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Kalifornia and Smog Check II

Hello,

I just completed and passed my Smog Check II for my 89 Toyota 4WD SR5 V6 Pickup. All of my readings were very low compared to the average and the max allowed measurements. With the exception of the HC, which was 126. 127 is the maximum allowed. No doubt my truck will either be confiscated or they will extort hundreds if not thousands of dollars out of me the next time I am up for my 'examination'. Can anyone tell me what components contribute to the high HC reading? My truck currently has 259,000 miles on it, and will most likely have another 20K on it by the time I have to go my next inquisition. Cost me $200 to register this vehicle this year, thanks Red Davis! I know the real goal is to force me to buy a new vehicle, but I am starting to look for something 1974 or older. It's almost cheaper to move out of state than to register a new car in CA. I can't afford $1000 a year to register a new truck! Anyway, sorry for the rant, and thanks in advance for any help!

Reply to
No One
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"No One" wrote in :

HC is an indication of unburned gas. Check your plugs and plug wires. Good Luck Brewster

I just completed and passed my Smog Check II for my 89 Toyota 4WD SR5 V6

Reply to
Brewster

HC is unburnt fuel and is a result of a mechanical problem. Valve adjustment? Lower compression?

Reply to
MDT Tech®

A few months ago, I mentioned having the same problem. Mine's an '88 and the maximum allowable is 135. Mine tested at 135 in October 2002. I asked the fellow what I would need to do to lower it and he told me the most common cure is a new catalytic converter. I had a complete exhaust system installed a couple of months ago. My smog test isn't due until October 2004, I'll let you know then...

The state won't confiscate your car and iw won't cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.

My '88 was due for registration in October and cost me $63.00, the same as the year before. I think it's hit the bottom rate and will stay there. I remember when the bottom rate was $11.00, which is what I paid for my '32 Ford 5-window Coupe (327 small-block, Muncie rock-crusher, etc.)... :>))

Tom - Vista, CA

Reply to
TOM

Thanks, everyone! I realized that I did not drive around very long before having the test done. I think the catalytic converter might not have been up to operating temperature... Maybe its time for new plugs and wires.

Kurt

inquisition.

Reply to
Kurt

I have a 1990 4runner V6 Auto. In Ontario, Canada we too have the emmissions test. They call it "Clean Drive" here and is required every

2 years. They measure the HC rating 2 ways here, at idle and at 2500 RPM's. My rated 80/200 and 150/200, both a pass. A few months ago I had replaced the entire exhault system and cat. converter. I have owned this truck for 1 1/2 years and besides the exhaust and oil changes have done little. I think I will tackle the job of replacing the plugs and wires soon. Both are currently NGK. Since I have had no problems, I will look at replacing them with the same. Does anyone recommend something different? Performance is my main concern.
Reply to
Silentsam

MDT Tech® wrote in

The reason I mentioned plugs and wires is that a misfire will raise the HC levels. Our California smog tests are now done with the vehicle on a dyno to put a load on the engine. High voltage misfires show up more when the engine is under a load.

Brewster

Reply to
Brewster

Nahh... not $1000. My '03 Tundra is only going to cost me $600 (next week).

Anyways... your HC reading is unburned hydrocarbons. You might want to have the cat replaced. I replaced the one on my '94 p/u at about

180k. Cost me $300 for the cat with a completely new exhaust system including a Magnaflow muffler. Noticed a "decent" power increase.

Another thing you could try it to play with the ignition timing. This will either increase or decrease your HC while having the opposite effect on one of the other emissions measured. Striking a balance between the two on acceptable levels may get you a few more years.

--- Rich

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Reply to
Rich Lockyer

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