Exhaust boxes and fumes

[Andrew S]

Trying to help someone as when following their Stag it always smells of fumes. Mixture going by the plugs looks OK.
It has been like this for years now and would be good to get sorted
Boxes were are stainless and were fitted secondhand around 30 years ago.
It’s not a petrol smell and it doesn’t burn oil

My question is, despite giving it long runs and Italian tune ups, can boxes choke up and become contaminated?
Ive followed the car at 70mph and could smell it mildly
Any other thoughts appreciated
Cheers
Andrew

[Wheelz]

Any sign of problems from MOT emission test results? (high Hydrocarbons etc).

[Andrew S]

Hi Chris
Has not been on the old MOT machine for years as it was exempt being a 1975 but this might be a good start.

[APS]

Just be careful, it may be best to take to a garage to get the emissions tested and not MOT’d until you are sure you can get it to pass.

You say your car is a 1975 car, but when in 1975. Pre August 1975 petrol car emissions are tested by sight.

if your car fails the emissions test, it fails the MOT.

If my understanding is correct if your car fails the MOT then it should not be driven on public roads even if it is exempt. Because you will have a failed recorded against the car. I think you may have to get it to pass again before you can use it. The car needs to be maintained in a road worthy condition otherwise the long arm of the law are still able to get you.

just had my recently acquired car MOTd for first time in 5 years for peace of mind. I now intend to do it annually.

[Andrew S]

Totally agree with your comments. I am due to take my classic Mini for its MOT in about an hour and know the tester well so will ask top see if it can just be tested without being logged in

[Lingen]

Andrew.
It would be worth asking your MOT station to do an emissions test, but I doubt if it will be far out if it is running ok. I think we forget how any old car today can smell "Fumy", compared to anything fitted with a catalytic converter. After all, that is what the "Cats" were designed to stop. The older the car, the worse the smell in my experience, especially in cold weather. The answer is not to follow too close behind one!
Mike.

[Andrew S]

Thanks Mike, you're quite correct

I Spoke to ,y friendly MOT chum who incidentally loves Stags and he can test the emissions any time. Logging the car in but does not link to the MOT. They use it for servicing

[sujitroy]

I took my colleague from India for a spin in my Stag. First thing he said" Is this a diesel car?" Those were the days I couldn't get more than 10 to 12 miles per US gallon from my auto Stag.