Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: terry paget on 09 June 2016, 09:15:10

Title: Fifth car struggles through MOT
Post by: terry paget on 09 June 2016, 09:15:10
Yesterday Y188, son Ben's 2.2, passed its MOT test. It failed last year on high lambda reading, which I cured by changing the MAF sensor. This year lambda reading was high again, though less so and descending, but sticking about 1.04. Tester and mate continued with test, discussed the matter, looked for an exhaust leak, found one near the flexi, stuffed it full of Gun-gum sealant, repeated emission test, which it passed.

I am delighted, but puzzled. Was it air leaking in and proceeding upstream to the lambda sensor affecting the reading?
Title: Re: Fifth car struggles through MOT
Post by: Kevin Wood on 09 June 2016, 10:28:08
No. It's not air getting upstream but downstream. The Lambda reading is a calculated value based on the proportion of gases in the (post cat) exhaust flow, indicating what the probable air - fuel ratio might have been in the engine. It is very easily fooled by air being drawn into the exhaust.

When it's outside limits most mechanics will change the lambda sensor as a process of diagnosis by word association rather than looking for a leak!

Title: Re: Fifth car struggles through MOT
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 09 June 2016, 11:30:19
Absolutely, the engine will be spot on from an 02 perspective but, the air being drawn in at the flexi is fooling the MOT test sensor rammed up the cars arse.

Good news is that the flexi is not to challenging to change out.
Title: Re: Fifth car struggles through MOT
Post by: terry paget on 09 June 2016, 17:50:11
Thank you. Now I understand.
Title: Re: Fifth car struggles through MOT
Post by: Varche on 09 June 2016, 18:31:53
Hey ups Terry. Hats off mate. Another result. I am thinking you are the unsung hero of the forum. :y

PS what a lucky family you have with you on their spanners. ;D
Title: Re: Fifth car struggles through MOT
Post by: frostbite on 12 June 2016, 19:04:02
I had the same,  where the studs have sheared it's sucking in air.

I had a fail and a pass on the gas analyser the second run had a slightly higher idle speed and it just passed