Southern UK mobile engine tuner required...

[derekgale]

Hi,

My 1983 Pininfarina spidereuropa 2000i has failed its annual safety test (MOT) on exhaust emissions - really high hydrocarbon levels. I need a mobile mechanic who knows about these cars to sort it out. Anyone in the UK know of a good one? I'm near the Oxfordshire/Wiltshire border.

Thanks for any help you can give.

Derek.

[So Cal Mark]

hydro carbons are unburned fuel, so you either have a misfire or an extremely rich (or lean) fuel condition

[pope]

Derek,I wonder when was the last time you replaced the oxygen sensor?

[manoa matt]

When you say UK engine tuner, only one name comes to mind.... Croft.

[mbouse]

the answer to this question prolly would be best received if posted at http://www.fiatforum.com

[MikeR]

Mike R - West Berkshire UK speaking.

I have just been through a similar experience.

For all things Spider in Oxfordshire there is, of course, the man himself - Tony Castle-Miller of Middle Barton Garage. In W. London the chaps at DTR keep most Spiders on the road. If you are just looking at a regular MoT emissions test then any competent mechanic should be able to sort it with the right testing equipment.

Here is what happened to me.

Last week my '82 FI Spider was running at 11% CO emissions! So prior to the MoT Test my local garage got her down to less than the 4% required for a UK MoT pass. I then sourced a new lambda (oxygen sensor) and we got her down to the <1% that the Fiat service book calls for. Running too rich 'knackers' the lambda sensor (that is a UK technical term for 'wrecks'), I am told.

I can recommend my local garage (Ben's Garage, Hungerford) on the W. Berks / Wilts border. PM me if you want to discuss.

After my MoT pass I went back for a full (all fluids) service and tune up. What a transformation! It turns out I was being too forgiving of a 26 year old car but I now have a beautifully running car thanks to Neal and Gavin at Ben's Garage. They certainly know their way around older cars.

[rlux4]

Good call Pope.
Ron

[So Cal Mark]

4% CO for a limit? geez, that would be a gross polluter here in Calif. We have to be under 1% to pass

[MikeR]

Yes for UK passenger cars :

First used before 1/8/1975 - Visual test only. Failure for excess idle speed, dense blue or black smoke for 5 seconds at idle or during acceleration up to 2500rpm or half engine max speed whichever lowest.
First used between 1/8/75 and 31/7/86 - meter test CO <=4.5%, HC<=1200ppm.
First used between 1/8/86 and 31/7/92 - meter test CO<=3.5%, HC<=1200ppm.
First used between 1/8/92 and 31/7/94 - advanced emission test (CAT) if its running on petrol when presented, to the vehicle specific limits usually around CO<=0.3%, HC<=200ppm and Lambda 0.97 - 1.03.

California certainly leads the way when it comes to reducing nasty niffs.