NAVFAC P-300 Management of Transportation Equipment

Finally, the vehicle must roll freely on the road. The following maintenance actions
must be taken to ensure the total vehicle is maintained to achieve the top fuel efficiency
for which it was designed.
a. Emission Inspection and Maintenance
(1) Under the Clean Air Act, as amended, the DoD is required to comply
with state and local programs to improve air quality. All DoD components shall conform
with the state and local standards to monitor and analyze emissions from commercial
vehicles and shall utilize state and local guidelines in conducting such analysis.
(2) Section 203 of the Clean Air Act also prohibits DoD personnel or
contractors from removing or rendering inoperative any emission control device or
element of design on automotive vehicles operated within the United States. The civil
penalty for violation of this provision is $2,500 per vehicle. Violations of the unleaded
fuels regulations can result in penalties of up to $10,000 per violation. When
performing corrective adjustments and repair actions or tune-ups, engine settings shall
not be accomplished outside of the manufacturer's recommended specifications, nor
shall pollution control related equipment, such as the catalytic converter, exhaust gas
recirculation valve, or heated air intake system, be removed or rendered inoperative.
b. Engine. Tune the engine as required by the manufacturer's recommended
specifications using modern diagnostic and test equipment. Especially check to ensure
that the following systems and components are functioning correctly.
(1) Ignition timing
(2) Emission control system
(3) Automatic choke is fully released when engine is warm
(4) Exhaust system is unrestricted
(5) Air cleaner is unrestricted
(6) Thermostat is closing/opening at specified coolant temperatures
c. Power Train Chassis, Wheels/Tires. Abnormal power train and chassis
friction and other rolling resistance requires excessive fuel consumption which can be
eliminated or reduced by the following actions:
(1) Adjust service and parking brakes to ensure there is no drag;
(2) Adjust wheel bearings to proper torque rating;
(3) Check wheel alignment to ensure proper camber, castor, and toe-in;
(4) Inspect springs and hangers to ensure vehicle is tracking correctly;
(5) Inspect motor and transmission mounts and drive shaft to ensure
drive train is not distorted;
(6) Lubricate chassis at frequencies recommended by manufacturer;
(7) Maintain tire manufacturer’s rated air pressure. This will reduce
rolling resistance and prolong tire life. Under-inflated tires are also a safety hazard.
4-1-37