Emissions test-please give advice on how to prepare..

[Jasikasisback]

Finally taking the golf for the MOT...although it had some difficulties with the emissions test last year. so I am not holding my breath this year...at 135 000 miles it may be the end...

Anyway I will be doing the following for the emissions test:

Change the oil and filter a few days before the test
New air filter
Plugs and dizzy cap changed 5000 miles ago...plugs still look ok
Coolant  changed three months ago
Put premium unleaded into the tank before the test
Drive the car on the motorway for 45min before the test

I was wondering what additives people have used and if any have helped. I have put redex cleaner into the petrol tank and hope it has made a difference (about two weeks ago). Maybe an engine flush (Wynns/Halfords other brand is good?) would make some sort of difference?

Would be nice to get another 12 months out of the Golf......

[WadGTI]

You can try some redex before the test. i have done this before and magaed to get one of my cars to pass.

I had aother a few years back - failed, went off for 20 mins and gave it a good boot, drove it straight back into the garage and the emissions were read straight away and passed.

[Len]

Take the Lambda out and clean it.
Injection cleaner.

If it fails

Try another test station until you find one it passes on!

[Jasikasisback]

I've been advised not to remove the lambda as it is difficult to get out abd the threads usually get damaged and you can't replace it. Besides the point, what do you clean the deposits off of it?

[tweed]

Fit a second cat for the test 

The cat could be the reason why it was difficult last year.

[GOLF-MK3-GTI]

get em to pass Emissions on another car. Simple 

[Jasikasisback]

Well I highly doubt they will go for that..I have a spare catalytic converter, but have no idea how to test it to see if it is good or not....

[boneybradley]

take it for an Italian tune up.... worked with mine 

[Jasikasisback]

i hope it does as well. will give it a good 30-45 min blast on the motorway before the test. i hope they are in a good mood!

[northeast_gti-t]

Fit a second cat for the test 

The cat could be the reason why it was difficult last year.

I was told that one on mine mine was about 0.20ppm adrift of passing so the tester added some additive and it got through  i shall do the same just before i take it in next year can't see the need to replace the cat