7 replies to this topic

[Geofff]

Just purchased a 1993 Sprite 1275cc with a HIF38 carb. The exhaust cat has been removed before we purchased the car. The engine has what I think is an open loop catalytic converter system. This is my interpretation of the Haynes manual supplementary section. Can this system be removed and the connection points to the carb and engine blocked?

In addition it is fitted with Thermostatic vacuum pipes and valve in the thermostat housing but this fitting is broken. Can it be removed altogether without any detrimental effect on the engine. 

many thanks

[cal844]

Just purchased a 1993 Sprite 1275cc with a HIF38 carb. The exhaust cat has been removed before we purchased the car. The engine has what I think is an open loop catalytic converter system. This is my interpretation of the Haynes manual supplementary section. Can this system be removed and the connection points to the carb and engine blocked?
In addition it is fitted with Thermostatic vacuum pipes and valve in the thermostat housing but this fitting is broken. Can it be removed altogether without any detrimental effect on the engine.
many thanks

Yes ypu can remove both. I'd say to keep the CAT though as (in the UK anyway) it is an MOT fail for the CAT to be missing.

The thermostat housing can be changed with short studs and remove the vacuum thing. Does the car have the charcoal cannister in the inner wing?

[sonscar]

The cat is slightly more complex,if it is a genuine carb car and is on the MOT list of exempt cars I believe it is possible to remove it.If it is not on this list it is correct:no cat equals fail,Steve..

[cal844]

The cat is slightly more complex,if it is a genuine carb car and is on the MOT list of exempt cars I believe it is possible to remove it.If it is not on this list it is correct:no cat equals fail,Steve..

It depends on the tester. To be fair the mini is a grey area car, the argument can be made on the late carb cars that earlier carb engines weren't fitted with cats...

[sonscar]

Should not depend on the tester,Mini carb fitted and no cat refer to MOT list of exempt vehicles and if it is on there it is ok.Lots of 92 93 94 cars fell into this category as the manufacturors negotiated the exemption based on they had not sold all the cars which had no cats.The drop down MOT menu should point to this.

Of course if it was an injection car all bets are off;ie no cat  fail.Steve..

[cal844]

Should not depend on the tester,Mini carb fitted and no cat refer to MOT list of exempt vehicles and if it is on there it is ok.Lots of 92 93 94 cars fell into this category as the manufacturors negotiated the exemption based on they had not sold all the cars which had no cats.The drop down MOT menu should point to this.
Of course if it was an injection car all bets are off;ie no cat fail.Steve..

I agree but it's upto tester discretion

[sonscar]

Not if they are following the correct testing process.Steve..

[Geofff]

Now that is very helpful.. Thanks to all for the reply. I think the plan will be to remove the open loop Cat system on the engine and the box under the left front wing and think about removing the exhaust Cat. The problem will be with a grandson who wants a more open exhaust. I will show him all the comments and we can make a decision on the exhaust Cat nearer to the time we go for an MOT.

 

Just a bit more advise on the same subject would be very helpful. When we remove all the pipes and hoses we will be left with the two steel cans fixed to the engine and the open ports to the Carb. I suppose we just leave the cans in place ugly but not much choice as they seem part of the engine covers. As for the carbs just blanking plugs I suppose?

 

Many thanks