§ 86.138-96 Hot soak test.

(a)

(1) Gasoline- and methanol-fueled vehicles. For gasoline- and methanol-fueled vehicles, the hot soak test shall be conducted immediately following the running loss test. However, sampling of emissions from the running loss test is not required as preparation for the hot soak test.

(2) Gaseous-fueled vehicles. Since gaseous-fueled vehicles are not required to perform a running loss test, the hot soak test shall be conducted within seven minutes after completion of the hot start exhaust test.

(b) The hot soak test may be conducted in the running loss enclosure as a continuation of that test or in a separate enclosure.

(1) If the hot soak test is conducted in the running loss enclosure, the driver may exit the enclosure after the running loss test. If exiting, the driver should use the personnel door described in § 86.107–96(a)(2), exiting as quickly as possible with a minimum disturbance to the system. The final hydrocarbon and methanol concentration for the running loss test, measured in § 86.134–96(g)(1)(xx), shall be the initial hydrocarbon and methanol concentration (time = 0 minutes) C_HCi and C_CH3_OHi, for the hot soak test.

(2) If the vehicle must be moved to a different enclosure, the following steps must be taken:

(i) The enclosure for the hot soak test shall be purged for several minutes prior to completion of the running loss test. WARNING: If at any time the concentration of hydrocarbons, of methanol, or of methanol and hydrocarbons exceeds 15,000 ppm C the enclosure should be immediately purged. This concentration provides at least a 4:1 safety factor against the lean flammability limit.