MOT Time

Some of my rather scarce spare time over the past month or so was spent preparing the cars for their biennial General Periodic Inspection (or MOT for the UK residents). First in line was ‘t Kreng. During her final check-up I couldn’t find much wrong. So I wasn’t surprised that she passed without any advisories. As always it was good to see that all the vital points were still spot on.

With a fresh MOT for ‘t Kreng she was put back in the shed. And the DHC was woken after a 9 months long hibernation, to be brought home. The engine did need some persuasion with a liberal dose of quick start in both carburettors. But after a few minutes on the road the cobwebs were already blown away. But the handling was a bit vague during the short drive. Hardly surprising as the tyre pressures had dropped a bit. From the usual 2,0 Bar all round to a random 1,7 to 1,8 Bar.

Another problem I found was a slight knocking noise while checking the LH front bearing for play, with the wheel of the ground. But I wasn't convinced it was coming from the bearing, as there seemed to be no play. There was also no noise coming from the bearing. First impression was that the captive nut for the shock absorber might be loose. Because I thought it was too hot for any physical work, I decided to try my luck and have the car MOT’ed.

But while turning of the motorway a few minutes away from the work shop I did smell fuel. And on arrival we soon found the culprit, another split fuel hose. For those who regularly follow these ramblings might have a Déja Vu! And another job for the up coming service.

Luckily the hose (supplying the rear carburettor) could be replaced within minutes. And the inspection could begin, starting with the emissions. And it immediately became clear that the engine was running a little better, compared to when the car was driven into the workshop. And the emissions were nicely within the prescribed limits too (CO ±3,5%; CO2 ±10,0% and λ ±1,0) They were actually more or less the same as ‘t Kreng’s.

All other inspection points were also passes without any advisories or worse! And the noise in the LH front suspension? That turned out to be a little play in the top cone caused by the fact the suspension wasn’t loaded, and as such not an inspection criteria. So another two year certificate of good health for both cars.