MOT's

Author
Discussion

MunkeeMan

Original Poster:

157 posts

223 months

Thursday 24th August 2006
quotequote all
Hello!

Just noticed that my 7 (2001 X-Flow 1700) doesn't have a Catalytic Converter.

Asked a spanner-handy pal his thoughts and he is of the opinion that it will not pass an MOT.

It's been MOT'd in the past, so I'm guesing that there's some kind of loophole (or 'friendly' MOT merchants) thing going on.

Anyone have any knowledge?

JohnKR

3 posts

219 months

Thursday 24th August 2006
quotequote all
Hi Munkee,
Had my Xflow, no catalist Seven MOTd earlier this year, no mention of a catalitic (SPIT OUT) converter. It is a 1990 model. I cant quote on the legal aspect but, I do seam to remember reading that cars produced before the date that manufacturers had to fit them by law were exempt from MOT requirments. but I cant be sure.
Ring up an MOT station and ask.
John.

JohnKR

3 posts

219 months

Thursday 24th August 2006
quotequote all
Hi again,
Got me wondering so I have just found this on line....

On 1 January 1996 petrol engine vehicles equipped with catalytic converters and
registered after 1 August 1992 became subject to the new CAT emissions test as part of the MoT. Only Green MoT stations may carry out these tests. Those vehicles registered prior to 1 August 1992 fitted with CATs are not subject to the MoT CAT emissions test. There are some vehicles registered during 1993 and 1994 which may not be catalyst equipped.
And........
The MOT regulations say nothing about a vehicle having a catalytic converter. They merely set emission levels which have to be achieved if the vehicle is first used after a specific year.

I think you will be fine.
John.

MunkeeMan

Original Poster:

157 posts

223 months

Friday 25th August 2006
quotequote all
Hmmm, so how will that work on my car? The engine is undoubtedly 'old enough' to qualify, but the car is registered in 2001. I guess a 1700 X-Flow on Twin Weber 45's ain't gonna pass any emission tests!

motco

16,228 posts

253 months

Friday 25th August 2006
quotequote all
If it is on a 'Q' plate and has no mention of emissions on the V5 then it should be visible smoke only.

MunkeeMan

Original Poster:

157 posts

223 months

Friday 25th August 2006
quotequote all
Not a Q. On a 51 plate.

.Adam.

1,839 posts

270 months

Friday 25th August 2006
quotequote all
What does it say on your v5? Is it down as a Caterham, or a kit car(can't remember the exact wording). If it is down as a kit car, then it only needs a visual emissions test. You should be okay at a 7 friendly garage though, my Westie is a 1998 factory built car, so should have a cat but doesn't, and I haven't had any problems yet!

MunkeeMan

Original Poster:

157 posts

223 months

Friday 25th August 2006
quotequote all
Cheers Adam.

V5 is out in the garage - will check it in the morning!

canam

10,059 posts

279 months

Friday 25th August 2006
quotequote all
Munkeeman,
Suggest you search the archives on www.blatchat.com; you don't have to be a member to view. You'll also find questions relating to "Seven-friendly" MOT stations in various areas. If there's one in your area you'll be OK.
Alan

mark 7

56 posts

222 months

Sunday 27th August 2006
quotequote all
Recently had my 1997 kit built Seven MOT'd which it duly failed on the emissions test.
The car has always been catless but first go on the new computer mot system it told the tester to emission test it.
Luckily he was a friendly guy and a quick call to Simon Lambert at Caterham and another go on the computer and it came up as visual smoke test only
If it's any help it's to do with one of the letters in you're vin number.

Cheers Mark

john7

269 posts

223 months

Sunday 27th August 2006
quotequote all
Mark 7, what did the "quick phone call to Caterham" sort out? I had a similar problem last week when I took my 1995 x/flow for an MOT, it failed on emissions but the "friendly guy" passed it.

jack&mle

623 posts

246 months

Monday 28th August 2006
quotequote all
Hi

this is the answer from VOSA regarding MOT and visual smoke test:

The In Service Exhaust Emission Standards For Road Vehicles Eleventh Edition states for Caterham cars "Where the 10th digit of the VIN is equal to or less than'V' and the 6th digit is 'C' or 'K' the vehicle concerned should be considered as 'amateur build' and as such should receive a visual smoke test only

For emissions purposes only, kit cars and amateur built vehicles first used before 1 August 1998 and Wankel rotary-engined vehicles first used before 1 August 1987 are to be considered first used before 1 August 1975.
Kit cars and amateur built vehicles first used on or after 1 August 1998 ("S" reg) are required to obtain Single Vehicle Approval and should be tested to the limits stated on the registration document.

Jack

mark 7

56 posts

222 months

Monday 28th August 2006
quotequote all
Yep thats what i was told by Caterham and the important VIN letter was a "T" for me