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[Dr A. 33 1.5IE]

Dear all,

My Alfa is up the MOT monster probably tomorrow and I am checking everything in order to make it through and this time round.

I 've checked all the electrics and with the body being in a quite good state I think that everything will work out right.

The only thing that worries me a bit is that a couple months ago I visited an exchaust specialist, because there was a loose joint between the rear silenser and the middle part producing a funny sound as if the rear silenser has given up. Luckily and after a new rubber holder keeping the joint in the right place and a bit of exchaust putty everything is working just fine. But what put me in thought is that the guy checked the temps at the front and rear of the catalyst and claimed that I might need to change it.

I think that Gritsop has mentioned that the cat runs at about 3/4 of the cat's casing an so temps should be checked at that point and not at the rear tubing coming out of the cat.

What I would like you to tell me is what to do prior the test in order to bring the car in order for the test. Should I keep the car running all the time to get everything in the right temps? I am pretty sure that the car runs alright, but you probably know that MOT testers are looking even for the minimal of things to have the car rechecked.

Any hinds and tips towards that matter?

Any help will be greatly appreciated

Thanks in advance
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1994 Alfa 33 1.5 IE Cat. 220.000Kms and still going strong!!! (Από την Αθήνα και τώρα στην Λευκωσία)

[john 33_16v]

Hi,

Give the car a good thrash just before the MOT to get the cat and lambda working.

If emissions are a potential problem, removing the air filter element or putting in a new one can help.

I've also heared that on the 33 16v, putting on the heated rear window can drop the emissions, something to do with the ecu and lambda, this is probably an alfa urban legend, but you never know- anyone been able to test this for truth??

Cheers and good luck!

John
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If it aint broke, fiddle with it until it is!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
93 33 16v Mirtle Met
08 Fiat Grande Punto Exotica Red
90 Yamaha FZR600 Genesis- Silky white/red/blue

[stedee]

i agree with john ,give it a good thrash and change the air filter or take it out.
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brum brum

[BigAl]

Hope it passed the mot.
When i did the same thing for mine last mot the garrage had a system diagnostics and tested the lambda readings. I was told that the cats rarely go, usually the lambda sensor. Shure enough mine was out, so i took the sensor out, wire wheeled it clean and the readings were correct after refitting.
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x2 33 16v
pictures http://www.alfa-pages.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=5203

[mt]

Good luck Doc, hope it passes!

[Dr A. 33 1.5IE]

Dear Alfistas,

First of all I would like to thank you for your replies.

I have got good news fro my Alfa. It passed with flying colous. As you all mentionwed above a good trush of the exchaust and bringing the Lamda sensor to temperature provided me with a hussle free MOT check-up.

Bare in mind that the car is a 93' 1.5ie cated version 33 with almost 198.000 Kms on the clock i think that the money I spend on this car were money really well spend. I can also say that due to the relativelly dry climate of Cyprus the cars survive long rust free years as long as you keep waxing the bodies as during summer the thermometer over here climb well into 40-42 degrees celcius and the sun can easily melt a dashboard in a couple of years if you are not keeping the car in the shade. So what is extremelly important for Alfa's over here is to maintain the cooling system in top condition to avoid any disastrous results.

Anyway, once more thanks for your ideas and we will be in contact very soon!!!

If you need any help please do not hessitate to ask me (I might be able to help you)

Chears everyone
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1994 Alfa 33 1.5 IE Cat. 220.000Kms and still going strong!!! (Από την Αθήνα και τώρα στην Λευκωσία)