§ 610.21 - Device functional category and vehicle system effects.

§ 610.21 Device functional category and vehicle system effects.

(a) The devices evaluated in this program are organized into categories for purposes of definition and establishment of evaluation criteria and test procedures, and to indicate which vehicle functional characteristics (other than fuel economy) may be adversely affected by installation or use of the device.

(b) A device's category will be based on:

(1) Engineering principles governing operation of the device;

(2) Interaction between the device and specific vehicle/engine operating characteristics; and

(3) Constraints with respect to vehicle applicability of the device.

(c) The device categories and the vehicle functional characteristics which may be adversely affected are noted for each device category in Table I. The notation for each characteristic is as follows:

Exhaust emissions 1

Driveability 2

Durability 3

Performance 4

Table 1

Device categories	Characteristics adversely affected
Fuel-Air System
Carburetors and fuel injection systems	All.
Air-fuel ratio modifiers (e.g., air bleeds)	All.
Atomization devices (acoustic and mechanical)	All.
Vapor Injectors	All.
Choke controls	1, 2, and 4.
Air filters	1, 2, and 4.
Fuel-air distribution systems (intake manifolds)	1, 2, and 4.
Fuel pressure regulators	All.
Ignition System
Spark plugs	All.
Spark timing control systems	All.
Spark duration control systems	1, 4.
Spark energy sources	1, 4.
Emission Control Systems
Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems	All.
After-treatment devices	1, 2, and 4.
Drivetrain
Tires	1.
Overdrive units	All.
Torque converter lockups	1, 2, and 4.
Exhaust System
Headers	1.
Tuned exhaust systems	1.
Accessories
Cooling fan or cooling fan couplings	1.
Cold start aids (e.g., engine heaters)	1.
Lubrication
Oil filters	3.
Vehicle Body
Aerodynamic drag reduction devices	1.
Miscellaneous
Modification to valve timing	All.
Retrofit prechambers	All.
Fuel additives	All.
Other miscellaneous	Potentially all.

(d) In the absence of sufficient information from the device manufacturer on this topic or if the Administrator's preliminary analysis indicates that testing is necessary to determine the nature or extent of possible adverse effects of device installation and use on vehicle operation and performance, the Administrator will require such tests to be conducted prior to the publication of a complete evaluation of the device.

[44 FR 17946, Mar. 23, 1979, as amended at 49 FR 18489, May 1, 1984]