Emission Control Systems: Description and Operation

EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS
EVAP System
The evaporation control system prevents the emission of fuel tank vapors into the atmosphere. When fuel evaporates in the fuel tank, the vapors pass through vent hoses or tubes into the two charcoal filled evaporative canisters. The canisters temporarily hold the vapors. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) allows intake manifold vacuum to draw vapors into the combustion chambers during certain operating conditions.

All 5.9L/8.0L gasoline powered engines use a duty cycle purge system. The PCM controls vapor flow by operating the duty cycle EVAP purge solenoid. Refer to Duty Cycle EVAP Canister Purge Solenoid for additional information.

When equipped with certain emissions packages, a Leak Detection Pump (LDP) will be used as part of the evaporative system. This pump is used as part of OBD II requirements. Refer to Leak Detection Pump in this group for additional information.

NOTE: The hoses used in this system are specially manufactured. If replacement becomes necessary, it is important to use only fuel resistant hose.

CCV HOSE
8.0L
The 8.0L V-10 engine is equipped with a Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) system. The CCV system performs the same function as a conventional PCV system, but does not use a vacuum controlled valve (PCV valve).

Fig.1 Fixed Orifice Fitting - 8.0L V-10 Engine - Typical:

A molded vacuum tube connects manifold vacuum to the top of the right cylinder head (valve) cover. The vacuum tube connects to a fixed orifice fitting of a calibrated size 2.6 mm (0.10 inches).

A molded vacuum tube connects manifold vacuum to the top of the right cylinder head (valve) cover. The vacuum tube connects to a fixed orifice fitting of a calibrated size 2.6 mm (0.10 inches). The fitting meters the amount of crankcase vapors drawn out of the engine. The fixed orifice fitting is grey in color. A similar fitting (but does not contain a fixed orifice) is used on the left cylinder head (valve) cover. This fitting is black in color. Do not interchange these two fittings.

When the engine is operating, fresh air enters the engine and mixes with crankcase vapors Manifold vacuum draws the vapor/air mixture through the fixed orifice and into the intake manifold The vapors are then consumed during engine combustion.

EVAP/PURGE SOLENOID
All 5 9L/8.0L gasoline powered engines use a duty cycle EVAP canister purge solenoid The solenoid regulates the rate of vapor flow from the EVAP canister to the throttle body.

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) operates the solenoid.

During the cold start warm-up period and the hot start time delay, the PCM does not energize the solenoid. When de-energized, no vapors are purged. The PCM de-energizes the solenoid during open loop operation.

The engine enters closed loop operation after it reaches a specified temperature and the time delay ends. During closed loop operation, the PCM energizes and de-energizes the solenoid 5 or 10 times per second, depending upon operating conditions. The PCM varies the vapor flow rate by changing solenoid pulse width. Pulse width is the amount of time the solenoid energizes. The PCM adjusts solenoid pulse width based on engine operating condition.

FUEL FILLER CAP
The plastic fuel tank filler tube cap is threaded onto the end of the fuel fill tube Certain models are equipped with a 1/4 turn cap.

The loss of any fuel or vapor out of fuel filler tube is prevented by the use of a pressure-vacuum fuel fill cap. Relief valves inside the cap will release fuel tank pressure at predetermined pressures. Fuel tank vacuum will also be released at predetermined values. This cap must be replaced by a similar unit if replacement is necessary. This is in order for the system to remain effective.

CAUTION: Remove fill cap before servicing any fuel system component to relieve tank pressure. If equipped with a Leak Detection Pump (LDP), the cap must be tightened securely. If cap is left loose, a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) may be set.

LEAK DETECTION PUMP
The Leak Detection Pump (LDP) is used only with certain emission packages

The LDP is a device used to detect a leak in the evaporative system.

The pump contains a 3 port solenoid, a pump that contains a switch, a spring loaded canister vent valve seal, 2 check valves and a spring/diaphragm.

Immediately after a cold start, engine temperature between 400F and 860F, the 3 port solenoid is briefly energized. This initializes the pump by drawing air into the pump cavity and also closes the vent seal. During non-test test conditions, the vent seal is held open by the pump diaphragm assembly which pushes it open at the full travel position. The vent seal will remain closed while the pump is cycling. This is due to the operation of the 3 port solenoid which prevents the diaphragm assembly from reaching full travel. After the brief initialization period, the solenoid is de-energized, allowing atmospheric pressure to enter the pump cavity. This permits the spring to drive the diaphragm which forces air out of the pump cavity and into the vent system. When the solenoid is energized and de-energized, the cycle is repeated creating flow in typical diaphragm pump fashion. The pump is controlled in 2 modes:
- Pump Mode: The pump is cycled at a fixed rate to achieve a rapid pressure build in order to shorten the overall test time.

- Test Mode: The solenoid is energized with a fixed duration pulse. Subsequent fixed pulses occur when the diaphragm reaches the switch closure point.

The spring in the pump is set so that the system will achieve an equalized pressure of about 7.5 inches of water.

When the pump starts, the cycle rate is quite high. As the system becomes pressurized pump rate drops. If there is no leak the pump will quit. If there is a leak, the test is terminated at the end of the test mode.

If there is no leak, the purge monitor is run. If the cycle rate increases due to the flow through the purge system, the test is passed and the diagnostic is complete.

The canister vent valve will unseal the system after completion of the test sequence as the pump diaphragm assembly moves to the full travel position.

PCV VALVE
V8 Engines
All 5 9L V-8 gas powered engines are equipped with a closed crankcase ventilation system and a Positive Crankcase Ventilation ([1][2]PCV) valve. The 8.0L V-10 engine is not equipped with a PCV valve. Refer to Crankcase Ventilation System-8.0L V-10 Engine for information.

Fig.3 Typical PCV Valve/Hose (Non-California Shown):

This system consists of a PCV valve mounted on the cylinder head (valve) cover with a hose extending from the valve to the intake manifold. Another hose connects the opposite cylinder head (valve) cover to the air cleaner housing to provide a source of clean air for the system. A separate crankcase breather/filter is not used.

Fig.4 Typical Closed Crankcase Ventilation System:

The PCV system operates by engine intake manifold vacuum. Filtered air is routed into the crankcase through the air cleaner hose. The metered air, along with crankcase vapors, are drawn through the PCV valve and into a passage in the intake manifold. The PCV system manages crankcase pressure and meters blow by gases to the intake system, reducing engine sludge formation.

The PCV valve contains a spring loaded plunger. This plunger meters the amount of crankcase vapors routed into the combustion chamber based on intake manifold vacuum.

Fig.5 Engine Off Or Engine Pop-Back - No Vapor Flow:

When the engine is not operating or during an engine pop-back, the spring forces the plunger back against the seat. This will prevent vapors from flowing through the valve.

Fig.6 High Intake Manifold Vacuum - Minimal Vapor Flow:

During periods of high manifold vacuum, such as idle or cruising speeds, vacuum is sufficient to completely compress spring. It will then pull the plunger to the top of the valve. In this position there is minimal vapor flow through the valve.

Fig.7 Moderate Intake Manifold Vacuum - Maximum Vapor Flow:

During periods of moderate manifold vacuum, the plunger is only pulled part way back from inlet. This results in maximum vapor flow through the valve.

VACUUM LINES
A vacuum schematic for emission related items can be found on the VECI label. Refer to Vehicle Emission Control Information (VECI) Label for label location.

Fig.11 Location Of EVAP Canisters:

VAPOR CANISTER
Two maintenance free EVAP canisters are used with all 5.9L/8.0L gasoline powered engines. Both canisters are mounted to a bracket located below rear of vehicle cab on outside of right frame rail.

Two, maintenance free, EVAP canisters are used with all 5.9L/8.0L gasoline powered engines.The EVAP canisters are filled with granules of an activated carbon mixture. Fuel vapors entering the EVAP canisters are absorbed by the charcoal granules.

Fuel tank pressure vents into the EVAP canisters. Fuel vapors are temporarily held in the canisters until they can be drawn into the intake manifold. The duty cycle EVAP canister purge solenoid allows the EVAP canisters to be purged at predetermined times and at certain engine operating conditions.