overhead camshaft, a cross-flow, fast burn cylinder head design, and electronic port fuel injection.
4.2 Each test engine is built to a rigid set of specifications using a specially designated intake valve deposit parts kit produced by the Ford Motor Co. New, weighed, intake valves are used to rebuild the cylinder head. A standard engine oil is used for each test and a new oil filter is installed. The test engine is subjected to a rigorous quality control procedure to verify proper engine operation. To ensure compliance with the test objective, data acquisition of key parameters is utilized during test operation.
4.3 The complete fuel system is flushed of test fuel from the previous test. The fuel system is then filled with the new test fuel.
4.4 The engine is operated on a cycle consisting of two stages. The first stage comprises operating the engine at 2000 r/min and 30.6 kPa (230 mm Hg) manifold absolute pressure for 4 min. The second stage comprises operating the engine at 2800 r/min and 71.8 kPa (540 mm Hg) manifold absolute pressure for 8 min. Ramp time between each stage is 30 s and is independent of the stage times. The cycle is repeated for 100 h.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Test Method - The Coordinating Research Council sponsored testing at EG & G Automotive Research to develop this test method to evaluate a fuel's tendency to form intake valve deposits.
5.1.1 State and Federal Legislative and Regulatory Action - Regulatory action by California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) necessitate the acceptance of a standardized test method to evaluate the intake system deposit forming tendency of an automotive spark-ignition engine fuel.
5.1.2 Relevance of Results - The operating conditions and design of the engine used in this test method are not representative of all engines. These factors shall be considered when interpreting test results.
5.2 Test Validity:
5.2.1 Procedural Compliance - The test results are not considered valid unless the test is completed in compliance with all requirements of this test method. Deviations from the parameter limits presented in Sections 12, 13, and 14 will result in an invalid test. Apply engineering judgment during conduct of the test method when assessing any anomalies to ensure validity of the test results.
5.2.2 Engine Compliance - A test is not considered valid unless the test engine meets the quality control inspection requirements as described in Sections 10 and 12.
