tested annually to ensure that it is being maintained in a roadworthy condition. The test fee paid to the garage covers the cost of carrying out the inspection whether the vehicle passes the test or fads, so it makes sense to carry out your own pre-test check beforehmd. Bear in mlnd that even a simple item Iike a parking Iamp or one of the screen washers not working could "fail" the car. Obviously a DIY owner will not be able to examine a car to the same standard of inspection as an official tester, but you could avoid a needless failure certificate just by being aware of the checks that the tester will make.

All the items that will come under the tester's scrutiny are included in this repair manual, although this book is not compiled specifically for passing the test. However, if you work your way tluough the items shown on these two pages and turn to the appropriate page, you will have the information required either to check or service the relevant compo-

..... LIGHTING EQUIPMENT.. .Pages 24, 152

AU external lights must be in working order including the headlamp main and dipped beam - and visible from a reasonable distance. Light lenses and reflectors must not be damaged or missing. The indicators must flash at the correct rate - between one and two flashes per second - and the panel warninp. lights must also be functioning. Headlamps must be correctly ahgned. The stop lamps must illuminate whenever the foot brake is used.

STEERING. .................. Pages 21,114

Check for excessive play in all steering components from the road wheels to the steering wheel. Check for any unusual stiffness in the steering operation. The steering wheel should freely turn from one side through to full lock on the other side. Feel for play in the lower column universal joint, the rack mountings and steering ball joints. Examine the steering column bushes for wear by pushing the steering wheel back and forth well as sideways. Examine the gaiters for any splits or tearing.

I

. . . . . . . WHEEL BEARINGS. Pages 21,123,131

Rdse and support each wheel in turn and check for bearing slackness or roughness by turning the wheel. A worn bearing will either be heard or felt a t the tyre as the wheel turns. Grasp the wheel at the top and bottom then sock it to check for excessive or insufficient bearing dear- mce. If the bearings appear to be damaged or worn, or if there are any signs of grease leakage from the oil seals, the hub assembly should be overhauled. The condition should be checked whenever a wheel is off the ground, for whatever reason.

................................................................ SEATBELTS Page25

T h e MOT tester will check the .seat belts for security and the fabric for chafmg and any obvious damage. Check the belt locking mechanism by pulling slowly out of the top mounting, then sharply. The belt should instantly lock. The belt should retract smoothly once released. Check the belt and stalk mounting points for security. There should be no struc- tural rust near the seat belt mounting points.

Fig. B:21 Location of distributor clamp bolt Fig, B:22 OHV engine ignition and cylinder numbering

I

I

Fig. B:23 Idle speed air control screw - Solex Fig. B:24 Idle mixture oantrol screw - Solex

Fig. B:25 Tampetproof seal - Zenith carburettor Fig. B:26 Idle adjustment screws - Zenith

!

Fig. B :27 Tamperproof seal - Webez carburettor Fig. B : 28 Idle adjustment screws - Webe?

Tune-up 35

8471ClJ engines

L

841 /A1 MldPM engines

py C E e

LL

I

tions sfiould be ~f not, he carburettor settings Screw (B, Figs- B:24 & B:26) by small amounts at a time until the correct CO or vacuum reading, or mixture colour be incorrect.

1 . oher enme functions, for example, clear- obtained, depen'hg on the eq'i~men' bekg us''. ancer, ignition timing lould be correc~y adjusted 5 . Readjust idle speed if necessary as detailed previously

and working as detailed previously in this in operation 1. foliowed by readjustment of the mixture

ter. setting until a satisfactory idle speed is obtained.

2. Check that the inlet manifold is without any air leaks including the security of emission system pipes. W e k r Carburettor Adjustment 3. The engine should be a t normal operating tempera- 1. Check the idle speed - see TECHNICAL DATA far ture. Either drive the car for a few miles or allow the specifjcation. If the idle speed is outsjde the specfied engine to fast idle for at least 15 minutes, depending on limits, adjust by turning the throttle stop screw (A, Fig. t h e season. 8: 28) to obtain the correct speed. 4. The air cleaner should be in position when attempting NOTE: NomIIy, no adjusment of the mix rure setting to adjust the idle speed. The choke flap valve should also will be necessaty. However, (f the engine will not die be hUy open (verticd), remove the cover over the carhi- smoothly at the correct idle speed, or the CO Ievel is retter intake to check this. If suspect, see FUEL found to be outside the specified limits, check and adjust SYSTEM chapter. Refit the cover before adjustment. as follows: 5. A1I electrical components such as lights, heater 2. Remove the tamperproof seal from the idle mixture blower motor and radio should be switched off during the control screw (Fig. B:27). adjustment procedure. 3. Connect up an exhaust gas analyser, vacuum gauge 6. On automatic transmission models, the selector lever (to the brake servo vacuum pipe take-off on manifold) or should be in the 'D' position with the handbrake fully a Colortune test plug in accordance with the equipment applied and the wheels securely chocked to prevent move- manufacturer's instructions. ment. 4. Run the engine at a fast idle for about half a minute 7. If not already fitted to the car, a tachometer or rev- then, with the engine idling, turn the idle mixture control counter should be connected to the ignition circuit. Con- screw (B, Fig, B: 78) by small amounts at a time until the necl the meter Red lead to the ignition coil (-) Negative correct CO or vacuum reading, or mixture c01our is ob- terminal, and the meter Black lead to a good Eatth on the tained, depending on the equipment being used. car body. 5 . Readjust the idle speed if necessary as detailed pre- 8. No 1 cylinder spark plug and fit the Color- viously in operation 1. followed by readjustment of the tune plug and lead connector. mixture setting untd a satisfactory idle speed is obtained.

I I

In the UK, it is not a legal requirement for a new seal to SolexlZenith Carburettor Adjustment be fitted once any adjustment has been carried out, how- ever, in certain EEC countries the adjustment screws I. Check the idle speed - see TECI-TNICAL DATA for

should be sealed. specification. If adjustment is required, adjust the idle I

speed by turning the idle air screw (Fig. B:23) on Solex carburettors, or the throttle stop screw A, Fig. B:26 on Zenith carburettors, to obtain the correct speed,

Special Tools NOTE: Nommlly, no adjustment of the mkture setting will be necessary. However, if the engine will not idle

Before attempting to tune the carburettor, you will smoothly at the correct idle speed, or the CO Imel is need an accurate tachometer or revcounter plus a vacuum found to be outside the specified limirs, check a& adjusr gauge or Gunson's Colortune plug for checking and adjust- as follows: ing the mixture. The latter are available from most car 2, Remove the tamperproof seal from the mixture con- accessory shops, In addition, a few standard screwdrivers trol screw (13, figs. 8: 24 & 8:26). and a pair of pliers will be needed. 3. Connect up an exhaust gas analyser, vacuum gauge

(to brake servo vacuum pipe takeaff on manifold) or a Colortune test plug in accordance with the equipment

Idle Adjustment, Preparatory Conditions manufacturer's instructions. 4. Run the engine a t fast idle for about half a minute,

~~f~~~ he carburettor, the foUowjng eondim 'hen, with en@e idling, the mixture

,