9 replies to this topic

[msisleman]

Hi,

I have a nice little 1996 1.3SPI Mayfair which has run PERFECTLY for the last 11 months. I've used it almost every day and I've done around 10000 miles in it in that time, running up and down the motorway at 85 without it missing a beat.

I took it for its first MOT since I've owned it and a few bits needed doing (ball joints, rear radius arm bearings, small bit of welding to sill/floorpan etc). These bits are done now, but it also failed on emissions.

Here are the details:
It failed on CO at 0.62% (0.30% allowed limit) on the FAST IDLE test.
They retested it on FAST IDLE and the CO levels came out at 1.55%!!

It passed all the other HC and Lambda tests on fast and natural idle.

So the CO levels are high. I am on a budget so need to find the problem and replace the appropriate parts myself.

Do I replace the Lambda sensor? Cat?

Someone please point me in the right direction as i've got 12 days till my MOT retest.

Thanks in advance,

Craig.

[The Matt]

Generally if the CO is high and nothing else fails it points to mixture, or maybe caused by a slight misfire. It could be the lamda sensor, but generally you would have a low HC (too low) accompanying that high Carbon Monoxide reading.

But if it was running very rich, it'd have high Oxygen and high Hydrocarbons too!

Hmmm, may be the lambda sensor, or a likkle carb (spi unit) or even a slight misfire problem but I'd wait til someone really 'in the know' answers.

I am fairly certain it isn't the cat, if it was you'd have high Lambda and Oxygen readings!

hmmmm, that's confusing. I may as well have written that I don't know!

[Sprocket]

Its not complete yet by any means but will get you started http://www.theminifo...showtopic=20533

[The Matt]

Told ya someone who knew more would post!!!!

[Sprocket]

msisleman where abouts do you live, if you are close I could do the diagnostic for you??

[msisleman]

msisleman where abouts do you live, if you are close I could do the diagnostic for you??

Very kind of you to offer that mate, I am in Huddersfield but don't mind travelling a bit (am used to travelling distances in the mini). Where abouts are you?

Craig.

[Sprocket]

Ooh, Huddersfield. thats not too bad. Could meet up at Birch services on the 62??? need to arange it. Nothing planned Saturday. I wont be in the mini though

[Sprocket]

Are you any further on with this

[msisleman]

Are you any further on with this

Hi Colin,

Just about to email you. Took me 3.5h to fit the new Lambda sensor today, I found it a nightmare. Ended up having to take inlet and exhaust manifolds off completely. Cleaned K&N with the kit and gonna fit the new fuel filter on sun. Booking in the car for mon or tue for mot retest so all going well should pass. If not then onto plan B. Not sure what Plan B is yet but we'll see!

Again, thanks for meeting on Sunday! If all else fails I might have to come down to Runcorn and sit on your doorstep for more help!!

Craig.

[Grayedout]

It's probably be mentioned somewhere already but make sure the car is properly warmed up when you get to the MOT station. Take it for a good thrash first.