Morris Minor Owners Club

So, in a moment of internet footling it occurred to me that Rebecca's got to pass the 'AirCare' emissions test in BC whenever we finally emigrate.

Does anyone have any idea of the HC/CO/NOx emissions of the ital engine?

As a side point, these are the standards I *think* it'll have to pass:

Driving Mode HC Standard: 492 parts per million
Driving Mode CO Standard: 5.87 percent
Driving Mode NOx Standard: 5296 parts per million
Idle Mode HC Standard: 1064 parts per million
Idle Mode CO Standard: 5.64 percent

'Driving mode' is at a steady 40kph.

I'm assuming it shouldn't really have any issues as the ital it came from would have to pass the UK MOT which requires a CO level less than 4.5% (at idle), but the limit on hydrocarbons in the UK at idle is 1200. The only info I have doesn't mention NOx at all...

Anyone have any idea (or a gas analyser?)

Suggest you PM "Katy" on this board who is in Alberta Canada and may be able to help

Hi Kate,

I've think I've got a (Gunson?) CO analyser somewhere you're welcome to if it's any use. Let me know and I'll have a hunt through the garage. Best advice I can give is to make sure you've got a new jet in the carb - HIF and later HS carbs are notorious for running rich at idle once the needle's worn the jet slightly oval. (I really should replace mine)

Spoke with my relatives who live in Vancouver (Richmond). Seems emissions test only applies in Vancouver Greater Area - so if you live outside that area, no test. If in the area - test is as you describe, I guess you have seen this site http://www.aircare.ca/. Note that ANY blue smoke is instant fail (so good crankcase suction will be essential)! There is a way round it - by getting Vintage Plates on the car. However to qualify it must be 'unmodified' and to original spec - so a 1275 engine may not qualify - or have to be 'disguised' as a 1098!! Also not clear if these Vintage Plates only allow use to/from shows - and may not allow daily use, or even use for a 'run' at the week-end. Also seems your car will need to be 'mechanically inspected' - like our MOT - on Import - before it can get Insurance, but after that there is no annual inspection. However a cop can pull you over if he suspects a problem (or just doesn't like you!!!) and can order an inspection at any time. There seems to be a possible slight silver lining to the cloud - in that there appears to be talk of abandoning the 'Aircare' tests - since very few of the cars in use in Vancouver now need it - new cars being exempt for something like 8 years - by which time they are being scrapped anyway!
Edit - Further news - to escape the Aircare you would need to garage the car quite far out - so Chilliwack/Squamish/Hope - all v nice places, but a fair distance from Vancouver. Seems one lad used his parents address out of town to avoid Aircare and pay lower Insurance, while actually keeping the car at his flat in town. All was well until he was shunted from behind.... and the Insurance investigated - and sued him for fraud.

I've only ever had 1 car give over 1200ppm hydrocarbons....
And that was a pre-cat (Mk2) fiesta which had been run for donkeys years on unleaded, which had absolutely no exhaust valve seat in one chamber. When I had the head off, you could push the valve right through the valve seat area and up into the port!
It misfired at idle but ran sweet on the motorway, and despite pushing nearly a whole cylinder of unburnt fuel into the exhaust every time that cylinder reached compression stroke. It gave around the 1200-1400ppm HC at idle.
Therefore, I wouldn't stress about the HC limits unless you've got burnt and leaky valves.

As for the CO limit, simply weakening the mixture will reduce it. If your engine + carb is fairly standard, then a new standard needle and new jet may be the most you need to get it to run happy (but only if either are worn).

NOx - I've no idea apart from it needs the right cylinder temperature, so using the correct plugs is about all I can guess at.

The NOx could be a problem - unless you fit a catalyst system from a Mini.