SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE ®

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HTTP://ENGINEANDVEHICLE .SWRI.ORG

ENGINE, EMISSIONS, AND VEHICLE RESEARCH DIVISION ISO 9001 CERTIFIED

FAX: (210) 522-3950 ISO 14001 Certified 

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 

HOUSTON, TEXAS i WASHINGTON, DC 

May 15, 2009 

Brian H. West 

Fuels, Engines, and Emissions Research Center 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory 

NTRC Building 

2360 Cherahala Boulevard 

Knoxville, TN 37932 

Subject: Monthly Progress Report No. 7 for the Period April 1, through April 30, 2009; for the 

program, "Catalyst Screening and Durability for Intermediate Ethanol Blends," UTBattelle/Oak Ridge National Laboratory Subcontract No. 4000071456, SwRI Project 

03.14530. 

1.0 INTRODUCTION 

 The objective of this project is to help quantify emissions system durability of E15 and 

E20 on the US fleet. Specifically, this project will study the effects of ethanol blends on openloop stoichiometry and resulting catalyst and oxygen sensor temperatures. This project will also 

generate valuable data on vehicle emissions and performance. 

Vehicles selected for this study will include a wide range of manufacturers across several 

model years. Some of the vehicles that will be tested include vehicles that have been identified 

as having leaner and hotter operation on ethanol blends than on gasoline when in wide-open 

throttle (WOT) open-loop operation. Other vehicles will be tested because of their large 

numbers in the in-use vehicle fleet. New vehicles with unknown open-loop fuel control at WOT 

may also be selected. 

 In this project, SwRI will age vehicles and emission control systems operating on three 

levels of ethanol blended fuels (E10, E15, and E20) and compare emissions and vehicle 

performance to similar vehicles operating on the base gasoline (E0). Vehicle service 

accumulation and emissions testing are to be performed on multiple sets of matched vehicles. 

For each matched set, vehicles are to be aged and emissions tested on the four fuel blends (E0, 

E10, E15, and E20). Emissions testing will be performed at three added service accumulation 

levels: 0 miles (start of service accumulation), between 25,000 and 50,000 miles (mid service 

accumulation level), and at the end of the vehicle’s full-useful life (nominally 120,000 miles). 

2.0 PROGRESS FOR THE PERIOD APRIL 1-30, 2009 

2.1 Honda Accords

 The Honda Accord test vehicles underwent zero-mile Federal Test Procedure (FTP) 

emissions testing with project fuels during previous reporting periods. Federal Test Procedure 

emissions data for the Accords run on the E0, E10, E15, and E20 emissions test fuels are 
Brian West 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory 

May 15, 2009 

Page 2 of 11 

provided in Table 1. As previously reported, Honda Accord ORHA0B replaced vehicle ORHA0 

following the observation that Accord ORHA0 exhibited significantly higher oil consumption 

than the other three Accords. Zero-mile emission test results for replacement vehicle ORHA10B 

were run during this reporting period, and these test results are included in this table (Table 1). 

TABLE 1. 2007 HONDA ACCORD EMISSIONS TESTS 

Service Accumulation Level: 0 Miles 

FTP Composite Emissions, g/mi 

Test 

Ref. 

Vehicle 

No. Test No. Fuel THC CO NOX

Fuel 

Economy, 

mi/gal 

1 OR-HA00-1-F-E0-0k-T8 0.031 0.192 0.014 26.2 

2 

ORHA0 

OR-HA00-1-F-E0-0k-T9 

E0 

0.037 0.257 0.019 26.0 

3a OR-HA10-1-F-E0-0k-T8 0.030 0.289 0.016 25.7 

4a OR-HA10-1-F-E0-0k-T9 

E0 

0.030 0.272 0.018 26.3 

5a OR-HA10-1-F-E10-0k-T6 0.021 0.172 0.017 26.0 

6a 

ORHA10 

Vehicle 

replaced by 

ORHA10B OR-HA10-1-F-E10-0k-T7 E10 0.022 0.061 0.016 25.7 

3 OR-HA10B-1-F-E0-0k-T1 0.036 0.274 0.018 26.2 

4 OR-HA10B-1-F-E0-0k-T4 

E0 

0.036 0.270 0.021 26.6 

5 OR-HA10B-1-F-E10-0k-T2 0.025 0.143 0.020 26.2 

6 

ORHA10B 

OR-HA10B-1-F-E10-0k-T4 E10 0.028 0.175 0.021 26.3 

7 OR-HA15-1-F-E0-0k-T2 0.025 0.172 0.014 26.7 

8 OR-HA15-1-F-E0-0k-T3 

E0 

0.025 0.183 0.012 26.8 

9 OR-HA15-1-F-E15-0k-T2 0.019 0.130 0.015 26.2 

10 

ORHA15 

OR-HA15-1-F-E15-0k-T3 E15 0.016 0.109 0.014 26.2 

11 OR-HA20-1-F-E0-0k-T3 0.027 0.199 0.019 27.2 

12 OR-HA20-1-F-E0-0k-T4 

E0 

0.024 0.173 0.014 27.1 

13 OR-HA20-1-F-E20-0k-T5 0.023 0.140 0.023 26.3 

14 

ORHA20 

OR-HA20-1-F-E20-0k-T6 E20 0.021 0.137 0.016 25.7 

FTP Composite Emissions, mg/mi 

Test 

Ref. 

Vehicle 

No. Test No. Fuel Ethanol 

Formaldehyde Acetaldehyde 

1 OR-HA00-1-F-E0-0k-T8 0.1 3.9 1.2 

2 

ORHA0 

OR-HA00-1-F-E0-0k-T9 

E0 

0.1 4.6 1.9 

3a OR-HA10-1-F-E0-0k-T8 0.1 3.6 1.1 

4a OR-HA10-1-F-E0-0k-T9 

E0 

0.1 3.6 1.0 

5a OR-HA10-1-F-E10-0k-T6 0.7 3.2 1.9 

6a 

ORHA10 

Vehicle 

replaced by 

ORHA10B OR-HA10-1-F-E10-0k-T7 E10 1.0 3.2 2.2 

3 OR-HA10B-1-F-E0-0k-T1 nd 0.4 0.2 

4 OR-HA10B-1-F-E0-0k-T4 

E0 

nd 0.9 0.2 

5 OR-HA10B-1-F-E10-0k-T2 0.9 0.6 0.4 

6 

ORHA10B

OR-HA10B-1-F-E10-0k-T4 E10 0.6 0.7 0.5 

7 OR-HA15-1-F-E0-0k-T2 0.2 0.7 0.2 

8 OR-HA15-1-F-E0-0k-T3 

E0 

0.1 1.0 0.2 

9 OR-HA15-1-F-E15-0k-T2 1.0 3.0 2.6 

10 

ORHA15 

OR-HA15-1-F-E15-0k-T3 E15 0.9 3.3 2.6 

11 OR-HA20-1-F-E0-0k-T3 0.1 0.7 0.2 

12 OR-HA20-1-F-E0-0k-T4 

E0 

0.1 0.6 0.2 

13 OR-HA20-1-F-E20-0k-T5 1.6 3.0 3.1 

14 

ORHA20 

OR-HA20-1-F-E20-0k-T6 E20 1.5 3.0 3.3 
Brian West 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory 

May 15, 2009 

Page 3 of 11 

 Honda Accord vehicles ORHA0, ORHA15, and ORHA20 underwent 50,000-mile 

Federal Test Procedure (FTP) emissions testing with project fuels during this reporting period. 

Federal Test Procedure emissions data for the Accords run on the E0, E15, and E20 emissions 

test fuels are provided in Table 2. 

TABLE 2. 2007 HONDA ACCORD EMISSIONS TESTS 

Service Accumulation Level: 50k Miles 

FTP Composite Emissions, g/mi 

Test 

Ref. 

Vehicle 

No. Test No. Fuel THC CO NOX

Fuel 

Economy, 

mi/gal 

1 OR-HA00-1-F-E0-50k-T1 0.044 0.183 0.023 26.6 

2 ORHA0 OR-HA00-1-F-E0-50k-T2 E0 0.046 0.176 0.026 26.4 

3 

4 Data to be available following E0 

5 service accumulation 

6 

ORHA10B 

E10 

7 OR-HA15-1-F-E0-50k-T1 0.026 0.191 0.016 26.4 

8 OR-HA15-1-F-E0-50k-T2 E0 0.033 0.185 0.021 26.1 

9 OR-HA15-1-F-E15-50k-T1 0.037 0.173 0.022 26.7 

10 

ORHA15 

OR-HA15-1-F-E15-50k-T2 E15 0.028 0.134 0.025 26.0 

11 OR-HA20-1-F-E0-50k-T1 0.032 0.243 0.020 26.7 

12 OR-HA20-1-F-E0-50k-T2 E0 0.028 0.186 0.023 26.6 

13 OR-HA20-1-F-E20-50k-T2 0.026 0.124 0.025 26.8 

14 

ORHA20 

OR-HA20-1-F-E20-50k-T3 E20 0.026 0.154 0.023 26.2 

FTP Composite Emissions, mg/mi 

Test 

Ref. 

Vehicle 

No. Test No. Fuel Ethanol 

Formaldehyde Acetaldehyde 

1 OR-HA00-1-F-E0-50k-T1 ur 1.1 0.3 

2 ORHA0 OR-HA00-1-F-E0-50k-T2 E0 ur ur ur 

3 

4 Data to be available following E0 

5 service accumulation 

6 

ORHA10B 

E10 

7 OR-HA15-1-F-E0-50k-T1 nd 0.6 0.2 

8 OR-HA15-1-F-E0-50k-T2 E0 0.2 0.8 0.3 

9 OR-HA15-1-F-E15-50k-T1 1.6 1.3 0.9 

10 

ORHA15 

OR-HA15-1-F-E15-50k-T2 E15 1.3 1.0 0.8 

11 OR-HA20-1-F-E0-50k-T1 0.1 0.7 0.2 

12 OR-HA20-1-F-E0-50k-T2 

E0 

nd 0.7 0.2 

13 OR-HA20-1-F-E20-50k-T2 1.7 0.9 0.8 

14 

ORHA20 

OR-HA20-1-F-E20-50k-T3 E20 1.5 0.8 0.8 

nd - none detected 

ur - under review. Raw data being re-examined. 
Brian West 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory 

May 15, 2009 

Page 4 of 11 

 Honda Accord ORHA10B began its service accumulation on the SwRI Mileage 

Accumulation Dynamometers during this reporting period. Vehicle ORHA10B emission test 

results at 50,000 miles are scheduled for June 2009, following added service accumulation. 

 Lubricating oil change interval history to date, along with oil consumption, short- and 

long-term fuel trims, and compression and leak down tests, are included in Appendix A for the 

Honda Accord, Chevrolet Silverado, Nissan Altima, and Ford Taurus vehicle sets. The 

replacement Honda Accord ORHA10B will receive oil changes based on the intervals already 

defined by the other three Honda Accords. 

2.2 Chevrolet Silverados 

The Chevrolet Silverado test vehicles continued with their service accumulation this 

reporting period. Vehicle service accumulation for this set of vehicles is expected to continue 

through May. 

 During the service accumulation this reporting period, an incident occurred where 

Silverado vehicle ORCS15 experienced a stuck throttle when the mileage accumulation 

dynamometer throttle actuator power supply failed. The truck experienced higher than normal 

loads. The Oak Ridge and General Motors representatives were notified. SwRI is in the process 

of enhancing its Mileage Accumulation Dynamometer (MAD) safeties to ensure that this 

condition will be detected immediately. This safety will include a trigger based on catalytic 

converter temperature and road load. This safety enhancement will also include a circuit to turn 

off the fuel and ignition of a test vehicle when a MAD shutdown occurs. The GM and Oak Ridge 

representatives agreed that vehicle ORCS15 should continue mileage accumulation. 

Implementation of the vehicle safety is expected following final approvals by Oak Ridge and 

GM. 

2.3 Nissan Altimas 

 Southwest Research Institute began vehicle FTP check-out emissions tests with E0 fuel 

with the Nissan Altima vehicle set during the previous reporting period. It was noted that the 

Altima FTP emissions were very close to the EPA Bin-5 50,000 mile emission standards. 

Discussions ensued between Oak Ridge, SwRI, and Nissan, and Nissan recommended that the 

automatic transmission control units (ATCUs) be re-flashed with software for testing on a two 

wheel dynamometer. Following approvals from Oak Ridge and CRC members, the Altima 

ATCUs were sent to Nissan Technical Center in Farmington Hills, Michigan for the re-flash. A 

summary of the Nissan Altima FTP emission tests before and after the ATCU re-flash is given in 

Table 3. It was decided to continue with the Nissan Altima zero-mile emission emissions 

testing and WOT testing with the re-flashed dynamometer ATCU calibration. 

The Nissan Altimas underwent zero-mile FTP emissions testing with project fuels during 

this reporting period. Federal Test Procedure emissions data for the Altimas run on E0, E10, 

E15, and E20 emissions test fuels are provided in Table 4. 
Brian West 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory 

May 15, 2009 

Page 5 of 11 

TABLE 3. NISSAN ALTIMA FTP EMISSIONS TEST RESULTS BEFORE AND AFTER 

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL UNIT RE-FLASH 

2008 Nissan Altimas 

FTP Composite Emissions, g/mi 

Test 

Ref. 

Vehicle 

No. 

Vehicle 

Odometer, 

mi Test No. Fuel THC NMHC CO NOX

Fuel 

Economy, 

mi/gal 

Standard (50k mi.) 

Bin 5 -- 

NMOG

0.075 

CO 

3.40 

NOX 

0.050 -- 

Original ATCU Calibration 

1 ORNA0 19,351 OR-NA00-1-C-E0-0k-T1 0.104 0.094 1.604 0.048 25.3 

2 ORNA10 19,588 OR-NA10-1-C-E0-0k-T1 0.068 0.061 0.563 0.028 25.9 

3 ORNA15 10,004 OR-NA15-1-C-E0-0k-T1 0.061 0.054 0.470 0.032 26.7 

4 ORNA20 10,355 OR-NA20-1-C-E0-0k-T1

E0 

0.078 0.071 0.845 0.048 25.5 

Dynamometer ATCU Calibration 

5 ORNA0 19,426 OR-NA00-1-F-E0-0k-T2 0.073 0.066 0.497 0.032 28.7 

6 ORNA10 19,649 OR-NA10-1-F-E0-0k-T3 0.056 0.053 0.343 0.023 28.1 

7 ORNA15 10,051 OR-NA15-1-F-E0-0k-T1 0.059 0.053 0.392 0.025 28.0 

8 ORNA20 10,456 OR-NA20-1-F-E0-0k-T3

E0 

0.061 0.057 0.382 0.022 27.8 

TABLE 4. 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA EMISSIONS TESTS 

Service Accumulation Level: 0 Miles

FTP Composite Emissions, g/mi 

Test 

Ref. 

Vehicle 

No. Test No. Fuel THC CO NOX

Fuel 

Economy, 

mi/gal 

1 OR-NA00-1-F-E0-0k-T2 0.073 0.497 0.032 28.7 

2 ORNA0 OR-NA00-1-F-E0-0k-T4 E0 0.067 0.425 0.029 28.4 

3 OR-NA10-1-F-E0-0k-T3 0.056 0.343 0.023 28.1 

4 OR-NA10-1-F-E0-0k-T4 E0 0.058 0.404 0.025 28.3 

5 OR-NA10-1-F-E10-0k-T1 0.059 0.394 0.023 27.9 

6 

ORNA10 

OR-NA10-1-F-E10-0k-T5 E10 0.060 0.345 0.033 27.5 

7 OR-NA15-1-F-E0-0k-T1 0.059 0.392 0.025 28.0 

8 OR-NA15-1-F-E0-0k-T3 E0 0.059 0.428 0.031 28.0 

9 OR-NA15-1-F-E15-0k-T1 0.042 0.325 0.022 27.5 

10 

ORNA15 

OR-NA15-1-F-E15-0k-T2 E15 0.057 0.429 0.023 28.0 

11 OR-NA20-1-F-E0-0k-T3 0.061 0.382 0.022 27.8 

12 OR-NA20-1-F-E0-0k-T4 E0 0.065 0.393 0.027 27.7 

13 OR-NA20-1-F-E20-0k-T1 0.045 0.307 0.022 27.8 

14 

ORNA20 

OR-NA20-1-F-E20-0k-T2 E20 0.055 0.322 0.029 27.9 

FTP Composite Emissions, mg/mi 

Test 

Ref. 

Vehicle 

No. Test No. Fuel Ethanol 

Formaldehyde Acetaldehyde 

1 OR-NA00-1-F-E0-0k-T2 0.1 0.5 0.3 

2 ORNA0 OR-NA00-1-F-E0-0k-T4 E0 nd 0.6 0.2 

3 OR-NA10-1-F-E0-0k-T3 nd 0.4 0.2 

4 OR-NA10-1-F-E0-0k-T4 E0 nd 0.5 0.2 

5 OR-NA10-1-F-E10-0k-T1 1.9 0.4 0.7 

6 

ORNA10 

OR-NA10-1-F-E10-0k-T5 E10 ur ur ur 

7 OR-NA15-1-F-E0-0k-T1 nd 0.4 0.2 

8 OR-NA15-1-F-E0-0k-T3 E0 nd 0.7 0.2 

9 OR-NA15-1-F-E15-0k-T1 ur 0.3 0.8 

10 

ORNA15 

OR-NA15-1-F-E15-0k-T2 E15 2.4 0.3 0.9 

11 OR-NA20-1-F-E0-0k-T3 nd 0.4 0.2 

12 OR-NA20-1-F-E0-0k-T4 E0 nd 0.4 0.2 

13 OR-NA20-1-F-E20-0k-T1 3.2 0.4 1.1 

14 

ORNA20 

OR-NA20-1-F-E20-0k-T2 E20 ur 0.4 1.3 

nd - none detected 

ur - under review. Raw data being r-examined. 
Brian West 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory 

May 15, 2009 

Page 6 of 11 

 The Nissan Altima test vehicles underwent wide-open-throttle (WOT) performance 

testing with project fuels E0 and E20 during the current reporting period. As shown in Figure 1, 

the 2008 Nissan Altima exhibited fuel enrichment during WOT operation and less fuel 

enrichment with E20 fuel. Note that there was also fuel-air ratio enrichment during the closed 

throttle deceleration (also shown in Figure 1). Lambda was measured with a wide-range air-fuel 

ratio sensor installed in the exhaust system upstream of the catalytic converter. Preliminary 

Nissan Altima WOT test results using E0 and E20 fuel blends with all four vehicles will be 

posted to the project ftp site. 

VEHICLE ORNA20

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

1.0

1.1

1.2

1 6 11 16 21 26 31 36 41 46

Time (s)

Lambda

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

Speed (mph)

Lambda E0 Fuel Lambda E20 Fuel Dyno Speed E0 Dyno Speed E20

WOT Acceleration

Deceleration

FIGURE 1. 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA WIDE-OPEN-THROTTLE LAMBDA 

MEASUREMENTS WITH E0 AND E20 FUEL BLENDS 

 Nissan Altima vehicle ORNA0 began service accumulation using the Standard Road 

Cycle (SRC) this reporting period. An incident occurred during the service accumulation on this 

vehicle. The 2008 Nissan Altima vehicles have a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with 

a manual shift mode selection. On one occasion, the transmission selector was inadvertently 

placed in the manual shift mode gate. The vehicle ran in this mode with higher than normal 

engine speeds for approximately 14 minutes. Oak Ridge and Nissan representatives were 

provided exhaust system data and the consensus decision was that the vehicle was not harmed 

and to continue mileage accumulation. To prevent this type of incident from occurring again, 

aluminum plate was installed over the manual shift gate on all four Nissan Altimas so that the 

transmission selector cannot be placed in manual shift mode. A photograph of this plate is 

shown in Figure 2. 
Brian West 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory 

May 15, 2009 

Page 7 of 11 

FIGURE 2. NISSAN ALTIMA AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT SELECTOR 

MODIFIED TO PREVENT PLACEMENT INTO MANUAL SHIFT MODE 

 Altima ORNA0 continued service accumulation on RE0 durability fuel, and has 

completed 5,000 miles without further incident. Vehicles ORNA10, ORNA15, and ORNA20 

will begin service accumulation on durability fuels RE10, RE15, and RE20, respectively, during 

the next reporting period. 

2.4 Ford Taurus’ 

 The Ford Taurus vehicle set began preparation for emissions testing and service 

accumulation in the previous reporting period. The 2008 Ford Taurus has a catalytic converter 

close-coupled to the exhaust manifold and housed in a cast iron container, as shown in Figure 3 

(the exhaust manifold heat shield has been removed for this photograph). Two exhaust system 

instrumentation options are being investigated for possible use in this program: an added spacer 

approach and an instrumented manifold approach. Both approaches have their advantages and 

disadvantages. The exhaust system spacer or the modified exhaust manifold would house the 

lambda sensor and a catalyst inlet thermocouple in the instrumented exhaust system. A 

photograph of the exhaust system spacer is provided in Figure 4. An instrumented exhaust 

manifold for catalyst inlet temperature, exhaust gas lambda measurement, and catalyst substrate 

bed temperature is shown in Figure 5. These approaches, each with consideration of the various 

advantages and disadvantages, are being reviewed by Oak Ridge and CRC for acceptance for use 

on this vehicle set. The Ford Taurus vehicle set is scheduled for zero-mile FTP emissions and 

WOT performance testing in June, 2009. 
Brian West 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory 

May 15, 2009 

Page 8 of 11 

FIGURE 3. 2008 FORD TAURUS EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND CLOSE-COUPLED 

CATALYTIC CONVERTER (Heat Shield Removed) 

FIGURE 4. EXHAUST SYSTEM SPACER FOR LAMBDA AND TEMPERATURE 

INSTRUMENTATION (External Insulation Added) 
Brian West 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory 

May 15, 2009 

Page 9 of 11 

FIGURE 5. INSTRUMENTED EXHAUST MANIFOLD 

2.6 Vehicle Procurement 

Southwest Research Institute has been given authorization to purchase four 2007 Dodge 

Caravan minivans equipped with the 3.3L V-6 engine for this project. SwRI will pursue 

identifying four matching minivans based on the engine family and other vehicle criteria 

provided by Oak Ridge. 

2.5 Fuels 

 Blending of the emissions test fuels E0, E10, E15, and E20 for the Ford Taurus and 

Dodge Caravan vehicle sets was completed during this reporting period. These fuels have been 

drummed and have been put in a constant-temperature fuel storage building. Analyses of these 

project fuels are provided in Appendix B. 

Two more tanker trucks of Top Tier regular unleaded gasoline were received by SwRI 

this reporting period. The fuel deliveries were first checked to ensure that the fuel did not 

contain ethanol. The fuel was then received by SwRI and delivered to the RE0 mileage 

accumulation fuel storage tank. Analytical evaluations of the fuel samples from each truck are 

also provided in Appendix B. 
Brian West 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory 

May 15, 2009 

Page 10 of 11 

2.7 Data Format and Archiving 

 Southwest Research Institute hosted a one-day meeting with Oak Ridge and the Battelle 

Statistics and Information Analysis Group to discuss project data format and data archiving. 

Project data collection and storage formats were proposed. Data format and archiving 

development will continue into the next reporting period. 

2.8 Project Review Meeting 

 Oak Ridge has requested that a technical project review meeting be scheduled for mid 

June, 2009. SwRI will host the meeting in San Antonio, Texas. Coordinating Research Council 

project committee members will be notified of the meeting through CRC, and a meeting date will 

be selected. The meeting will cover the technical progress of the vehicle sets tested to date, and 

future program directions will be discussed. Topics to be covered will include the FTP 

emissions test results, the WOT performance test data, vehicle service accumulation, and fuel 

blending activities. Data format and data archiving development for future statistical analysis 

will also be discussed. 

3.0 WORK PLANNED FOR THE NEXT REPORTING PERIOD 

 The Ford Taurus vehicle set will be instrumented for temperature and lambda 

measurement following Oak Ridge selection of either the added spacer or the modified manifold 

approach. Federal Test Procedure emissions and WOT performance testing will be scheduled for 

June, 2009. 

 The four Chevrolet Silverados will continue service accumulation until each vehicle 

reaches 50,000 test miles. The Silverados are expected to reach this level of service before the 

end of May. The Nissan Altimas will be put on the Mileage Accumulation Dynamometers when 

the Silverados are removed. 

 The Silverado vehicle set will be scheduled for mid-level (50,000 test miles) WOT 

performance and FTP emissions tests with emissions test fuels E0, E10, E15, and E20. The 

addition of mid-level WOT performance tests was requested by the Oak Ridge technical project 

monitor. 

 The replacement Honda Accord, vehicle ORHA10B, will begin vehicle service 

accumulation on RE10 fuel. Oil change intervals will be matched to the intervals already 

established on the other Honda Accords. An additional SwRI Mileage Accumulation 

Dynamometer has been dedicated to Oak Ridge and CRC for this vehicle. 

 It is anticipated that four 2007 Dodge Caravan test vehicles will be purchased for this 

project. Vehicle preparations will begin immediately following their receipt. 

A technical project review meeting date is expected to be determined by CRC. It is 

anticipated that the meeting will be scheduled for one full day in June and include detailed 

project technical discussions and SwRI facility tours of ongoing project activities. 
Brian West 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory 

May 15, 2009 

Page 11 of 11 

4.0 CONCLUSION 

 If you have any questions regarding this project report, please contact Marty Heimrich at 

(210) 522-3022 or by e-mail at mheimrich@swri.org. 

Prepared by: Reviewed by: 

 

Martin J. Heimrich Jeff J. White 

Manager Director 

Department of Emissions Research Department of Emissions Research 

 and Development and Development 

/sat 

cc: Brent Shoffner, SwRI 

 Kevin Brunner, SwRI 

This report shall not be reproduced, except in full, without the written approval of Southwest Research Institute®. 

Results and discussion given in this report relate only to the test items described in this report. 
APPENDIX A 

OIL CHANGE INTERVAL HISTORY AND SHORT- AND LONG-TERM 

FUEL TRIM MEASUREMENTS 

AND 

COMPRESSION AND LEAK DOWN TEST RESULTS 

Vehicle Sets

Honda Accord 

Chevrolet Silverado 

Nissan Altima 

Ford Taurus 
A-1

Honda Accord

Long Term Fuel Trim

Date Odometer Test Fuel

31,686 Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max.

After Zero Mile Emisions (E20 WOT) 1/20/2009 32,026 340 E20 3.9 4.6 4.6 4.6 4.6 5.4

Approx. 2,222 miles SRC w/E0 2/5/2009 34,248 2,562 E0 0.7 0.8

Oil Change 1 2/26/2009 38,603 6,917 E0 0.0 0.7 0.7 1.5 0.7 1.5

Oil Change 2 3/9/2009 45,947 14,261 E0 -6.2 -6.2 -6.2 -7.0 -6.2 -7.0

During mileage accumulation audit 3/12/2009 48,609 16,923 E0 -1.5 -1.5 -1.5 -1.5 -1.5 -1.5

Oil Change 3 3/17/2009 53,291 21,605 E0 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 0.8 0.8

Oil Change 4 3/25/2009 60,516 28,830 E0 1.6 1.6 2.3 2.3 1.6 1.6

Oil Change 5 4/2/2009 68,222 36,536 E0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.8 0.8

Oil Change 6 4/9/2009 75,460 43,774 E0 3.9 4.6 3.9 3.9 2.3 3.9

Date Odometer Test Fuel

32,281 Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max.

As-received (Initial) 4/6/2009 32,281 0 As-recd -15.6 -16.4 -15.6 -16.4 -14.8 -16.4

As-received after oil change 4/6/2009 32,281 0 As-recd -12.5 -12.5 -11.7 -12.5 -10.9 -10.9

Date Odometer Test Fuel

31,369 Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max.

After Zero Mile Emisions (E10 FTP-75) 2/16/2009 31,777 408 EO -17.8 -17.1 -17.9 -18.7 -16.4 -20.3

Oil Change 1 3/4/2009 39,220 7,851 E15 -3.9 -4.6 -3.9 -3.9 -3.9 -3.9

Oil Change 2 3/13/2009 47,111 15,742 E15 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6

Oil Change 3 3/23/2009 55,034 23,665 E15 0.7 1.5 0.7 1.5 1.5 1.5

Oil Change 4 3/1/3109 62,333 30,964 E15 4.7 4.7 5.5 5.5 5.5 6.3

Oil Change 5 4/8/2009 70,039 38,670 E15 7.0 7.0 6.2 7.0 7.0 7.0

Oil Change 6 4/15/2009 77,277 45,908 E15 8.8 10.1 8.5 9.3 8.5 9.3

Date Odometer Test Fuel

34,383 Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max.

After Zero Mile Emisions (E10 FTP-75) 2/6/2009 34,842 459 E20 2.3 2.3 3.1 3.9 2.3 2.3

Oil Change 1 3/3/2009 41,556 7,173 E20 6.2 7.0 7.0 7.8 7.8 7.8

Oil Change 2 3/11/2009 48,726 14,343 E20 4.7 4.7 4.7 4.7 4.7 5.5

Oil Change 3 3/19/2009 56,199 21,816 E20 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5

Oil Change 4 2/27/2009 63,481 29,098 E20 4.7 5.5 5.5 4.7 5.5 4.7

Oil Change 5 4/4/2009 71,187 36,804 E20 6.2 7.0 6.2 6.2 6.2 7.0

Oil Change 6 4/11/2009 78,425 44,042 E20 10.9 11.7 10.1 10.1 10.9 10.9

Idle in Drive Idle in Drive Idle in Park

Idle in Park Idle in Drive

ORHA20

Idle in Drive Idle in Park

ORHA10B

Idle in Drive

ORHA15

Idle in Drive

ORHA0

Idle in Drive Idle in Park Idle in Drive
A-2

2008 Nissan Altima

Long Term fuel Trim

Date Odometer Test Fuel

Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max.

As Received 2/10/2009 19,264 As-recd As-recd -2.3 -2.3 -2.3 -2.3 -2.3 -2.3

Date Odometer Test Fuel

Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max.

As-Received 2/10/2009 19,518 As-recd As-recd -5.4 -5.4 -5.4 -5.4 -5.4 -5.4

Date Odometer Test Fuel

Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max.

As-Received 2/10/2009 9,935 As-recd As-recd -5.4 -5.4 -5.4 -5.4 -5.4 -5.4

Date Odometer Test Fuel

Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max.

As-Received 2/10/2009 10,296 As-recd As-recd -8.5 -8.5 -8.5 -8.5 -8.5 -8.5

2008 Ford Taurus

Long Term Fuel Trim

Date Odometer Test Fuel

Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max.

As Received 2/18/2009 17,231 As-recd As-recd -8.5 -8.5 -9.3 -9.3 -8.5 -8.5

Date Odometer Test Fuel

Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max.

As Received 2/18/2009 9,732 As-recd As-recd -8.5 -8.5 -8.5 -8.5 -8.5 -8.5

Date Odometer Test Fuel

Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max.

As Received 2/18/2009 17,098 As-recd As-recd -5.4 -5.4 -5.4 -6.2 -5.4 -5.4

Date Odometer Test Fuel

Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max.

As Received 2/18/2009 13,082 As-recd As-recd -3.9 -3.9 -3.9 -3.9 -3.9 -3.9

Idle in Drive

Idle in Park

ORNA20

Idle in Drive

Idle in Drive

ORFT0

Idle in Park

Idle in Drive

Idle in Drive

Idle in Drive Idle in Park Idle in Drive

ORFT20

Idle in Drive

ORFT10

Idle in Drive Idle in Park

ORNA15

Idle in Drive

ORNA10

Idle in Drive

Idle in Drive

Idle in Drive

ORNA0

Idle in Drive

Idle in Park Idle in Drive

ORFT15

Idle in Park

Idle in Park

Idle in Park Idle in Drive
 A- 3

Chevrolet SilveradoLong Term Fuel Trim

27,606

Date Odometer Test

Miles Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. 

As received 12/17/2008 27,606 0 0 0 0 -3 -3 -3 -3 2 2 2 After Emmisions 2/23/2009 27,819 213 1 1 0 0 -4 -4 -4 -4 Oil Change 1 3/30/2009 39,679 12,073 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.3 Oil Change 2 4/13/2009 52,669 25,063 -0.7 -0.7 -0.7 -0.7 -0.7 -0.7 -0.7 -0.7 Oil Change 3 4/27/2009 65,566 37,960 -0.7 -0.7 -0.7 -0.7 -0.7 -0.7 -0.7 -0.7 

14,350

Date Odometer Test

Miles Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. 

As received 12/17/2008 14,319 1 1 -2 -2 0 0 -4 -4 1 1 2 After Emissions 2/23/2009 14,635 285 0 0 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 -3 Oil Change 1 3/27/2009 26,476 12,126 7.8 7.8 5.4 5.4 8.5 8.5 7.8 7.8 Oil Change 2 4/9/2009 39,466 25,116 1.6 1.6 0 0 0 0 -0.7 -0.7 Oil Change 3 4/22/2009 52,363 38,013 0 0 -0.7 -0.7 3.1 3.1 3.9 3.9 

17,152

Date Odometer Test

Miles Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. 

As received 12/17/2008 17,121 2 2 0 0 -2 -2 -2 -2 3 3 4 After Emissions 12/23/2009 17,396 244 10 10 10 10 7 7 6 6 Oil Change 1 3/31/2009 29,410 12,258 10.1 10.1 12.5 12.5 11.7 11.7 12.5 12.5 Oil Change 2 4/13/2009 42,400 25,248 9.3 10.1 10.1 12.5 9.3 9.3 9.3 9.3 

17,103

Date Odometer Test

Miles Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. 

As received 12/17/2008 17,103 -3 -3 -1 -1 -7 -6 -6 -6 2 2 0 After emissions 2/25/2009 17,348 245 5 7 5 5 4 4 3 3 Oil Change 1 3/30/2009 29,413 12,310 11.7 11.7 9.4 9.4 11.7 11.7 9.4 9.4 Oil Change 2 4/13/2009 42,403 25,300 11.7 11.7 9.3 9.3 11.7 11.7 9.3 9.3 Oil Change 3 4/27/2009 55,300 38,197 9 9 9 9 12 12 12 12 

ORCS0

ORCS10ORCS15ORCS20

Right Bank Left Bank

Idle in Park

Right Bank Left Bank Right 

Left Bank 

Idle in Drive Torque Conv St

Left Bank Left Bank Right Bank Left Bank Right Bank Right 

Idle in Drive Idle in Park Torque Conv St

Idle in Drive Torque Conv St

Idle in Park

Left BankLeft Bank Right Bank 

Idle in Park Torque Conv St

Left Bank 

Right Bank Left Bank

Idle in Drive

Right 

Right Bank Left Bank Right Bank Right 

Left Bank 
A-4

2007 Honda Accord Oil Consumption

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 70,000 80,000 90,000 100,000

Test Miles

Total Oil Consumption (lbs.) 

ORHA0 ORHA10 ORHA15 ORHA20

Chevrolet Silverado Oil Consumption

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 70,000 80,000 90,000 100,000

Test Miles

Total Oil Consumption (lbs.)

ORCS0 ORCS10 ORCS15 ORCS20
 A- 5 Honda Accord Compression and Leak Down Checks Vehicle Number Date Odometer Cylinder 1 Cylinder 2 Cylinder 3 Cylinder 4 Cylinder 5 Cylinder 6 Cylinder 7 Cylinder 8 Cylinder 1 Cylinder 2 Cylinder 3 Cylinder 4 Cyl

After Zero Mile Emissions ORHA0 1/20/2009 32026 200 205 201 201 4% 4% 4% 4% After Zero Mile Emissions ORHA10B 4/29/2009 32505 180 182 180 180 5% 6% 6% 6% After Zero Mile Emissions ORHA15 2/16/2009 31777 205 205 205 200 4% 6% 4% 4% After Zero Mile Emissions ORHA20 2/6/2009 34842 180 185 180 180 4% 2% 4% 2% After 50K Mile Emissions ORHA0 4/29/2009 81802 183 180 180 183 4% 5% 5% 5% After 50K Mile Emissions ORHA10B After 50K Mile Emissions ORHA15 After 50K Mile Emissions ORHA20 4/29/2009 84626 175 175 175 175 5% 8% 8% 8% After Zero Mile Emissions ORHA10 2/10/2009 25213 200 210 205 205 6% 6% 7% 6% Chevrolet Silverado Compression and Leak Down Checks Vehicle Number Date Odometer Cylinder 1 Cylinder 2 Cylinder 3 Cylinder 4 Cylinder 5 Cylinder 6 Cylinder 7 Cylinder 8 Cylinder 1 Cylinder 2 Cylinder 3 Cylinder 4 Cyl

After Zero Mile Emissions ORCS0 2/25/2009 27819 190 180 195 185 185 195 190 195 5% 4% 4% 5% After Zero Mile Emissions ORCS10 2/26/2009 14635 185 190 190 185 195 185 195 190 5% 6% 7% 6% After Zero Mile Emissions ORCS15 2/23/2009 17396 200 205 197 202 200 205 195 200 6% 5% 6% 6% After Zero Mile Emissions ORCS20 2/25/2009 17348 190 188 190 185 190 195 190 190 5% 5% 5% 5% 

Compression (PSI) Leak Down Compression (PSI) Leak Down 
APPENDIX B 

ANALYTICAL EVALUATIONS OF TEST FUELS 
B-1

E0 E10 E15 E20

GA/GB Code GA-7014 GB-7067 GB-7068 GB-7075

Tank 193/ Drums Tank 192 Tank 191 Tank 193

PPRD 78907 PPRD 79442 PPRD 79441 PPRD 79469

SwRI SwRI SwRI SwRI

TEST METHOD UNITS FED Specs

MIN MAX

Distillation - IBP ASTM D86 °F 75 95 93

5% °F 112

10% °F 120 135 125

20% °F 149

30% °F 174

40% °F 202

50% °F 200 230 221

60% °F 233

70% °F 244

80% °F 265

90% °F 305 325 318

95% °F 333

Distillation - EP °F 415 387

Recovery vol % 98.1

Residue vol % 0.8

Loss vol % 1.1

Gravity ASTM D4052 °API 58.7 61.2 59.1 57.6 57.0 56.70

Density ASTM D4052 kg/l 0.7424 0.7483 0.7505 0.7519

Density @ 15C ASTM D4052 grams/L 742.1 748.0 750.2 751.6

Reid Vapor Pressure ASTM D5191 psi 8.7 9.2 8.97

Oxygen ASTM D4815 wt % < 0.2

Sulfur ASTM D5453 wt% 0.0015 0.0080 0.0003

Phosphorus ASTM D3231 mg/l 0.210

Lead ASTM D3237 g/gal 0.05 <0.001

Composition, aromatics ASTM D1319 vol % 35.0 29.6

Composition, olefins ASTM D1319 vol % 10.0 0.8

Composition, saturates ASTM D1319 vol % 69.6

Oxidation Stability ASTM D525 minutes No Break

Research Octane Number ASTM D2699 93.0 97.8

Motor Octane Number ASTM D2700 88.8

Sensitivity 7.5 9.0

EtOH Vol% <0.1 10.02% 15.22% 20.04%

Total Oxygen Weight WT% <0.1 3.69% 5.59% 73.40%

SwRI Fuel Code

Analysis Location

Oak Ridge Ford Taurus and Chrysler or Dodge Minivan Emissions Fuels

Test Fuel Code

Sample Source
B-2

RE0 RE0

GA/GB Code GA-6947 GA-6947

Analytical Date 4/22/2009 4/23/2009

Tanker 6 Tanker 7

PPRD 79468 PPRD 79518

SwRI SwRI

TEST METHOD UNITS

Existent Gums, mg/ 100 mL ASTM D381 mg/100ml

Unwashed WT First Run mg/100ml 35.0 32.0

Washed WT First Run mg/100ml 0.5 <0.5

Unwashed WT Second Run mg/100ml

Washed WT Second Run mg/100ml

Distillation - IBP ASTM D86 °F 97 95

5% °F 121 122

10% °F 133 133

20% °F 150 150

30% °F 168 169

40% °F 193 193

50% °F 220 221

60% °F 250 250

70% °F 280 281

80% °F 312 313

90% °F 346 345

95% °F 368 367

Distillation - EP °F 410 416

Recovery vol % 98 98.2

Residue vol % 0.8 0.6

Loss vol % 1.2 1.2

DIPE ASTM D5599 Vol% <0.1 <0.1

ETBE Vol% <0.1 <0.1

EtOH Vol% <0.1 <0.1

iBA Vol% <0.1 <0.1

iPA Vol% <0.1 <0.1

MeOH Vol% <0.1 <0.1

MTBE Vol% <0.1 <0.1

nBA Vol% <0.1 <0.1

nPA Vol% <0.1 <0.1

sBA Vol% <0.1 <0.1

TAME Vol% <0.1 <0.1

tBA Vol% <0.1 <0.1

tPA Vol% <0.1 <0.1

Total Oxygen Weight WT% <0.1 <0.1

Gravity ASTM D4052 °API 57.3 57.2

Density ASTM D4052 kg/l 0.7494 0.7500

Density @ 15C ASTM D4052 grams/L 749.1 749.7

Sulfur ASTM D5453 ppm 52.3 62.2

SwRI Fuel Code

Analysis Location

Oak Ridge Mileage Accumulation Fuels

Test Fuel Code

Vehicle Fuel Codes

Sample Source