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[JamesV6CDX]

Very pleased with the MOT result. I expected a fail , and there were very few items in the list:

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2) - expected

Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)

Nearside Front Lower Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a) - Easy

Offside Front Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (4.1.D.1a) - Easy


My question is - emissions?

Would the holed mid section in the exhaust cause this?

I thought with HC, it was usually unburnt fuel 

[aaronjb]

If the hole in the exhaust is before (or very close to) the primary O2 sensor then yes, as the O2 will read lean and the ECU will add ever more fuel (in reality making it run rich). If not then no, in fact it should make it look 'lean' on the emissions test (low lambda) but with normal HC & CO readings.

[JamesV6CDX]

The reading was literally just out of spec

Tester insists it’s the exhaust

[b4ndit]

I would agree it is the exhaust had it many times doing mot's changed/fixed leak and straight through

[Kevin Wood]

I'd be surprised to see a HC failure due to a leak on an Omega unless the leak is pre-cat.

You never know, though.

[JamesV6CDX]

I'd be surprised to see a HC failure due to a leak on an Omega unless the leak is pre-cat.

You never know, though.

This was my instinct. Especially with the leak in the centre.

But he assured me with a new exhaust it will pass 

[Bigron]

James, if a new/repaired exhaust doesn't do the trick, I've had good results, emission-wise, with Cataclean, Shell V-Power and an Italian tune up!

Ron.

[Marks DTM Calib]

I'd be surprised to see a HC failure due to a leak on an Omega unless the leak is pre-cat.

You never know, though.

This was my instinct. Especially with the leak in the centre.

But he assured me with a new exhaust it will pass 

Cant see it, if it was Lambda it might.

I would be checking ECU coolant temp reading and breathers as a starter

[Automaticman]

My Frontera V6 only just passed the emissions with 30k genuine miles and a healthy exhaust, the boys at Vauxcare said they put Catclean in to squeeze it through 

[henryd]

I'd be surprised to see a HC failure due to a leak on an Omega unless the leak is pre-cat.

You never know, though.

This was my instinct. Especially with the leak in the centre.

But he assured me with a new exhaust it will pass 

Perhaps he ticked the wrong box at test and it did fail on Lambda,whats the printout for emissions look like ?

[Kevin Wood]

I'd be surprised to see a HC failure due to a leak on an Omega unless the leak is pre-cat.

You never know, though.

This was my instinct. Especially with the leak in the centre.

But he assured me with a new exhaust it will pass 

Perhaps he ticked the wrong box at test and it did fail on Lambda,whats the printout for emissions look like ?

Yep, always easier if you have the full story.

[dave-b]

My 3.0 elite failed on exactly the same thing back in 2010. A new part system from the cats back secured a pass without any further work. The old system was pin-holed quite badly allowing air to be drawn in, affecting the lamda readings.

[terry paget]

My 3.0 elite failed on exactly the same thing back in 2010. A new part system from the cats back secured a pass without any further work. The old system was pin-holed quite badly allowing air to be drawn in, affecting the lamda readings.

In Germany they use the second Lambda sensors in the facelift Omegas to analyse the exhaust gases in their MOT tests; these second sensors are in the main downpipe after the catalyst and give a good measure of the exhaust gases after catalyst. In the UK we ignore the second lambda sensors, instead we stick a probe up the exhaust pipe and analyse the gas there. That's fine if the exhaust system is air tight from catalyst back; if not, gases can leak out and get sucked in, putting the emerging gases out of spec and causing MOT emissions failure. So a new exhaust system may well cure your MOT emission failure.

[78bex]

I`m probably simplifying this, so if the warning light isn`t on; then all`s good is it not 

[terry paget]

I`m probably simplifying this, so if the warning light isn`t on; then all`s good is it not 

If you mean the engine warning light with a code (420?) referring to emission levels, I suppose so. My son Jonny's 2.2 petrol has that problem and will get a new cat section before its MOT in a month's time.

[Kevin Wood]

Engine MIL illuminated is currently only an advisory at MOT, so if the emissions once it's hot are OK, I'd leave the cat for now.

I believe a lit MIL will soon be a reason for failure, however.

In some countries, the OBD port is used to check that the cat monitoring cycle has completed successfully, so it will fail if you clear the codes just before MOT.

[BazaJT]

Local Ford stealer recently got a new exhaust testing machine and already do hook the car up to it using the OBD port.What this does/tells them I know not.

[Nick W]

Local Ford stealer recently got a new exhaust testing machine and already do hook the car up to it using the OBD port.What this does/tells them I know not.

Absolutely nothing on your car...

[Kevin Wood]

New MOT document comes into force on 2th May:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mot-inspection-manual-for-class-3-4-5-and-7-vehicles

Currently the draft shows an EML lit as a major fail.

There is nothing in the MOT manual that requires or allows connection to an OBD port so I'd be having a word if they tried that on my car. It's possible that emissions testers designed for the european market have the interface fitted but it's not used in a UK MOT test.

[terry paget]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vauxhall-Omega-2-6-V6-ELITE-Estate-FULL-MOT-NO-ADVISORIES-NEW-CAMBELT-KIT/183132286164?hash=item2aa388ecd4:g:HckAAOSwKyRarTVj
Good to see the new exhaust has cured the emissions problem, James. The car looks like a bargain for whoever gets it. I was tempted into bidding myself, but it has risen too high for me. Should be worth over £1000.

[Terbs]

Terry...this is/was my gold estate. which you would have seen at Wycombe meets in the past. I let it go for a song to James, he and myself knowing there were a few minor problems needed sorting. However, with my recent shoulder dislocation, I could not entertain repairing it, and I did not intend to allow James under it. Whatever James gets for it, I have no qualms whatsoever. I hope he gets a good figure. Having helped me in the past at short notice, and doing excellent work, for a small return, it is in a way, my repayment, to a degree.
James won't get off scot free.....there is still another Omega here to be looked after !! 

[STEMO]

New MOT document comes into force on 2th May:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mot-inspection-manual-for-class-3-4-5-and-7-vehicles

Currently the draft shows an EML lit as a major fail.

There is nothing in the MOT manual that requires or allows connection to an OBD port so I'd be having a word if they tried that on my car. It's possible that emissions testers designed for the european market have the interface fitted but it's not used in a UK MOT test.

My poor diesel 


1. If the engine checks are satisfactory and having removed any oil temperature probe, raise the engine speed to around 2500rpm, or half the maximum engine speed if this is lower, and hold for 30 seconds to fully purge the inlet and exhaust system.
2. Allow the engine to return to idle and asses the smoke emitted from the tailpipe.
3. Rapidly increase the engine speed to 2500rpm or half maximum engine speed if this is lower and assess the smoke emitted from the tailpipe under acceleration.
Test Procedure (post 1980 vehicles)
1. Before starting the test, ascertain the maximum smoke level limit for the vehicle and enter the required details into the diesel smoke meter. This will be:
a. for vehicles first used before 1 July 2008 not more than the level specified on the manufacture’s plate, or where no value displayed:
 for a non-turbocharged engine not more than 2.5m-1
 for a turbocharged engine not more than 3.0m-1
b. for vehicles first used on or after 1 July 2008 not more than the level specified on the
manufacture’s plate, or 1.5m-1 where no value displayed
c. for vehicles first used on or after 1 January 2014 not more than the level specified on the manufacture’s plate, or 0.7m-1 where no value displayed.
2. If the engine checks are satisfactory and having removed any oil temperature probe, raise the engine speed to around 2500rpm, or half the maximum engine speed if this is lower, and hold for 30 seconds to fully purge the inlet and exhaust system.
3. Raise engine speed slowly to maximum to check the operation of the governor. Once the engine speed has stabilised or if it becomes clear that the governor is not working, release the pedal, return to idle and stop the engine.
4. Prompt the meter to carry out a zero check and then insert the probe fully and securely in line with the gas flow. Restart the engine.
5. Following the meter prompts, depress the accelerator pedal quickly and continuously but not violently, to reach full fuel position in less than one second. Hold it there until a release prompt is given, then immediately release the pedal. Allow the engine, and any turbocharger fitted, to return to idle speed.
After the first acceleration read the smoke level displayed on the meter. If it is equal to, or less than the limit for the vehicle, the vehicle has passed the opacity test and a pass result will be displayed on the meter.
Draft

[STEMO]

Fortunately, mine is booked in for April 5th, before the new test comes in. So, if they start destroying engines, they should have desisted before the next one.

[Kevin Wood]

Surely it's normal for Diesels to be at maximum speed? It is on the occasions when I have to drive one. 

[Migv6 le Frog Fan]

Dread to think what will happen to my old Merc engine next March. 

[STEMO]

Dread to think what will happen to my old Merc engine next March. 

If they do it about half eleven, I bet they all start thinking about lunch time. 

[Migv6 le Frog Fan]

Not allowed to take it there unless I put devils juice in the tank first. I got told "get that fickin thing out of here. Its a workshop, not a fickin chip shop."   

[terry paget]

Terry...this is/was my gold estate. which you would have seen at Wycombe meets in the past. I let it go for a song to James, he and myself knowing there were a few minor problems needed sorting. However, with my recent shoulder dislocation, I could not entertain repairing it, and I did not intend to allow James under it. Whatever James gets for it, I have no qualms whatsoever. I hope he gets a good figure. Having helped me in the past at short notice, and doing excellent work, for a small return, it is in a way, my repayment, to a degree.
James won't get off scot free.....there is still another Omega here to be looked after !! 

Amazingly, he managed to change the crank sensor without going under it. I bet he went under it to change the wishbone, though.

[JamesV6CDX]

Terry...this is/was my gold estate. which you would have seen at Wycombe meets in the past. I let it go for a song to James, he and myself knowing there were a few minor problems needed sorting. However, with my recent shoulder dislocation, I could not entertain repairing it, and I did not intend to allow James under it. Whatever James gets for it, I have no qualms whatsoever. I hope he gets a good figure. Having helped me in the past at short notice, and doing excellent work, for a small return, it is in a way, my repayment, to a degree.
James won't get off scot free.....there is still another Omega here to be looked after !! 

Amazingly, he managed to change the crank sensor without going under it. I bet he went under it to change the wishbone, though.

If you must know, I had to have help with elements of the job, because I couldn’t manage it alone.

I was too embarrassed to admit that, but seeing as you feel the need to bring it up.

I also had to pay a garage silly money to fit the exhaust, because I clearly hurt myself working on the suspension.

I never realised being seriously injured would lead to me getting questioned so much.

[JamesV6CDX]

Terry...this is/was my gold estate. which you would have seen at Wycombe meets in the past. I let it go for a song to James, he and myself knowing there were a few minor problems needed sorting. However, with my recent shoulder dislocation, I could not entertain repairing it, and I did not intend to allow James under it. Whatever James gets for it, I have no qualms whatsoever. I hope he gets a good figure. Having helped me in the past at short notice, and doing excellent work, for a small return, it is in a way, my repayment, to a degree.
James won't get off scot free.....there is still another Omega here to be looked after !! 

Amazingly, he managed to change the crank sensor without going under it. I bet he went under it to change the wishbone, though.

Maybe next time you question my motives , think about the fact a few weeks ago I did a 200 mile round trip to do a cambelt kit and pump, and wouldn’t accept a penny over my fuel costs

[tunnie]

I always take the car for a good hard drive before an MOT, drive like I stole it. Then crank it up a notch further and drive like TheBoy 

Once MOT the tester complained he burnt his hand, putting in the exhaust probe. 

Looks like the Zafira will need the same treatment, but for a few days leading up to MOT, blow that soot out.

[grifter]

New MOT document comes into force on 2th May:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mot-inspection-manual-for-class-3-4-5-and-7-vehicles

Currently the draft shows an EML lit as a major fail.

There is nothing in the MOT manual that requires or allows connection to an OBD port so I'd be having a word if they tried that on my car. It's possible that emissions testers designed for the european market have the interface fitted but it's not used in a UK MOT test.

This has been a fail point for a while. People used to take the bulb out to get through mot.

[Kevin Wood]

Well, my car was issued with an MOT in February with the EML illuminated.

[STEMO]

Well, my car was issued with an MOT in February with the EML illuminated.

It's standard on an omega and, therefore, allowed. 

[Migv6 le Frog Fan]

And mine was issued with one, with the bulb residing in the glovebox. 

[TheBoy]

My Silver Bullet usually got adviso for EML being on, due to the way the tester started that car.

[TheBoy]

Terry...this is/was my gold estate. which you would have seen at Wycombe meets in the past. I let it go for a song to James, he and myself knowing there were a few minor problems needed sorting. However, with my recent shoulder dislocation, I could not entertain repairing it, and I did not intend to allow James under it. Whatever James gets for it, I have no qualms whatsoever. I hope he gets a good figure. Having helped me in the past at short notice, and doing excellent work, for a small return, it is in a way, my repayment, to a degree.
James won't get off scot free.....there is still another Omega here to be looked after !! 

Amazingly, he managed to change the crank sensor without going under it. I bet he went under it to change the wishbone, though.

Maybe next time you question my motives , think about the fact a few weeks ago I did a 200 mile round trip to do a cambelt kit and pump, and wouldn’t accept a penny over my fuel costs

Was there any questioning of motives?

[JamesV6CDX]

Terry...this is/was my gold estate. which you would have seen at Wycombe meets in the past. I let it go for a song to James, he and myself knowing there were a few minor problems needed sorting. However, with my recent shoulder dislocation, I could not entertain repairing it, and I did not intend to allow James under it. Whatever James gets for it, I have no qualms whatsoever. I hope he gets a good figure. Having helped me in the past at short notice, and doing excellent work, for a small return, it is in a way, my repayment, to a degree.
James won't get off scot free.....there is still another Omega here to be looked after !! 

Amazingly, he managed to change the crank sensor without going under it. I bet he went under it to change the wishbone, though.

Maybe next time you question my motives , think about the fact a few weeks ago I did a 200 mile round trip to do a cambelt kit and pump, and wouldn’t accept a penny over my fuel costs

Was there any questioning of motives?

With hindsight - perhaps not.

However, since my accident, folk have questioned or hinted, both in public and private, directly and indirectly, to various things. Examples being, why can I now manage to do some jobs, or, worse *should* be I attempting to do any such jobs while I'm recovering and attempting to get fully fit for operational work again.

The answer is simple. Yes I should, within reason. My physiotherapy / hydro team were insistent that I should attempt to do the things I did before, with adjustments. I actually keep a diary of what I manage to achieve, and how much time passes before the pain levels again, how soon I could contemplate doing it again, etc.

For example, I can do a V6 cambelt with seemingly little fuss, if I wear my back support, but later that night the pain will creep in, usually resulting in codeine and hot bath - and I wouldn't be able to do another one, for about a week.

If I have mis-interpreted your post Terry, then of course I apologise, but at the time it appeared to be one of many that have had certain undertones.

There have been suggestions (not all on here) that I have milked time off sick (incorrect, I'm actually at work, in an adjusted role), or tried to over play the injuries, etc.

In addition, it's actually brilliant for my emotional health to be able to tinker about with cars again, even though it has to be less frequent. It's always been my biggest hobby, it makes me happy, and is, strangely, a form of therapy - which is why I do it. I Certainly don't do so, to make money - when I did that some time ago, I found that the formalities around that, were more hassle than it was ever worth, and I lost a lot of the enjoyment... which is why for a long time, I've been very clear on the forum that any help I give to members, is entirely free of charge

Sorry again if I reacted a little to sensitively to the post, but hopefully you can understand my reasons

[Kevin Wood]

James, I really think you're reading undertones that aren't there, to be honest.

We are all aware of what you've been through and I for one am very happy to see you able to working on cars again. End of story. I'm sure I speak for all of the forum regulars. 

[JamesV6CDX]

James, I really think you're reading undertones that aren't there, to be honest.

We are all aware of what you've been through and I for one am very happy to see you able to working on cars again. End of story. I'm sure I speak for all of the forum regulars. 

It's entirely possible, as I have been emotionally quite unwell, in the aftermath of everything physical.

Thanks for the kind words, Kevin

[JamesV6CDX]

Most recent scans, if anyone has any morbid curiosity 

[Bigron]

James, I really think you're reading undertones that aren't there, to be honest.

We are all aware of what you've been through and I for one am very happy to see you able to working on cars again. End of story. I'm sure I speak for all of the forum regulars. 

YES, you do! 

Ron.

[STEMO]

New MOT document comes into force on 2th May:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mot-inspection-manual-for-class-3-4-5-and-7-vehicles

Currently the draft shows an EML lit as a major fail.

There is nothing in the MOT manual that requires or allows connection to an OBD port so I'd be having a word if they tried that on my car. It's possible that emissions testers designed for the european market have the interface fitted but it's not used in a UK MOT test.

I also notice, in the new rules, that baked bean tin exhaust boxes will be subject to noise level tests.

[aaronjb]

James, you can't put a "spot the difference" picture up and point to the difference, you know..

One of those things does not look like the others. I'm no doctor, but that can't be good!

[Kevin Wood]

One of those things does not look like the others. I'm no doctor, but that can't be good!

Works for spark plugs, valves, pistons, bearings, cam lobes, etc. Can't see why it wouldn't work for body bits. 

[relluf]

James, I really think you're reading undertones that aren't there, to be honest.

We are all aware of what you've been through and I for one am very happy to see you able to working on cars again. End of story. I'm sure I speak for all of the forum regulars. 

Exactly what Kevin  said ^^^^^^

[Shackeng]

Terry...this is/was my gold estate. which you would have seen at Wycombe meets in the past. I let it go for a song to James, he and myself knowing there were a few minor problems needed sorting. However, with my recent shoulder dislocation, I could not entertain repairing it, and I did not intend to allow James under it. Whatever James gets for it, I have no qualms whatsoever. I hope he gets a good figure. Having helped me in the past at short notice, and doing excellent work, for a small return, it is in a way, my repayment, to a degree.
James won't get off scot free.....there is still another Omega here to be looked after !! 

Amazingly, he managed to change the crank sensor without going under it. I bet he went under it to change the wishbone, though.

Maybe next time you question my motives , think about the fact a few weeks ago I did a 200 mile round trip to do a cambelt kit and pump, and wouldn’t accept a penny over my fuel costs

Was there any questioning of motives?

With hindsight - perhaps not.

However, since my accident, folk have questioned or hinted, both in public and private, directly and indirectly, to various things. Examples being, why can I now manage to do some jobs, or, worse *should* be I attempting to do any such jobs while I'm recovering and attempting to get fully fit for operational work again.

The answer is simple. Yes I should, within reason. My physiotherapy / hydro team were insistent that I should attempt to do the things I did before, with adjustments. I actually keep a diary of what I manage to achieve, and how much time passes before the pain levels again, how soon I could contemplate doing it again, etc.

For example, I can do a V6 cambelt with seemingly little fuss, if I wear my back support, but later that night the pain will creep in, usually resulting in codeine and hot bath - and I wouldn't be able to do another one, for about a week.

If I have mis-interpreted your post Terry, then of course I apologise, but at the time it appeared to be one of many that have had certain undertones.

There have been suggestions (not all on here) that I have milked time off sick (incorrect, I'm actually at work, in an adjusted role), or tried to over play the injuries, etc.

In addition, it's actually brilliant for my emotional health to be able to tinker about with cars again, even though it has to be less frequent. It's always been my biggest hobby, it makes me happy, and is, strangely, a form of therapy - which is why I do it. I Certainly don't do so, to make money - when I did that some time ago, I found that the formalities around that, were more hassle than it was ever worth, and I lost a lot of the enjoyment... which is why for a long time, I've been very clear on the forum that any help I give to members, is entirely free of charge

Sorry again if I reacted a little to sensitively to the post, but hopefully you can understand my reasons

James, I'm with Kevin on this, I think everyone on this forum knows what a good egg you are, and hopefully any comments made are in jest to still include you in the, admittedly sometimes ribald, joshing that goes on. I hope you continue to improve and enjoy your car work.

[Bigron]

You have a PM, James.

Ron.