Morris Minor Owners Club

I've tried asking on the Lanrover Forum but, as with BMC and his Renault question, got no response. So, thought I'd try here.....
Our 1.8 1998 Freelander has just failed its MOT on high emissions (0.72%). The CAT and Lambda sensor were changed for last years MOT and as the CAT was under warranty I went back and the garage changed it for a new one. However, I went back for a retest and the emissions were still as high as before. So, what can I check next. I need to change the oil as its due but what else could be effecting this reading. Any advice appreciated pls....
Rich

Is that high hydrocarbons ??
Changing the oil may help - and removing the air filter element for the test may help too. Also worth looking at the plugs (is it petrol ) - and lastly a really good 'blast' up the motorway may help to blow out the cobwebs. But it may be burning a bit of oil - if it's high mileage.

I have an MGF with the same engine (K series) there are 2 coolant temp sensors, one for the gauge, the other for the ECU. If the ECU coolant temp sensor becomes faulty (and this does happen), the ECU thinks the engine is cold and puts in extra fuel. Worth checking.

As said above, check your air filter and plugs as well. Has the engine management light flashed at all? there may be a fault code stored that will shed some light on the problem.

It's Co2 emissions that it has failed on. Engine has only done about 40K and doesn't burn any oil. Also doesn't do many miles either - mostly short shopping trips etc. It is a petrol as MGF said its the 1.8 K series. Not seen the engine management light flash at all and was hoping to avoid having to pay for a conection to testbook to find out if any faults are logged. I'll check the plugs and clean them tomorrow whilst I do the oil change then give it a good blast to see if this helps. How would I know if the coolant sensor had failed ??
Cheers, Rich

Sure it's not CO (Carbon Monoxide) emissions? Would indicate incomplete combustion - so spark plug condition/gap could be important. Alos worth checking no leaks in the exhaust pipe - if air is drawn in the exhaust system it can affect the CO readings. But I do think it should be controlled by the Lambda and the CAT. No chance that either has had leaded fuel through them ?

The truck passed the MOT today. I cleaned and reset the plug gaps - they were a wee bit big and changed oil and filter. I also ran through some STP injection cleaner and gave the engine a good blast for 20 miles or so down the motorway. The CO reading is now well below the limit. I guess the real cause is down to short stop start journeys and oil contamination although as BMC states the plug gap may have not been helping. Thanks guys...

Well done -what a relief for you - because these things can quickly become very expensive if a garage gets their hands on it!

Good news, glad it was nothing serious

MGFmad wrote:Good news, glad it was nothing serious

Yes, me too I'll do the engine service BEFORE the MOT next year

Would be intersting to know what 'fixed' it - the oil change, or the plug gaps - or the blast down the Mway! My money would be on the Mway.

As it was "belt and braces" we'll never know but I think you could be leaning in the right direction