The dreaded IVA

The dreaded IVA

Well I met the IVA man (Alan), I have to say  he was very fair, the test took about two hours for my test the maximum is 6hrs. One of the first items was the Emissions and I failed at the first hurdle. The Lambda ratio was too high. If you want to understand more read: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxygen_sensor

Basically I am producing more Oxygen versus un-burnt fuel thus potentially overheating the CAT. The system is closed loop so I have to investigate what the Oxygen sensor is reading versus what the ECU is doing in response. There is a product called a Lambda Tester that I need to investigate as it may give me a diagnostic tool in this case. The ideal Lambda ratio is 1:1 and the limit set is 1.03 and my car is producing 1.06. The reported most likely cause of such a problem is a minor leak in the exhaust system. I suspect the exhaust manifold gasket, proving it may be another matter.

Here are some pictures of the days events and the Lambda was the only fail:

Brake Test

Further discussion Lambda reading



Mirror and handling tests

References:

Contents: http://sylvabuild.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/sylva-j15-is-kit-car-designed-by-jeremy.html

MoT before IVA

MoT before IVA

I have the 14th June 2013 booked for the IVA inspection, in an attempt to check as much out as possible before the men from the ministry do their worst I decided to do an MoT first. Apparently you can do an MoT on an unregistered car provided it has a VIN number. Paul AS from the Locost forum gave me the lead on this. Potentially the following advantages are obtained taking it to a MoT station especially if the MoT man is as helpful as Colin at Regent Motors:

* Brake efficiency and handbrake balance
* Headlight alignment
* Emissions
* Wheel alignment (Not part of MoT)
* Safety check and comment on the build
* Lighting compliance check

In fact this was the second time at the MoT station the first time the following faults were found on a pre MoT inspection.

* Emissions were too high (Lambda %)
* Breaking efficiency poor
* Leaking offside rear calliper flexible hose
* Steering excessive play
* Advisory poor focus on headlamps due to fogging up of glass in the headlamps (it was a wet day).

I the interim I made an attempt to better seal the exhaust manifold, bedded in the brakes by use on private roads, replaced the rear flexible hoses, and replaced the UJ's on the steering.

The new MoT test revealed the fogging up problem still persisted but all the other issues were resolved. The emissions were apparently still too high. Colin was not taking into account the engine was from a donor vehicle 15 Years old in design terms. A pass certificate was issued after discussions with VOSA and a retest of the emissions. On return from the MoT the headlamp lenses were cleaned from the inside finally curing the fogging up issue and a spanner check was done on all the suspension bolts. Only two more days to go for the IVA inspection.

Colin at Regent Motors

References

Regent Motors MoT garage and helpful service.
Contents: http://sylvabuild.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/sylva-j15-is-kit-car-designed-by-jeremy.html