Hello all,
Am really struggling to get my Espace through the emissions test:
First test results:
Fast idle
CO - 0.63 Fail
HC - 38 Pass
Lambda - 1.02 Pass
Normal Idle
CO 0.71
Ok so I change the oil, oil filter, air filter, spark plugs (cyl 1 plug slightly oily), O2 sensor (this was looking mangled from removal attempt by previous owner) + a dose of Wynns injector cleaner.
Second test:
Fast idle
CO - 0.58 Fail
HC - 32 pass
Lambda - 1.01 pass
The tester was very helpful and didn't log into VOSA pc for MOT retest, just did the gas test to preserve my free retest for next week. Tried it without air filter to try to make it run leaner, but no good. No leaks from exhaust.
Car was nice and hot before both tests. Tax has run out today, so I SORN'd the car and is on mates drive to try and repair it.
I'm wondering whether to change the CAT? I think its the orignial cat, so probably knackered. Any thoughts?
Also does anyone know the emissions limits for this car? Tester put it through as a passenger car and gave it a CO limit of 0.2 - is this right? As it's a 7 seater, is it not in a different category with less strict limits?
Any advice appreciated before I start throwing more money at it.
maceman
Edited by Dynamic Dave on 31/10/2008 at 12:22
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The figures for a J7R are 0.5CO natural and 0.3CO fast idle.
Your figures fall within the dead cat window - check it's function with a laser thermometer - the pipe should be 50 o hotter coming out than going in.
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Thanks Screwloose!
That's exactly what I needed to know. I'm actually hoping it is a dead cat so I can get on with changing it.
Any alternative to a laser thermometer?
Thanks again,
Maceman
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You're hoping it's the cat? [You haven't seen the price yet...?]
No alternative to a laser - they're cheap enough, someone will have one. [A contact probe would do at a pinch - but you don't see many of them around.]
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I suppose I mean "I thought it was the cat" - good to have it confirmed and know I'm on the right track.
I'll fit a 'cheap' replacement cat if its faulty. I expect it won't last too long, but desperately need to get it through the mot and back in use.
Also discovered it had a coolant leak since last MOT, if silicone has got into the cat I'm assuming that would have destoyed it?
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If the water is leaking into the combustion chambers; then that may well have harmed the cat.
Temp check first though.
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Thanks, will let you know how I get on.
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Screwloose,
Thanks for your advice. . . .
No measurable difference in temperature either side of the cat, so decided to change it.
When I removed the old one and looked inside, there was nothing in there! No monolith at all, just an empty pipe!!
Have fitted the new one, but having problems sealing it at the front end (spring loaded ball joint) Have used Holts Firegum on back joint, but was hesitant to use it at the pre cat end in case it poisons the cat?
Have just read that Firegum contains no silicone, so hopefully it should be ok?
Fingers crossed it should go through the gas test now.
Maceman
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Firegum after the cat is Ok, but NO sealer before the cat of any description.
No sealer will be of any help in anycase on a flexi joint as it will jst get pushed out as the joint flexes. Sealing on flexable joints of non original cats is often a problem. As the saying goes you pays your money.......
Does your flexi joint seal on a mesh gasket? Or directly onto the end of the down pipe?
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Laser thermometers are sold by Maplin amongst other firms(£20-50) but make sure you get one with the range to check cat. temps.The cheapest don't have the high temperature range needed.
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They're not laser thermometers but infra-red tho' some use a laser as an aiming device.
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Thanks Tony@tooting
Yes it has a mesh gasket. I tightened it up this morning and ran it for 20 mins and it seemed to seal itself. A bit more paste on the joint after the cat and it sailed through the emissions:
Fast idle
CO - 0.005 (limit 0.2)
HC - 14 (limit 200
Lambda - 1.021 (Limit 0.97 - 1.030)
Thanks to everyone for the great advice. 12 months ticket has put a smile back on my face. (and I've saved myself a packet in labour charges!)
maceman
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