A recent question from an owner/operator of an EMD 567 engine provided the basis for this posting. Unfortunately questions regarding exhaust emissions data for an EMD 567 series diesel engine are likely to be only answerable by actual testing. Concern with emissions testing developed right around the end of production of the 567 engines, there is very little testing data available for the 567 series.

During their many years in service, the 567 engine family has been subjected to a number of changes in engine components and configurations. These include (in part) the “BC” modification which was applied to 567A, B, U and V engines, the use of “C” reciprocating parts with “B” liners and heads in some engines, and the installation of needle valve fuel injectors in place of older spherical valve injectors. These updates, randomly applied, result in a situation where any particular engine tested for emissions may not be representative of a very large segment of 567 engine population. The updates might not have much effect on emissions, but they definitely affect the certification of the engine configuration. Due to the complexity, anyone needing information should contact the engine builder.

EMD / Progress Rail contact information is:

Service Manager
Electro-Motive Diesel / Progress Rail Corporation
9301 West 55th Street, La Grange, IL 60525

(Current as of 12/20)

If the builder cannot assist you, then you may need to contract with a competent exhaust emissions testing company to do a test in the field. In that case have your checkbook ready to pay (a lot) for the services.

PC

“For all things in this life that you want you shall pay plenty and for the wisdom of experience no less”. (EMD Training Handout, 1945)

Just out of curiosity, what would be the type of operation that runs a 567 and has emissions concerns? Or is it more of a location issue? Excuse the ignorance as where I am at this is a non issue. I am only curious because the potential is there, down the road, for this to effect everybody.

I suspect it is fleet total emissions that are the main concern and that the equipment with the 567 engine is just one contributor to the total. Location is indeed a factor. These questions come in about twice a year, and so far they have been from railroad operators, marine operators, industrial owners, and a several very large government installations. I send them all to EMD. Emissions questions should all go directly to the original manufacturer.

PC

This almost ought to be simple. Weld or tap bungs into the exhaust manifold corresponding to a reasonable point on the exhaust manifold for each power assembly, suitable to take a vehicle-emissions gas analyzer probe. Put plugs in all the bungs and sequentially test them one by one (with the engine at various points in the duty cycle, for the times specified in EPA testing, etc. etc. etc.) While each cylinder is slightly more displacement than a large '70s automobile engine, the lower rpm surely keeps the gas mass right in the range of such analyzing equipment. Close off the bungs with little threaded plugs when not actively testing. If the gas should be too hot for the probe, install a short length of tubing with a 'scoop' at the end facing the gas flow, and probe the distal end of that. This is not instrumented-wheelset rocket science.

I wouldn't expect Progress to be particularly excited about providing information, let alone support for engines they never manufactured, and for which aftermarket parts have almost been the norm for over 30 years. I'd almost be willing to bet there are people in the 'aftermarket' and service industry who know more about these engines in current service than anyone who currently works for the Progress EMD outfit. That doesn't mean not to ask them first ... just don't sit watching your e-mail in-box for a detailed 'cookbook' reply.

I suspect that nowadays EMD sends the folks asking for information out to an organization that does emissions testing.

PC

More likely -- knowing Caterpillar -- they will say "oh, we can't recommend any one name to you; go see who does emission testing in your area..."

I had another question come in about this topic in the last week. Friends who still work for the (former) EMD tell me that there were a very few tests done on 567 engines over the years, mainly on units still at military installations and defense contractors, but those engines were generally in configurations not applicable to railroad equipment. Since there are significant penalties for furnishing inaccurate emissions information, nobody is likely to "adapt" data taken on an installation that is not applicable to the service being studied. Hiring a testing outfit to do an on-site test is still the best course of action.

PC