Well interesting results with the MOT, but on to that later.
I decided to get a few parts swapped out as the likely causes of the emissions issue before retesting. The following parts were last changed as a full set as such in:
Lambda - Jan 2015
Spark Plugs - June 2016
So decided to get these changed, the spark plugs would give an idea on engine health too. Old ones removed -
Cylinder 4 looks oily but that was most likely due to the VVT solenoid leak I had about a year ago. So think its actually fine in those regards
Cylinder 3 - looks different to the others but this one was actually replaced temporarily in summer as I think my underside of the bonnet pressure washing caused water ingress and killed the plug!
So overall, nothing dramatic there...
New bits ordered anyway including a Bosch lambda -
Plugs switch over and even treated it to a new inlet manifold gasket!
And then the new lambda, what a pain in the arse that connector is to plug in, my hands are far too large for the space!!
And the result? Well it all looked a bit gloomy to start with, took the car for a hard drive lasting about 30 mins to warm it up and then got it on the emissions tester. Could see the screen across the garage and plenty of red was on display, so thought a fail was inbound! At this point I'm contemplating why I bother with it haha!
However even though the first fast idle struggled, during the second one the emissions came right down and scraped a pass!
In reality, not quite sure what caused the stark difference but it survives for another year.
Also surprised nobody has picked up on the garage name yet!!