Forum:
I have just heard back from my mechanic that my Sportrak has failed its MOT due to the exhaust fumes as it is giving a false reading due to mis fire. Apparently this is v expensive to fix - something to do with valve replacement (head gasket????)- I'm not exactly sure what the actual problem is but I was wondering if its worth getting a second opinion or if any of you know what the actual problem is from this badly worded explaination and can give some advice( I know absolutely nothing about cars except the basics) - should I just bite the bullet and fork out the cash to get this fixed
Thanks
Leigh
Sounds suspicious
Get a second opinion from a reputable mechanic - preferable one not looking for immediate work! Failing on emissions might sound expensive but often its only a fuel mixture or electrical problem. I doubt if an exhaust reading would predict a valve fault without further investigation unless your mechanic is psychic. Get the distributor rotor arm checked, contact breaker inspected and gap adjusted, check the engine timing, renew the spark plugs, adjust the petrol mixture, check the air filter is clean and unblocked. That’s just for starters!
NB. If its a sticking valve then use Redex petrol additive to free the valve.
how old is the car, and what
how old is the car, and what sort of mileage is on the car?
poor emissions generally mean a few things, either burning oil, or unburnt fuel. if the vehicle is missfiring, the chances are it is either an electrical problem (spark plugs, distributer, earthing, coil leads etc)or a fuel problem (carbs/injecters clogged/worn) however, poor compression from a blown head gasket is another possibility, as is wear and tear on the engine. but its worth eliminating the cheap things first!
check the oil filler cap and dipstick, if they look "milky".. that and pressurised water (sometimes with oil floating in it) ..would point to a head gasket.
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it depends how much you trust
it depends how much you trust your mechanic. sorry to say but if its failed on emissions it generally means its going to be expensive. hope it works out for ya
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M.O.T
Hi Leigh,
I would certainly get a second opinion most likley needs a good service and a tune up as the other guys have said.
Alfie.
M.O.T
Hi Leigh,
I would certainly get a second opinion most likley needs a good service and a tune up as the other guys have said.
Alfie.
Extra info
Thanks for all the replies
I had left the car in for MOT and service but after the car came back from the failed MOT he called me up to explain why it had failed (which off course went in one ear and out the other)and that there was no point paying for a service until I decided what I wanted to do. When I went round to pick up the car and paid for MOT the invoice did say something about investigative work to find out what was causing the reading.
Don't want to be seen as poki
Don't want to be seen as poking my nose in the minute I've joined but it could well be oil getting past valve stem seals. Head off isn't that bad a job, access isn't too bad, just a bit high up I suppose. Main problem comes if you don't have the equipment to skim the head if it needs it. Not often necessary with modern engine design as the head gaskets take up small irregularities.
Whoops I'm babbling on.......good luck with sorting it out.