I have just read that from Jan 12 the MOT will check for the presence of a CAT if originally fitted although not required before 93. Anyone in this band might be sensible to get an MOT this month if the CAT has been removed.

I've just asked our MOT tester, and he said cars from H reg onwards MUST have a catalytic converter fitted.

 

Now I'm sure I read somewhere that imports up to 1995 are exempt from this too. I'll check that out later.

This is only applicable to cars that require a full cat test - ours dont as they are not in the emissions database (up to '95 vehicles only)

 

from the new manual - "On vehicles that qualify for a full cat emissions test, check the presence of the catalytic converter."

I've just asked our MOT tester, and he said cars from H reg onwards MUST have a catalytic converter fitted.

 

Now I'm sure I read somewhere that imports up to 1995 are exempt from this too. I'll check that out later.

 

Tell him he should do a refresher course ;)

Tell him he should do a refresher course ;)

 

:thumbup::clap::lol:

I can see a lot of people fitted gutted cats in the near future. From what I can gather it doesnt affect the end result on test whether it is there or not, so this 'visual check for its existence' is likely to end up with a lot of straight thru cats.

:thumbup::clap::lol:

 

Im not testing anymore but i still hear of sorry tales regarding the "discretion" of idiot testers.Tyre garages always seem the worst,some of the fails ive seen are hilarious.Rear pads are a goody and worn or pitted discs that were advisory only imho.I had a call from an employee at the garage i used to test because the tester had failed his car over a 40% imbalance on the rear,i told him thats not right as uneven application only applies on the rear service brake.The test quality varies so much between stations its untrue.

Im not testing anymore but i still hear of sorry tales regarding the "discretion" of idiot testers.Tyre garages always seem the worst,some of the fails ive seen are hilarious.Rear pads are a goody and worn or pitted discs that were advisory only imho.I had a call from an employee at the garage i used to test because the tester had failed his car over a 40% imbalance on the rear,i told him thats not right as uneven application only applies on the rear service brake.The test quality varies so much between stations its untrue.

 

Im sure you meant front ;) :whistling: :D

 

yes - sadly everyone thinks that the test is down to the testers opinion - in most cases the fail criteria is quite plain & written down in black & white.

 

The only thing that is subjective is wear - even then most components have to be clearly at the point of complete failure before it is a MOT failure!! VOSA will always tell you - if in doubt then you should probably just pass & advise!!

Iirc the rears can be failed for uneven application,Vosa word it as not rising at the same rate dont they or words to that effect ?

I've just asked our MOT tester, and he said cars from H reg onwards MUST have a catalytic converter fitted.

 

Now I'm sure I read somewhere that imports up to 1995 are exempt from this too. I'll check that out later.

 

Tell him he should do a refresher course ;)

 

LOL - I'm with Rich on that one too....!!

 

As Paul says, the 300zx is not in the emissions database....

 

....and as for "other cars" your tester needs to check his database, as cats were compulsory additions to new cars from 1/8/1992 - K-reg onwards!!

 

Richard:1eye:

Dont imports sidestep the cat test anyway?

 

Sure mine just gets a basic non cat test.

Now I'm sure I read somewhere that imports up to 1995 are exempt from this too. I'll check that out later.

 

Any import that is not on the emissions database needs only comply with the non-cat test, regardless of age.

Any import that is not on the emissions database needs only comply with the non-cat test, regardless of age.

 

A common misconception - imports are tested as normal from the date of first use other than the exception (never seen this before either!) listed below from the testers manual:

 

Personal Imports: The vehicle will be tested according to its age from first use. The only exemption to this is if the vehicle owner can present to the tester at time of test a letter from the vehicle manufacturer stating that the particular engine as originally installed could not meet the equivalent British emission standards. If this is the case, then test to the next lower emission standard. e.g. A 1995 car first used in Africa has a letter from the engine manufacturer stating that the particular engine (engine number to be stated) cannot meet Catalyst emission limits, then use the pre cat limits of CO 3.5%, HC 1200ppm.