Is It Worth It? Emission Failure!

[Figg]

Hi all,

I was just wondering what the general consensus would be on my 1993 Carina E 1.6 LX (178,000 miles) that recently failed the emissions test. Apart from a bulb out and lights adjusted too low, it failed big time on the emissions. So should I go for a new Cat and Sensor? Priced eBay items and should be able to do it for just over £100.

Cheers

[Old Red Celica]

Go for it, was the CAT nice and warm before the test?

[Figg]

The car has been sitting for about 4 months with a semi-regular startup and idle to keep things in good order. Then, during the week before the MOT the car was started and run for 20 minutes or so every day. And on test day the car was started and run 30 minutes before the drive to the test station, and left idling for another 15 minutes while waiting it's turn. The mechanic also tried a few of his tricks to get the best out of it.

Old gas! Hhmmm.

There is a break in the exhaust pipe between the CAT and the next muffler section. The mechanic has suggested welding up the break, running an emissions test, and probably changing the oxygen sensor, and running a test again, and he thinks we should have passed by then. Total cost of car at that point is still likely around £250 - £275.

Only into it for £140 at the moment and still wondering if I should proceed!!!

Cheers

[Figg]

Well it looks as though a decision has been made for me! Budget restrictions and costs for the correct pieces don't fall within acceptable limits.

The correct sensor (lean burn) is more than what I paid for the car in the first place! So I'll be extracting a few bits and pieces before calling the scrap man. A shame really as the car looks and drives pretty good.

Anybody interested in a car?

Cheers

[Kenuk]

Hi Figg dont be too hasty try water temp sender and air intake sender as they too can cause emmisions to be high. I have recently renewed my lambda and cat the car still wont pass emmisions a freind of mine with same car changed the temp sender and now passed MOT and no more check engine light.Regards Ken

To just update I changed the temp sender took it back and it has passed emmisions with no problems easy fix.Regards Ken

[Figg]

My attention and interest has moved on now, and my wife wants the "eyesore" gone! I'd like to be able to pass this on to someone who would be in a better position to make the car road worthy (emission worthy!) as it's quite a good car other than the very high numbers on the emissions test. Will be calling the scrappy if no-one wants it.

Maybe eBay!

Very interesting tip Ken. I might have tried it a week ago!

Cheers...

Graham