Failed Smog (HC ppm emissions)

[Wolfe008]

I barely failed in the category of HC, low speed. I got 58 and the max allowed is 51...at high speeds I passed getting 35, and the max is 35. What cheap steps can I take hopefully correct this problem. I've been told I heavier oil, go with a straight oil, 30 or 40 weight (not blend) go to pep boys and get some additive thing that lowers the HC (not even sure what this is, neither was the mechanic who told me) Fuel injector cleaner (the stuff u add to the gas tank, similar to above ^ ) spark plugs suggestions please...

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[99 GT vert]

the only suggestion i have is to move to a state that doesn't have emissions testing

[0949er]

I wonder if you could get your car tuned down real low just for the test? But even then, you will have to re-tune it again, and depending on if you have a tuner or have somebody do it for you, that could get pretty pricey.

do you have cats? If not, there probably isn't really much you can do except get it tested w/ cats on. (which would mean more then likely a new mid pipe)

[Frostbitten]

you just need to run the car hard before you take it to get tested. it will burn out your cats and lower the hc's. the stuff carried at most parts stores is called "Guaranteed to Pass". That is meant for cars that are having problems and cant pass. If your car is running good it shouldnt need it. I dont think different oil will make a difference. I would stick with the recommended weight. A good thing to try would be something that cleans the valves like a good fuel injector cleaner. I always use lucas brand. If you really want to get serious you could take the intake off and clean all the accumulated oil out of it

[Wolfe008]

Originally Posted by Frostbitten

you just need to run the car hard before you take it to get tested. it will burn out your cats and lower the hc's. the stuff carried at most parts stores is called "Guaranteed to Pass". That is meant for cars that are having problems and cant pass. If your car is running good it shouldnt need it. I dont think different oil will make a difference. I would stick with the recommended weight. A good thing to try would be something that cleans the valves like a good fuel injector cleaner. I always use lucas brand. If you really want to get serious you could take the intake off and clean all the accumulated oil out of it

I think "guaranteed to pass" and the fuel injector clearer are both administered the same way, pour in the gas tank...so which one would be better? or should I do the injecter cleaner, and on the 2nd tank of gas right before the test do the guaranteed to pass flued...


Thanks

[smitty2919]

like stated above, drive the care for a bit before going to get it tested....up to operating temp if you didnt before. seems like you are on the threshold for pass/fail

that combined with the "guarentee to pass" stuff may work

[H0SS302]

the cheapest way would be to put the stock midpipe back on.. ull pass with flying colors and it only takes 30 mins to swap it out

[Derf00]

HC is hydrocarbons usually caused by blow-by (oil) in the exhaust. Best solution is to decarbonize your intake and clean out your PCV tube. Decarbonization can be done by you. Get some Berrymans throttle body and intake cleaner, disconnect the inlet tube from teh intake where it connects to the intake manifold. Start her up (preferabbly have someone to keep the engine running as it may want to stall). and spray away until the can is empty.

This cleans out all of the carbon, oil film, and sludge that builds up in the intake. Run it around no higher than medium throttle until you take it to get smogged. WOT tends to cause blowby because of the added pressure in the PCV system.

[Repzard]

Maybe run some seafoam through your vaccume line on brake booster.

That will clean out any carbon.

Just a idea.

[Derf00]

That would work too