Limey said:
thanks!
just checked in the door and found the date 08/91
Been reading the online testers manual at MoT.co.uk and that lead me to believe they are required on vehicles first used on or after 1st August 1992. If that's the case, I need 'em.
Hi Limey
No you do not need catalysts! You force me into the long winded explaination
Here is what your MOT guy will do;
If your car is a "J" reg he will just stick the sniffer up the tailpipe and take a reading at idle which to pass has to be less than 3.5% C.O & 1200ppm HC (hydrocarbons).
If your car is a "K" reg he will do a BET (Basic Emissions Test) to the stricter "catalyst" limits of less than 0.2% C.O & 200ppm at a fast idle and 0.5% C.O @ idle.
If your car fails the BET he has to follow a flow chart that goes like this;
Is the car used after August 92 - Yes
Is the car used before August 95 - Yes
Can you find the car on the vehicle specific emissions database - NO
Carry out an emissions test to the pre 92 limits of less than 3.5% C.O & 1200ppm HC
Any American car can pass our limp emissions rules standing on it's head, in fact my 79 Continental with a carburettor can pass our "Catalyst" emissions test.
Hope this clears up your confusion.
Regards
Dereck