First MOT under My Ownership

[codekiddie]

Tomorrow will be the cars first MOT under My Ownership :? and I wondered if there was anything that I should look out for at the MOT test centre.

For example, I'm sure I have read here somewhere that some testers insist that the handbrake cable is too slack, when it is actually correct for the car. Any other things for me to keep in mind? Forewarned is forearmed as they say

 

[harveyp6]

Make sure they don't jack it up under the ends of the inner sills.......

Oh, and don't expect them to know anything about P6's and how they're supposed to be....

If the handbrake cable is set correctly there shouldn't be any slack in it.

 

[codekiddie]

Make sure they don't jack it up under the ends of the inner sills.......

Thanks Harvey. Where would you say is the best place for them to do so?

Oh, and don't expect them to know anything about P6's and how they're supposed to be....

Sounds like the voice of experience :?

If the handbrake cable is set correctly there shouldn't be any slack in it.

I was sure I read something about slack handbrake cables, must be another senior moment :shock:

 

[harveyp6]

Make sure they don't jack it up under the ends of the inner sills.......

Thanks Harvey. Where would you say is the best place for them to do so?

Under the crossmember at the front. (Which they won't like because it will need jacking up higher than their jacking beams like to go to get the wheels off the ground). As for the rear, that should really be done on the jacking point, but that's never going to happen, so as it's only an excercise to get the wheels free of the ground, then under the rear of the trailing arms is probably best.

Oh, and don't expect them to know anything about P6's and how they're supposed to be....

Sounds like the voice of experience :?

Ain't that the truth!

If the handbrake cable is set correctly there shouldn't be any slack in it.

I was sure I read something about slack handbrake cables, must be another senior moment :shock:

You probably have read that, and if it was in conjunction with an MOT test, then that proves my point that most of the testers haven't got a clue what they're talking about. The cable should be set so that there is no slack at rest, but the quadrants on the calipers are still back on their stops. The cables get taken up to compensate when the pads aren't fitted and set up correctly.

 

[codekiddie]

Well she passed with flying colours today I am happy to report, so we are all good until 20th June 2014

I took her to a garage suggested by my next door neighbour, who he uses for his classics, and there is some comfort in using a recommended garage over one you take pot luck with.

I didn't have to say a word to the guy about jacking points, and he has also worked on P6's in the past, which again is a good thing to know. He is also an owner of his own classics, so at least he understands how we all feel about our cars. Needless to say, she will be returning there in June next year.

 

[Dave3066]

Great stuff, well done!

Dave

 

[Mikep]

Nice one Phil

 

[Anonymous]

Well done! I bet that was a relief.

 

[codekiddie]

Thanks guys. To say I was relieved is an understatement. Being new to the P6 when I purchased it, meant I had looked for the usual pitfalls mentioned in forums like this etc... but that was still no guarantee that I hadn't bought a bad car.

As it turned out, the tester thought she was in great shape, and very solid which is quite reassuring, and I intend to keep her in that state for as long as I am able