MOT failure due to emissions

I brought my '98 Freelander 1.8 to the garage this week for it's annual MOT check, 'APK' is wel call it here in The Netherlands. Some rubbers where worn and replaced no big problems.

The bigger problem was the emission check, the HC value (whatever that may be) was somewhere around 400, this should be 200. Also some other value can't remember which was 0.6 which should have been 0.5 max.

The mecanic also noticed that the exhaust temperature felt to cold, while the engine temperature was ok.

I have never really noticed anything wrong with the car, it's starts ok even at -8 and always runs stationary very well. Reving and driving at higher speeds are ok.

The only thing I did start to notice the last couple of weeks is a weird vibration. whilst driving slower like 20 to 60 k/ph. It feels as if somebody is tapping on the brake or cluth very very softly almost not noticable.

Would anyone have any ideas or suggestions?

Suggestions like; 'get a proper Land Rover' and 'try setting it on fire' are always helpfull....

Thanks!

HC = HydroCarbons

Hydrocarbons is what petrol essentually is. Sound like your lump needs a service. It isn't burning very well which suggests either the mixture is not correct, the injectors are not atomising properley, the air filter is restricting the engine from breathing or that spark plugs need adjustment / replacement.

Good luck.

They tried testing the car a second time with a much warmer engine. They drove for about 10 km's with the last 4 km's at high rpm's around 5000 (scary HGF risks). This time all seemed fine.

Huuuh? The engine is supposed to be at operating temperature before they do any tests isn't it? If it was cold then the mixture would be deliberately rich hence the high HC readings. Muppets...