S2 Running rich.... Why?

[Simon_P]

In the UK they will not test a car with a leaking exhaust as the Emissions Test is not valid so I reckon that's why Simon's car failed.

Too much guessing Phil!
It didn't fail for a leaking exhaust it failed on emissions "Exhaust Lambda reading after second fast idle outside specified limits (8.2.1.2 (c))" The tester said it was probably due to a small leak in the exhaust system but he couldn't find one.

In the UK they will not test a car with a leaking exhaust as the Emissions Test is not valid

In answer to your earlier question. If exhaust is only at positive pressure a leak would only let gas out there would be no effect on the Emissions test.

[Simon_P]

I had a PROM error on 2/8/10. That was after a flat battery and it soon cleared.

That's the Geeky bit, quoting the date that you had a prom error... or were you referring to a mathematical series?

[GeoffSmith]

I had a PROM error on 2/8/10. That was after a flat battery and it soon cleared.

That's the Geeky bit, quoting the date that you had a prom error... or were you referring to a mathematical series?

Oh it was very geeky. I know the date because I collect .es files.

[HJ2]

Sorry to see no update yet.
Could an off base timing cause rich running?

[Simon_P]

Hi HJ

Could an off base timing cause rich running?

Yes and no. Your question may be mixing cause and effect.
Yes Ignition timing has a direct effect on emissions so it is worth checking that it is correct.

can you post an elanscan ?

[HJ2]

So, I put the car on the lift yesterday to check for any leaks first.
Also I wanted to replace the seals for CAS and bung as they developend another leak over the years (even with Viton seals)

So I started with scooping out the guts on the left side of the engine, pushed the header tank out of the way and... CRACK! The tank splintered and the ferule was no longer part ot the assembly... Now i need a new header tank
Then I removed the heat shields over turbo and exhasut manifold, only to find out that one manifold nut was completely undone!

When I attempted to re-torque, the thread stripped completely out of the head
Does anyone have some good- or bad experience with placing helicoils? (I know I will soon...)

[HJ2]

An update on this:

I removed the manifold and lumb (...) To find out that i need an 90 deg. angled drill to cut the old M10 thread away in the head. I was able to source one second hand and then I could finally place the helicoil.
Also I found out that one of the 4 studs that hold the downpipe was broken as well. Off course it was the only blind hole of the 4 studs...
Anyway, Everything is back together now and it looks like the engine is once again a smooth runner!

Now I need to visit a friendly garage to check with an exhaust gas analyser to see if all of this cured the rich running.
It sounds smoother allready, but for all i know this could be just between my ears..