Too much smoke
Page 79
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• Almost 17% of all the vehicles which took up Workshop's offer of a free smoke check failed to meet the standard required in the annual test. This is despite the Vehicle Inspectorate's (VI) last minute change of the limit for turbocharged engines up to 3.7m (naturally aspirated engines stay at 3.2m-1).
The results show that many vehicles need rectification to reduce their emission levels.
Another myth dispelled by the tests is that the smoke levels are related to age of the vehicle. One V-registered truck recorded a smoke level of only 1.16m' — while a II-registered vehicle failed the test abysmally, recording 5. 5m-I.
The higher limit on tur bocharged engines is to allow for turbo lag, says the VI.
In the past, says the VI, the smoke check was carried out when pulling against the vehicle brakes with the turbo up to speed. The new test is carried out by accelerating the engine from idle.
By computerising the test the VI says it is removing the subjective element but stresses that it is only borderline cases that will be affected. The new meter came on line for roadside spot checks on 1 September. Voluntary smoke checks will be available to operators at about £7.50 per test.
fl From 1 January 1996 smoke limits will be reduced to 2. 5m-1 for naturally aspirated engines and 3. Urn for turbocharged engines.