1.4 mot failure on CO emissions.

A2Dreamer

A2Dreamer

A2OC Donor
Hi all,

I'm scouting around for a 1.4 petrol for when my youngest lad learns to drive...

I've come across one on autotrader that, on the face if it looks good, but it has a history of mot failure on high CO after 2nd fast idle (2014, 2015, 2019 and 2020!). The 2019 fail includes lambda reading out of limits too.

The seller claims it has a reconditioned cat, whatever that actually means!!

It's only done 80,000 miles, 2002 model.

Just wanting to canvas thoughts here from those in the know as to whether there might be a common cause or inherent problem...

There are plenty of other mot failures shown too, so it may not be the best looked after of cars!!
 
High lambda could be a air leak in exhaust like a hole ect

A engine flush with oil and filter maybe all that's needed to get CO down especially if engine has dirty or contaminated oil from say a previous misfire. fixed loads this way!
 
A2Dreamer said:
Hi all,

I'm scouting around for a 1.4 petrol for when my youngest lad learns to drive...

I've come across one on autotrader that, on the face if it looks good, but it has a history of mot failure on high CO after 2nd fast idle (2014, 2015, 2019 and 2020!). The 2019 fail includes lambda reading out of limits too.

The seller claims it has a reconditioned cat, whatever that actually means!!

It's only done 80,000 miles, 2002 model.

Just wanting to canvas thoughts here from those in the know as to whether there might be a common cause or inherent problem...

There are plenty of other mot failures shown too, so it may not be the best looked after of cars!!
Click to expand...
Hi A2Dreamer,
At that mileage I’d say the lambada probe is on its last legs if it was mine I’d disconnect the battery for a period & reconnect the battery this should reset ecu to factory settings for the lambada & should take a couple of hundred miles to relearn the old sensor.
Zero cost test prior to lambada replacement..
Hope that helps
Keith.
 
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A2Dreamer said:
Thanks,

Looks like NGK 1825 - not cheap at around £120!

Cheers,

Pete
Click to expand...
I picked up one on eBay for £54 last year.

However, do be aware that a broken exhaust valve can also ruin the cat and Lambda, we ended up replacing both as well as a recon cylinder head before it passed the MOT. 2002 1.4i AUA.

Ian
 
Kleynie said:
I picked up one on eBay for £54 last year.

However, do be aware that a broken exhaust valve can also ruin the cat and Lambda, we ended up replacing both as well as a recon cylinder head before it passed the MOT. 2002 1.4i AUA.

Ian
Click to expand...
That's a worry! Presumably it wouldn't run well with a broken exhaust valve!

Think I'll give this one a miss with its history.

Thanks all for the input here - really helpful as always.
 
A2Dreamer said:
That's a worry! Presumably it wouldn't run well with a broken exhaust valve!

Think I'll give this one a miss with its history.

Thanks all for the input here - really helpful as always.
Click to expand...
It actually ran well until it was hot, then it started idling rough.

Ian
 
Wow, that's surprising...

I assume not the valve stem broken then, perhaps just a chip off the seating surface?
 
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