Need BIG help regarding MOT failure!!!

Hintza

As others have said.

Don't worry about anything else until the emmisions are sorted. This can be acheived in many instances by a wee tweak (if it is not too big a problem). Or an additive and a good fast, hot run.

rev_henry

An additive to use is called RedEx btw, probably cheapest in Wilkinsons but most places sell it. Give it a good run down the motorway before the retest.

poodledoodledoo

It's a really tricky one.
We just don't know whether to put the car in for repair knowing that it might need more repairs than we can realistically afford or whether we should just sell the car as it is for a couple of hundred quid and buy a cheap runaround just for now.
We've just spoken to the garage again and seem to be unable to give a quote as they are concerned that more problems may become apparent as they start doing the work. They were also worried that there might be other problems regarding the break pipes which has caused them to corrode.

kaisersoze_2

This may not be morally right but i would get it repaired to pass an MOT then sell it at an auction as you will get you're repair money back.

Brake pipes have corroded because its 11 years old, mine has just failed on brake pipes (1999 VW Golf)

Rolandtheroadie

kaisersoze wrote: »

This may not be morally right but i would get it repaired to pass an MOT then sell it at an auction as you will get you're repair money back.

Morally wrong? To fix the faults then sell it at auction?

I'd more think that would be silly on 2 points.
1. You've just renewed the brake pipes and emissions. the car will be fine.
2. You'll not get anywhere near what its worth at auction and they'll take a fortune in comission.

Either auction it now or fix and keep. Selling it on ebay showing the fail slip would probably get you a good bit too.

anewman

You could phone around some garages asking for an estimate/quote on 4 brake pipes, rear brake adjustment, and a catalytic converter. The only thing is there's no firm guarantee a new cat converter will make it pass the emissions unfortunately.

I'm no expert but would the high Carbon Monoxide not point to the car running rich (burning too much fuel)? It passed on the lambda and particulate/hydrocarbon outputs at all points in the test.

poodledoodledoo

anewman wrote: »

You could phone around some garages asking for an estimate/quote on 4 brake pipes, rear brake adjustment, and a catalytic converter. The only thing is there's no firm guarantee a new cat converter will make it pass the emissions unfortunately.

I'm no expert but would the high Carbon Monoxide not point to the car running rich (burning too much fuel)? It passed on the lambda and particulate/hydrocarbon outputs at all points in the test.

If the car is 'running rich' as you suggest, have you any idea what may cause it to do so?

goldspanners

poodledoodledoo wrote: »

If the car is 'running rich' as you suggest, have you any idea what may cause it to do so?

a few folk have already said it but i'll say it again the emissions is the first thing you should be trying to sort out, it could be a cat, but if its not and as you say it might be running rich, it could be a lambda sensor on the exhaust that is giving false readings and over fuelling. these can cost about £20 - £50 to buy.

the brake pipes are relatively easy to repair/replace, garages can make thier own pipes up to suit your car to save you buying from a dealer. the flexi pipe will need to be bought though.

kaisersoze_2

scotsman4th wrote: »

Morally wrong? To fix the faults then sell it at auction?

I'd more think that would be silly on 2 points.
1. You've just renewed the brake pipes and emissions. the car will be fine.
2. You'll not get anywhere near what its worth at auction and they'll take a fortune in comission.

Either auction it now or fix and keep. Selling it on ebay showing the fail slip would probably get you a good bit too.

It was more the suggestion that the garage thought there would be more things wrong with it, i was more saying "just get it through" the MOT.

jeannieblue

Its failed the emissions... it may just need a good run, but have the brakes done first! The pipe is cheap but it can be a long job to fit it all.

Not bad considering age of the car. Could have been a lot worse - and I really doubt that it needs a cat.