Mots. The real Macoy

One Spanner Frank

Zorg Addict
Supporter
British Zeds
Joined
Aug 4, 2015
Points
61
Location
Carlton, Nottingham
Model of Z
2.8 auto
I added a couple of comments to someone else's MoT thread, saying that there were different numbers for different vehicles. Someone disagreed with me on this, so I did some research and this is what I found.

It isn't a level playing field. Different vehicles have to conform with different outputs. Emission figures which result in a pass with flying colours for one vehicle, can result in total failure for another. Even the BMW Z3 2.8l has two different standards, depending on which 2.8l engine is fitted. 28 65 1 or 28 65 2. They are different.

What you must do before submitting your vehicle for the MoT emissions test, is to ensure that there is sufficient fuel for the test to be carried out and that the coolant water and engine oil levels are correct. You should then ensure that the engine is up to temperature, by driving the vehicle 5 miles to the MoT station.
The tester must ensure that this has been done prior to carrying out the test. He must also ensure that the oil temperature is at the correct temperature. This varies from vehicle model to vehicle model. A temperature probe is inserted into the dipstick tube.

On one site, a vehicle failed the lambda test. This is not a measured test, but a calculated one using other results found during the test. It was suggested that there was too much oxygen in the system and this could mean a hole in the exhaust. This was found to be true. The rusted system had a hole in the back box big enough to insert two fingers, a split seam and a hole in the pipe. The vehicle didn't fail on a holed exhaust. It failed on the lambda test. Very strange.

If you have an hour or so to spare, Google 'Mot Emissions' and go onto the .gov site. There is a 200 odd page document on the emissions test and a database of all vehicles and their varying emission level requirements.
 
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All very true Frank, but the main reason vehicles fail is because the correct standard for each isn't applied. You're preaching to the converted here. Try complaining to VOSA or the DVSA or whatever they're called today. It's time people did!!

Tony.
 
Used to be an MOT tester before I took up playing with horses for a living and, while I realise that people looking at this forum are enthusiastic enough to keep an eye on the state of their cars, the vast majority of car owners haven't got a clue about maintenance and would quite happily keep driving till the car grinds to a halt. Or falls to bits. The tales I could tell etc. The MOT test isn't entirely a bad thing, if somewhat inconsistent at times.
 
Used to be an MOT tester before I took up playing with horses for a living and, while I realise that people looking at this forum are enthusiastic enough to keep an eye on the state of their cars, the vast majority of car owners haven't got a clue about maintenance and would quite happily keep driving till the car grinds to a halt. Or falls to bits. The tales I could tell etc. The MOT test isn't entirely a bad thing, if somewhat inconsistent at times.
An absolute must to keep death traps off the road.
 
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