Ford Recalls 500,000 Cars for EPA Work

Ford Motor Co. will recall nearly 500,000 passenger cars manufactured in 1985 and 1986 that do not meet federal emission standards, the Environmental Protection Agency said today.

The affected vehicles have 1.9-liter engines and include the 1985 Ford Escort and Mercury Lynx and the 1986 Escort, Lynx and Ford EXP, the EPA said. It said California cars are not included in the recall.

Excessive emissions of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide were discovered during tests of 1985 models, EPA said in a statement. Ford subsequently agreed to recall the vehicles.

Repairs will involve changing the choke system, distributor spark advance and the air-injection system, a pollution-control system that helps the catalytic converter control hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. Dealers also will install more durable crankcase ventilation valves, the agency said.