7 replies to this topic

[AndyPhill]

Hi,

 

I have a 1997 Rover Mini which used to be MPI but was converted to carb (HIF44) by a previous owner. It came with a Catalytic converter attached.

It passed emissions tests usually with some tweaking by the tester.

 

It went to a Mini garage 2 years ago for a rear subframe change and some other small jobs including a rolling road and MOT. They told me the Cat was glowing red hot while on the rolling road and removed it from the car.

 

They then put it through an MOT which passed. 

 

What I am trying to find out is if the Cat should have been removed and will I have emission problems taking it to other MOT garages. I have checked the serial number on the engine but it does not seem to match any A-series numbers (that I can tell)

 

The Stamped Number is P&L 12932660503DW

 

The engine number on my V5 is 12A2LK70353568 which works out as a A+ 1275cc 

 

Feels like I own a frankenstein of a mini so just trying to clear up what the actual engine is that I have and if it needs a Cat for MOT..

 

Thanks for any help

 

Andy

 

 

 

[nicklouse]

Looks like you have an engine from P&L Minis fitted.

 

your emissions test is done on the age of the engine.  
 

without the injection system and cat fitted your car would not pass the test required for your car. But as it has an older engine fitted in needs to pass the test for the engine. “Most” carb engined cars did not come with a cat.

 

time to talk to P&L Minis, if they are still about, or check all the paperwork that came with the car.

[imack]

The emissions will be tested initially by the vehicles registration date. If it fails that test it will be tested following instructions from the emissions standards book which uses information taken from the vehicles vin plate.
If the car has an engine fitted from an older vehicle it will be tested to the emissions standards for that engine but it's up to the vehicle presenter to provide the vehicle tester with proof of the age of the engine fitted. Also removing a cat from a car that was originally fitted with a cat is a potential issue.
Reading the OP's post it reads to me that they probably have an MPI engine with the injection system removed and carburettor fitted to it.

[cal844]

Some 1990 onwards minis had a carb and cat fitted, legally these cars don't need a cat for MOT (due to previous models having no cat fitted).

Your engine has been rebuilt by P&L Minis, so therefore it is impossible to know what year engine you have.

The rules for mot is that if an older engine is fitted (person presenting the car must prove the engine is older than the car) then the emissions are tested as the older engine.

If however we have an MPI engine with carb fitted then that will be an issue as the engine is the same era as the car so the car will fail on emissions

Edited by cal844, 17 June 2022 - 08:53 AM.

[coopertaz]

need engine number before conversion from p&l if this was a new engine from say minispares etc. then you'll be unable to get any info to give to tester so will need testing on vehicle age. we have similar issue with 92car but fitted mg engine so have guessworks details on that number to give tester. best bet to go to where test was done before, we've found some testers won't even test on engine age with proof.

[AndyPhill]

Have contacted P&L minis and waiting for reply. I have taken a pic of the engine if anyone can see mpi parts on it. Thanks for the help

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[imack]

Well it's not an MPI engine.

[AndyPhill]

Well it's not an MPI engine.

O.k that's more in my favour I guess.
I had a reply from P&L "Our Engine were built from 2nd hand 1275cc some had no engine numbers on. All were built 10 years + ago" so I'll take it to the last garage that did the de catting for future MOT's. Thanks again