SVA On Wednesday

[nearly thers]

The test was just a visual. He wanted to see that the the fronts didn't lock before the rears ( I think it was that way around) and no he didn't use the decelerometer.

Didn't realise the handbrake was exempt in that area. Maybe I'll give them a call about that one.

No tonneau fitted or hood of any kind.

Got the written confirmation of the failure today with a little note that he got mixed up regarding the emmissions test and that it isn't just visible smoke for a 1977 engine. So I have to have that checked too next time, not that it should be an issue.

Neil

[nearly thers]

Originally Posted by dave

Bad luck there Neil.
The handbrake is in an exempt zone on a Dax, so shouldn't fail on any radius issues.

Did the tester actually spray water on the windscreen in order to test the wiper speed? If not, he cocked up there too.

Good luck with the re test.

Dave

Yeah he did keep the screen wet, I've just tested it again and got 37 sweeps a minute. regulation is 45 a minute. Any ideas on how to speed it up? I'm using the higher angled drive in the gearbox, can't remember the figure, possibly 135 degrees. Will the car pass with the 90 degree angle box because surely this will mean it will sweep faster?

As for the handbrake, I just had a read of the regs and I guess you are refering to Annex 2 of section 6 "The specified area" as to why the lever is exempt in the Dax?

As for the full beam failure, the relay was sticky. Tried it off the car with a 12v power supply and it hesitated to operate. Replaced it and lights are now good.

My big concern now is why the battery just couldn't cope. The alternator is punching out over 13v so I'm wondering if the the battery is knackered, even though it was new only a year ago. Guess it hasn't seen much work other than starting and running in the driveway. Any ideas?

Neil

[TonyD]

I wouldnt think that the battery would be knackered after only a year.

Have you checked your earths, both battery to chassis and engine to chassis? 13v would seem adequate to charge although its just a wee bit on the low. Is the alternator belt tight enough. It can slip without squeeling with the result that the ignition warnng light goes out but the battery isn't getting sufficient charge.

If after all this the battery is still duff take it back and get a replacement under guarantee. A year of occasional use is nowt for a battery.

Cheers,

Tony

[nearly thers]

Well to cut a long story short she passed the SVA yesterday and is having the DVLA inspection tomorrow morning!

For those who want the long story....

To fix the problems I did the following:

1, Battery charging problem - I removed the battery charging light to fit a brake fluid warning light in it's position as the LED I was using for the warning would possibly fail as it didn't have the brake symbol on it. When I did this I just stowed the charge light wiring neatly out the way. Did you know the charge light is an important part of your voltage regulation circuit and without it the alternator does nothing! I connected a lamp back in and tucked it under the dashboard out the way. System all o.k. What a relief

2, Wipers too slow - stripped gearbox and lubed with some fresh grease, with a fully charged battery all is now o.k

3, Door shut edge exposed - edge strip fitted, instant pass.

4, handbrake Handle radius too small - Decided although this part is in the exempt area it was nothing to file off the edges, a bit of filler to make it more rounded and then cover in some heatshrink. Looks o.k. met the requirements and no arguments with the examiner.

5, brake test - Went for it on the pedal this time, 30mph and locked the girl up fine. he was happy but said even if it hadn't he would have passed it on the rolling road figures.

6, Emissions test (forgot to do on first test) - Car was running a bit lean if anything so a clear pass.

7, No full beam - Replaced relay, all good. Adjusted aim at the test centre with the examiner. Thank you Mr Examiner.

Big smiles!!!! Couldn't fault Northam for the profesionalism shown by the examiner.

Thoroughly enjoyed the drive yesterday morning and I think the wife even smiled a couple of times too. I tried to explain it is normal to come home smelling of exhaust fumes!

So now the big question, once I have this examination tomorrow, how long before I will get a registration number / document so I can get some plates made?

Neil

[Toddy]

From my inspection to getting authority to get plate a month !
Other people seem to be able to do it in days

[wilf]

Congratulations!

[rocketmut]

Originally Posted by Toddy

From my inspection to getting authority to get plate a month !
Other people seem to be able to do it in days

Mine took six working days,but Ithink its a case of how long is a....
Well done bye the way!!

[Toddy]

Oh yeah Well Done

[nearly thers]

Well inspection took all of ten minutes. Looked at the chassis number, engine number and then glanced under the car to confirm the suspension and axles were Jaguar components (don't think he would have actually known if they were or not to be honest!).

All went well and I will be getting an age related plate, as for how long it will take.....

Quote "you should hear from us within seven days" when I mentioned that I hadn't paid any money yet he said you will definitely hear from us soon. Hopefully fully road legal soon!

Couldn't really believe it needed another inspection from a government agency after the SVA but I guess that's why we pay so much tax!

Still it was a pleasure to take her down the local bypass on the best day of the year so far!

Neil