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How to Do a Smoke Test for Emissions

Smoke emissions tests are vital to prevent inhalation of dangerous fumes which can lead to nausea, dizziness, respiratory uneasiness, suffocation, disease and death. Smoke tests reveal the types and levels of gases emitted. The Clean Air Act are environment-friendly laws which introduce programs to test vehicles spouting toxic and excess gases such as carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. Vehicular emissions need to be controlled since these emission also work to corrode the ozone layer and impair the quality of air which we breathe.

Things You'll Need

  • Smoke Opacimeter
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Instructions

  1. Smoke Opacimeter Test

    • 1

      Gauge the quantities of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide released into the air with the smoke opacimeter. This instrument effects a method of testing for vehicular smoke emissions. Vehicles which give off visible exhaust gases are more at risk that those that do not.

    • 2

      Regulate the temperature of the air going to the engine and the barometric pressure. Temperatures must range between 80-90F or 27-32C and pressures 28.5-30.5 inches or 724-725mm of mercury. Register the fuel rate and exhaust back pressure; measure the engine speed; take note of the intake air temperatures and restrictions.

    • 3

      Drive the vehicle at normal speed for about 10 minutes. Operate until you have stabilized the engine coolant, temperatures and pressures.

    • 4

      Mount and turn on the smoke opacimeter. Ensure that the smoke opacimeter is set to zero.

    • 5

      Direct the exhaust flow through the smoke opacimeter.

    • 6

      Record the smoke's thickness and engine speed and repeat testing.

    Visible Smoke Test

    • 7

      Run the vehicle engine and set to idle.

    • 8

      Take away the emissions inspection system from the tailpipe.

    • 9

      Observe carefully the color and quantity of smoke emitted from the vehicle's tailpipe: black, grey, blue or white. If you see visible smoke coming from the tailpipe or PCV, the vehicle fails the smoke emissions test; however, if the emission is invisible, the vehicle passes the test.

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