Lude Generation

Transferring myself over from the new members post.

Very happy to be ending the year with a MOT pass

Failed first time around on emissions. Talking to the garage they were giving it a full cat emissions test, but my understanding is that as a pre-95 import the BB4 model is not in the emissions standard book so should be given an easier emissions test. If anyone knows for sure I'd be interested to know.

Hi Tim
Good news on the pass.
That's correct - a BB4 should be tested to non-Cat emissions standard.

great to hear Tim! keep any updates to the car coming, big or small

Lo
Great stuff
Cheers
Toadster

First breakdown of the year, the starter motor stuck with no advance warning. At least it was at home at the time. Looked accessible but the bottom bolt needed a big extension. When taking the expansion bottle off found the rubber tube was split and the plastic pipe was blocked, lucky to spot those at the same time. Then the battery retaining clamp was threaded, took one off a sleeping Hillman Avenger which fits nicely.

Come to use the car yesterday and the engine light came on almost immediately pass me a paperclip

Nice work
What fault code did you get?

Code 41 was the new one. Thinking back, I topped up the clutch fluid right before it came on, I had a look to see if I disturbed any wiring but can't see anything obvious. Also have code 17 regularly as the speedometer connection drops.

error codes
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17 - VSS: Vehicle Speed Sensor - P0500 (circuit malfunction), P0501 (range/performance)
41 - Primary Oxygen Sensor Heater (HO2S) - P0135 (circuit malfunction), P1166 (system electrical), P1167 (system)

I have found that previously if the starter motor gets stuck on / doesn't disengage, it can play funny buggers with the voltage and make the car throw a few codes. If disconnecting the battery for an hour and a bit of driving doesn't clear any of the codes then it could well be true (whether caused by the starter issue or not - if you haven't driven the car much faults might just start to crop up coincidentally).