Running rich and OMG emissions MoT bollocks

[Partridge]

OK, my 820's MoT is up at the start of Feb and I can't see it passing, not first time anyway.

Biggest worry is the emissions. The car smells like it's running rich so I can't see it passing. Does anyone know if this is likely to be an expensive fix, or is it something that can be painlessly tackled on the driveway?

 

If it's expensibles to MoT I can see myself scrapping it as I never seem to have much luck selling cars! I don't want to start to pulling it apart because I don't have the room, or the time. So anything is worth a try if I'm considering binning it...

 

Pointless, but up-to-date picture for picture tax paying purposes.

 

 

[ruffgeezer]

Well I'm sure if you offered it about on here, it'd find a new home.

[forddeliveryboy]

If it is running rich it could be something as simple as a ten quid temperature sensor.

[Partridge]

It's possible. I'd offer it out first but sadly I won't be able to hang on to it once it's out of test like I've been able to do in the past. We'll see what the MoT man says. If it gets through without bankrupting me, it will live to fight (or waft) another day.

[Partridge]

If it is running rich it could be something as simple as a ten quid temperature sensor.

I've no idea what would cause it run rich. I know that an engine is a place where explosions happen and that's about it. I'll look into the sensor, cheers

[Mr_Bo11ox]

does it run ok and is the fuel consumption horrendous? I think probably the worst that could realistically be is a buggered lambada sensor. More likely a coolant temp sensor.

[scaryoldcortina]

What does it actually smell like?

 

I'm asking because the last 3 cars I looked at for "rich mixture" turned out to be "burst fuel line".

[Partridge]

does it run ok and is the fuel consumption horrendous? I think probably the worst that could realistically be is a buggered lambada sensor. More likely a coolant temp sensor.

It runs really well and fuel economy is quite good. I take it you've worked on both of those on T-Series, Bollington given your Rover track record?

 

Scaryoldcortina, I know this sounds weird but it smells a little like almonds!

[HH-R]

You might have to get it on a T4 or Testbook if there's no fuel leak. do these have an engine management light? My Metro didn't, but still could be hooked up to read codes.

[Partridge]

No yellow light of doom (yet).

[Lord Sterling]

I'd go with the temp sensor to be honest. Had the same thing on my KV6, one new (or probably second hand knowing Steve) and no more running rich problems.

[Partridge]

Cheers, Mo! I'll get one in the post tomorrow and see what happens...

[HH-R]

I'd imagine if the CTS was buggered then it would be a nightmare to start? I suppose it depends if it fails reading high or low...

[Partridge]

It's always started first time. It does seem to under-read slightly. In a traffic jam in August, in a heatwave it thought it was just under the halfway mark. Yeah, right. That or the coolant isn't circulating properly...

[HH-R]

I think most Rover temp gauges read around the 1/3rd mark when they're up to temp, though I'm not sure about the 800. The 75 is an exception and will read half way. Deffo 25/45 and maybe Metro and 400? My memory's failing me.

[HH-R]

Could possibly be a stuck open thermostat or a failing cat. IIRC coolant temp sensors are cheap so not a bad starting point. They are known to fail.

[Noel Tidybeard]

maybe what you're smelling is just normal 90's emmisions- they do smell different to moderns

[twosmoke300]

That's right , any older car seems to stink of unburnt fuel compared to modern stuff . Would your garage do an emissions test for you if you gave them a drink ?

[sloth]

when did it last have plugs?

[Dave_Q]

"It smells rich" isn't a mega scientific assessment and I'd probably get it actually tested before spending anything.

 

Get it in for MOT the maximum 28 days before and see what's what then.

[mercrocker]

If you scrap this, the Autoshite hit squad will rock up outside your gaff in a rusty 240K with new old stock Woolworths 18 denier stockings on their heads and attempt to shoot you with two wonky Webleys nicked off a fairground stall. Do what Dink suggests and get it tested early which will give you nearly a month to organise a raffle (19 and 42 please). Its probably the cheapest way of seeing if it will pass!

[dollywobbler]

I seriously wouldn't bother ordering up anything until you know. Is there anywhere that would give you an emissions reading before the test? Almonds doesn't sound like rich to me and don't forget, it'll always smell rich until it has warmed up. 

[Asimo]

Take it to the mot via fifty fast motorway miles, it'll be fine.

[sierraman]

If you whip the plugs out first, that will tell you a lot. The CTS shouldn't fail as such moreover go out of spec, though you may or may not get cold starting problems as a result. I'd be inclined to give it a pasting once it's warmed up see if that improves the emissions on the test.

[Bren]

Take air filter out.

 

Sorted.

[Partridge]

Thanks for all the help chaps, this place is what it used to be   It last had plugs in march, but I ought to whip them out really and have a look. I did give it a damn good thrashing down the M27 the other night which didn't do much. I suppose sitting at a constant speed isn't much of an Italian tune up is it?

 

I will sort some obvious failure points and book it in for a test.

 

In terms of giving the tester a drink, I'm not sure my trusted garage would accept that as they are too straight for their own good. I think they're run by Jesus.

[meggersdog]

Can you lend it to the captain next time he's this way and I'll stick it on the emissions machine on live readings.That'll give you the answer if it's rich or not.

[Barry Cade]

Worth a read..

 

http://rover.odin-haller.de/files/rover-t-mem.pdf

[EssDeeWon]

Its a 20 year old Rover, it wont be much to fix it. Probably a £30 sensor.

 

If it was some 3 or 4 year old modern POS then it would probably be a re-mortgage to fix cos it needs main dealer innit.

[taxi paul]

If it's a manual. No's 54 ,34 and maybe some others please. Like the knowledgeable say. Chuck it in early and see. My garage will do a non mot ,same checks no certificate for the same price has a mot. You could then get a list to help you decide raffle price, worth fixing.