Test Method—The Coordinating Research Council sponsored testing to develop this test method to evaluate a fuel’tendency to form intake valve deposits.

5.1.1 State and Federal Legislative and Regulatory Action—Regulatory action by California Air Resources Board (CARB)⁹ and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)¹⁰ 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.

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 12-14 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.

1.1 This test method covers an engine dynamometer test procedure for evaluation of intake valve deposit formation of unleaded spark-ignition engine fuels. This test method uses a Ford Ranger 2.3 L four-cylinder engine. This test method includes detailed information regarding the procedure, hardware, and operations.

1.2 The ASTM Test Monitoring Center (TMC) is responsible for engine test stand calibration as well as issuance of information letters after test method modifications are approved by Subcommittee D02.A0 and Committee D02. Users of this test method shall request copies of recent information letters from the TMC to ensure proper conduct of the test method.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific warning statements are given throughout this test method.