I think it depends on the engine condition and also how well the old oil is drained out in the first place. 5k miles or every six months should be fine.. I’ve also read that fresh oil plays a big part in keeping oil seals in good condition. The cost isn’t that much if you change the oil yourself. Also if your oil is very clean at 5k miles then I don’t think you’ll need to change the oil filter. Just dump the oil at 5k miles. Then change the oil and filter on the next 5k miles oil service.
zitaM
I had the same problem with mine, failed 3 retests as well >_>.
Basically, the emissions to pass are way, way lower than most cars and can be a pain, try giving it a bit of a thrashing to clear out the engine a bit, new oil, new oil filter.
We had to disconnect the air filter from it to get it through, and it only just passed.
Plugs and air filter normally do the trick. - Start there before you ever touch the cat.
(27-10-2010 07:57 PM)Georgie Wrote: [ -> ]Plugs and air filter normally do the trick. - Start there before you ever touch the cat.
And an Italian tuneup:
engine fully warmed up and driven at least 5 miles.
Find nice quiet road.
5000rpm in first second and third a few times then a 10 mile drive with engine in third at 60mph. Clears out cat, exhaust and cylinder head.
cat in particular gets really hot and burns off all carbon and carp fishing accumulated..
(If engine is in poor condition, this can kill it of course).
As far as oil changes, we had a 106 diesel which did 47 k miles in 17 years. Changed oil and filter every year - semi synthetic oil. Average journey was under 1 mile so ideal for destroying engines.
After 17 years, engine was virtually as new - no oil burning, started first time and full power..
Air filters changed every 5 years - cleaned out annually.
Car was on its original rear exhaust .
(Cam belt changed twice in that time and long life antifreeze. Original radiator looked like new)
