Banks Power Cummins Motorhomes: (Diesel ’93 - 98 B5.9L & C8.3L) PowerPack & Stinger systems w_Twin Ram Manifold 5.9L, 190-210-230-hp rated - Manual (Page 18)

IMPORTANT EMISSIONS INFORMATION
DIESEL SMOkE OPACITY TESTING
several states are now imposing roadside
inspections that test diesel vehicles for smoke
opacity (density) and issue citations for excessively
smokey vehicles. The predominate standard
is a 40% maximum opacity limit, with vehicles
exceeding this level either being fined or issued
“fix-it” tickets. a 40% opacity level means that
40% of the light visible through the smoke as seen
against a white background is blocked by the
smoke. Thus a clear exhaust stream represents
0% opacity, while jet-black smoke represents
100% opacity.
The opacity test is conducted with one person
depressing the accelerator pedal to the floor as
quickly as possible with the engine out of gear
while another person observes the opacity of
the smoke. The engine is held at full throttle
for approximately two seconds, then released.
This is done 5-6 times, with the first 2-3 times
being considered invalid, as built up carbon
being blown out with the exhaust may show
darker smoke. The initial burst of smoke from
the next several accelerations is simultaneously
compared with a tinted plastic sample while
viewed against a white background under
daylight conditions. This is referred to as a
“snap idle” or “snap throttle” test and is often
conducted at roadside inspection sites or
truck weigh stations using a calibrated opacity
meter placed over the smoke stream. although
comparison testing with the plastic sample
will not give an actual opacity reading, and
it can be interpreted differently because of
light conditions and other variables, it will give
you an approximate indication of whether the
vehicle’s smoke opacity is below the 40% level.
Included with this Banks Stinger system is
a 4-inch square of acrylic plastic tinted to
approximate a 40% opacity. By using this
plastic in the following procedure, the
vehicle’s smoke opaciy can be compared to
the 40% test level.
start the vehicle and allow the engine to
warm up. You may want to drive the vehicle
for 5-10 minutes to speed up the process. park
the vehicle outside so the tailpipe is not in shadow
and the exhaust smoke can be viewed against a
white background that is not in shadow. if a white
background is not available, place a piece of white
cardboard, at least one-foot square, so theexhaust
smoke can be viewed in front of it.
With the vehicle running, set the
transmission in park or neutral, and apply
the parking brake. have another person depress
the accelerator pedal to the floor as quickly as
possible and hold it there for 2-3 seconds, then
releae it. repeat this procedure two more times.
hold up the tinted plastic at arms length so
it is directly above the path of the exhaust
smoke, so both the smoke and the plastic can
be viewed simultaneously against the white
background while accelerating the vehicle. have
your helper repeat 2-3 more acceleration bursts
while you observe the smoke and plastic sample.
compare the tint of the initial puff of smoke during
acceleration with the sample, after the initial puff
the smoke will most likely be lighter. The darkest
part of the acceleration burst is the level measured
in the test. it may take several acceleration bursts
for you to make a deermination of the vehicle’s
opacity level.
if the smoke appears lighter than the
sample, the opacity is less than 40%. if the
smoke appears darker, the cam plate in the fuel
injection pump may have been mispositioned
during installation or the cam plate cover may
have been reinstalled slightly out of position.
please refer to the OttoMind installation section
of these instructions to verify that both the banks
OttoMind calibration cam and the cam plate cover
are in the correct position. This test assumes that
the injection pump and fuel injection system are
adjusted properly and in good working order, as
other factors may affect the opacity level.
Note: In no case should this test be considered
as meeting any legal requirement where an
actual opacity percentage number is required. It
is a “ball-park” approximation to give the tuner a
relative idea of where the vehicle’s opacity level
stands.
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