Development of an in-service test to detect vehicles burning lubricating oil

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Development of an in-service test to detect vehicles burning lubricating oil

Beckman, E. / Donald, J.

Recently there have been a number of regulatory developments to limit the emissionsof pollutants from vehicle exhaust. These include the introductionof emissions limits for new vehicles and emissions testing of vehicles in service. Despite this vehicles emitting the blue smoke characteristic of the partial combustion of lubricating oil are still observed on the roads. Research has shown that existing in-service emissions tests do not detect such vehicles. This paper describes the development of an in-service test procedure for their detection, and considers the implications for smoke measuring equipment. In addition the major causes of blue smoke are discussed. The road vehicle population is a major source of many common air pollutants. Consequently the control of vehicle emissions has been the focus of much attention by the UK Government, with the Department of Transport (DOT) - now the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions - taking a leading role. Progress has been made across Europe through the introduction of stringent emissions standards for new vehicles, but the full benefit of these measures will not be realised unless vehicles are properly maintained throughout their lives. The DOT introduced emissions testing into the annual in-service vehicle test, the MOT test, in 1991 for petrol-engined vehicles and in 1994 for diesels. Tougher tests have been introduced in 1996 for vehicles fitted with catalytic converters.