repeated mot fail on emissions
Discussion
I'm looking at a car that 3 yrs ago failed like this:
Reason(s) for failure
Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive (7.3.D.4)
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)
Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (7.3.D.3)
it had similar failure 2 years earlier.
is this likely to be a fundamental engine problem or just set up adjustment?
it's a Sigma on TBs with a CAT bypass.
it also has repeated lighting problems, but I *presume* a relatively easy fix on a simple car/loom like a Caterham?
Reason(s) for failure
Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive (7.3.D.4)
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)
Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (7.3.D.3)
it had similar failure 2 years earlier.
is this likely to be a fundamental engine problem or just set up adjustment?
it's a Sigma on TBs with a CAT bypass.
it also has repeated lighting problems, but I *presume* a relatively easy fix on a simple car/loom like a Caterham?
CABC said:
I'm looking at a car that 3 yrs ago failed like this:
Reason(s) for failure
Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive (7.3.D.4)
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)
Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (7.3.D.3)
it had similar failure 2 years earlier.
is this likely to be a fundamental engine problem or just set up adjustment?
it's a Sigma on TBs with a CAT bypass.
it also has repeated lighting problems, but I *presume* a relatively easy fix on a simple car/loom like a Caterham?
When you say looking, does that mean it's a car you're looking to buy? If it is you may be best just walking away and finding one with an MOT already as this one sounds like a money pit.Reason(s) for failure
Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive (7.3.D.4)
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)
Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (7.3.D.3)
it had similar failure 2 years earlier.
is this likely to be a fundamental engine problem or just set up adjustment?
it's a Sigma on TBs with a CAT bypass.
it also has repeated lighting problems, but I *presume* a relatively easy fix on a simple car/loom like a Caterham?
NMNeil said:
When you say looking, does that mean it's a car you're looking to buy? If it is you may be best just walking away and finding one with an MOT already as this one sounds like a money pit.
I rather suspect it does have an MoT as the failure was 3 years ago. Not quite sure how you have concluded that it's a money pitit's a Sigma 150.
looks like a good overall package and not one that's had a hard life.
absence of a cat will be a point of negotiation, though sometimes people still have the cat and fit it for MoT.
I am wondering whether to just get a 140 and upgrade with something like premier power, or whether the Caterham TBs represent good value.
recognising that this is for a few days sunny use and up to 10 track days per year, I'm minded to avoid upgraditis. I've really enjoyed the modding journey before, but I can restrain myself more on this car I think. more than absolute power it's the quality of that power - throttle response, noise...
it also has a wet sump. but I won't be fitting slicks.
looks like a good overall package and not one that's had a hard life.
absence of a cat will be a point of negotiation, though sometimes people still have the cat and fit it for MoT.
I am wondering whether to just get a 140 and upgrade with something like premier power, or whether the Caterham TBs represent good value.
recognising that this is for a few days sunny use and up to 10 track days per year, I'm minded to avoid upgraditis. I've really enjoyed the modding journey before, but I can restrain myself more on this car I think. more than absolute power it's the quality of that power - throttle response, noise...
it also has a wet sump. but I won't be fitting slicks.
BertBert said:
the av8er said:
If you know anyone willing to spend £600 on a cat pipe. Send them my way !!!
Sure you could sort one for around £120 or less. Plus you'll need a lamda sensor .
A new cat for £120. Are you sure?Sure you could sort one for around £120 or less. Plus you'll need a lamda sensor .
BertBert said:
NMNeil said:
When you say looking, does that mean it's a car you're looking to buy? If it is you may be best just walking away and finding one with an MOT already as this one sounds like a money pit.
I rather suspect it does have an MoT as the failure was 3 years ago. Not quite sure how you have concluded that it's a money pit"It has repeated lighting issues"
The most expensive cars I've ever owned were ones that were dirt cheap or given to me for free, often accompanied with the words "It only needs.......".
Edited by NMNeil on Tuesday 8th February 12:51
It's a basic cat that can be purchased anywhere, even eBay (£80-£100). Plus a small length of pipe at each end that can be welded on by any competent fabricator. Half an hour's work. Using the decat pipe as a template.
Or call caterham and write a cheque with your fingers in your ears and your eyes closed to avoid feeling you've been royally overcharged.
As we all know, Caterhams are such complex cars that if you need anything for it, you need to call Caterham or NASA. No-one else could possibly have the expertise necessary to make anything for it.
Or call caterham and write a cheque with your fingers in your ears and your eyes closed to avoid feeling you've been royally overcharged.
As we all know, Caterhams are such complex cars that if you need anything for it, you need to call Caterham or NASA. No-one else could possibly have the expertise necessary to make anything for it.
the av8er said:
It's a basic cat that can be purchased anywhere, even eBay (£80-£100). Plus a small length of pipe at each end that can be welded on by any competent fabricator. Half an hour's work. Using the decat pipe as a template.
Or call caterham and write a cheque with your fingers in your ears and your eyes closed to avoid feeling you've been royally overcharged.
As we all know, Caterhams are such complex cars that if you need anything for it, you need to call Caterham or NASA. No-one else could possibly have the expertise necessary to make anything for it.
The gift that keeps on giving. The caterham hater, keeps on hating, yawnOr call caterham and write a cheque with your fingers in your ears and your eyes closed to avoid feeling you've been royally overcharged.
As we all know, Caterhams are such complex cars that if you need anything for it, you need to call Caterham or NASA. No-one else could possibly have the expertise necessary to make anything for it.
NMNeil said:
"it had similar failure 2 years earlier."
"It has repeated lighting issues"
The most expensive cars I've ever owned were ones that were dirt cheap or given to me for free, often accompanied with the words "It only needs.......".
You didn't spend much time with caterhams when you were in the UK then?"It has repeated lighting issues"
The most expensive cars I've ever owned were ones that were dirt cheap or given to me for free, often accompanied with the words "It only needs.......".
Edited by NMNeil on Tuesday 8th February 12:51
The fog light can be down to tester not operating the switches correctly.
On any modern vw/audi you have to turn the headlights on before you can pull the rotary switch out to turn the fog lights on.
On a Caterham you have to switch the headlights on before the fog light will work.
Its been discussed on the Caterham forum a few times as testers just flick the fog light switch and the light doesn’t come on, so car fails the MOT.
On any modern vw/audi you have to turn the headlights on before you can pull the rotary switch out to turn the fog lights on.
On a Caterham you have to switch the headlights on before the fog light will work.
Its been discussed on the Caterham forum a few times as testers just flick the fog light switch and the light doesn’t come on, so car fails the MOT.
BertBert said:
You didn't spend much time with caterhams when you were in the UK then?
No, but plenty of experience of Ford V4 and V6 with the fiber timing gears, Austin Maxi's with the cable gearshift, early Mini's with the rear subframes and petrol pumps. It's a very long list and each car was dirt cheap or free and ended up costing me hundreds to make usable.Most of my cars at the time were common, cheap and basically junk, but I should have kept them all as they are now 'classics' and worth a great deal apparently.
Here is a picture of my exhaust showing the joint between the collector and the cat, though this can be a slip-on or a flange. Therefore to have a decat pipe or new cat would not need to include an integral collector for each unit.
To replace the cat on my car I would need a cat unit ( £80 -£90 approx ) with a simple flange at each end.
If your thinking of having choices with your exhaust, I'd recommend having your collector cut short and a joint added. Therefore when you want to swat the item out, it's quick, easy and cheap.
Just because I think £600 for a simple cat is a ridiculous price, doesn't make me a hater. I'm just being real. I looked on eBay and found some cars have twin cats with complex pipework running the length of the car with brackets, hangers and joints. Brand new for far less.
I acknowledge that a cat is a complex, specialist item. However it's also incredibly common as every single vehicle made needs to have one. This mass production dictates price.
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