No cats = Failed emissions test!

[dan_b]

My 1991 de-catted S2 had its MOT today.

passed the emissions test fine (as it should - it's only cars registered since 1992 that are subject to a more stringent emmissions thresholds in the test with the only technical way to get through them being a functioning Cat), but failed on dodgy indicators - water in the rear light clusters. Argh!

The rotten egg smell is common with cars with Cats when they're running from cold. It's to do with high sulphur levels in European petrol, incomplete combustion due to cold-running, a not fully-warmed up Cat not catalysing effeciently, resulting in the Cat producing Hydrogen Suphide (the egg smell).

I think the only way to get round it is to try using different petrol, and maybe if it still persists, ditch the Cats completely, or get new ones that will be more efficient.

Also, in theory, a Cat can actually INCREASE the levels of CO2 produced as it catalyses reactions various emmissions to CO2 and water.

It's the 1992 threshold that's significant I believe.

[Greg_S]

to get rid of the eggy smell its usually because the engine hasnt been opened up for a while, after its warm obviously.

so give your motor a bit of a thrash and should clear the cat out.

found the leak on rear cluster onmine to be thru the four retaining screws for the black plastic panel across the boot.

took the tops off and sealed the screws etc in with somesilicone sealant and syphoned the water out of the passenger side light

Greg

[dan_b]

My 1991 de-catted S2 passed it's MOT - here are the emmissions figures

CO 0.82%
HC 181 PPM

Gotta love those pre-1992 regulations

[audiman]

Pre 92 is the best way, it doesn't matter (to a limit) what comes out the back

[s2driveruk]

Just got mine back through the MOT after feckin around with the steering rack gaiter...just fyi, 1992 catted s2 3b:

Fast Idle test
CO: 0.00%
HC: 5ppm
Lambda: 1.010

Natural idle
CO: 0.24%

David

[audiman]

Perfect results, David!! Glad to see the old 3B is running ok.

[s2driveruk]

and now just the brakes, alloys, turbo to sort plus working out a way to get the wheel liner bolts holding the bumper on undone so i can get the belts and oil pressure sender changed then i am there.....

Hopefully yours will be on song again soon Tom, have mine out on the track next spring too

David

[Doug_RS2]

Originally posted by s2driveruk
and now just the brakes, alloys, turbo to sort plus working out a way to get the wheel liner bolts holding the bumper on undone so i can get the belts and oil pressure sender changed then i am there.....

I have used mole grips to hold the stupid threaded shaft that comes away from the metalwork.

Are you still getting the RS4 18s?

[Lee]

Has anyone's ABY passed the UK MOT without cats? Or is this definately only possible on the pre-1992 cars?

Lee

[akojacko]

mine got through last year with previous owner . it must be a fiddle somehow coz it wont meet emissions without the cats . he told me to go back up scotland for next mot if i cant sort owt out down ere' in yorkshire ..lol. considering u need a printout etc , god nows how he pulled it off . must turn a blind eye and fiddle somewhere. i have both the cats sat in the garage and he definatley didn't av em on 4 the mot. i need mot next march so need to sort something out soon as i dont really want to put cats on just 4 the mot test. :

[audiman]

The MoT centre has to keep a copy of the gas test results for upto 3 months.

You could for example use another car for the gas test and just enter the details in as another.

[Sweeper]

Or buy a sport cat from certiefed sellers

[audiman]

Dont start all that again sweeper!!! LOL

Been there, done that. But NO I dont want the t-shirt, or a CAT.

:nana: :nana:

[akojacko]

thats probably it audiman. !!!!! so just need an enthusiastic mot tester then....mmmmmm.:eek2:

[audiman]

There would be a massive penalty for the MOT station if this was done. Could lose their license! I work for my old man, so its in my best interests not to do anything that could jeperdise his company, if i want to live in his house that is!

From my point of view, its not worth me taking the risk. The Vehicle Inspectorate have a new way of testing MOT standards. They randomly turn up at your garage and re-mot a car that you have done on that day. I had one on Friday. they checked a car that I did in the morning. I got given the all clear and they went to another station.

PS Why is there not a 'bricking it' smilie!!