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Topic: Failed Smog, high HC readings, help (Read 2428 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Failed Smog, high HC readings, help

Reply #15 –
Some states will sell some stuff in a bottle that you dump into the fuel system right before an emissions test. The companies that make this stuff guarantee that you'll pass. That's a last-ditch effort but if you have access to it, it's a cheap fix.

You can retard the engine timing down a few degrees (say 6 degrees vs. the stock 10)...that will help you burn leaner. Also, how are your O2 sensors? That would be the very first thing I'd check...

Re: Failed Smog, high HC readings, help

Reply #16 –
Mix some ethanol (alcohol) with the gas.  It will burn cleaner regardless of what is wrong with your car.  However this will not fix the problem, not is it really cheep, unless you have connections  :rolleyes: .

Re: Failed Smog, high HC readings, help

Reply #17 –
Make sure you change your oil before the smog test...it makes a big difference...also make sure you've had the car running enough to get it up to a good operating temp.
Gt to do it every other year in California but,no safety inspection at all......go figer..

Re: Failed Smog, high HC readings, help

Reply #18 –
michigan is the magical land of no car laws. VIN = registration and insurance. no VIN, go pay for a Rebuild VIN at the Secratary of State (DMV), 75 bucks later and they assign you one with a minimal (very minimal) inspection, mainly is it in one piece and most times not even that detailed, from the county police/sherrif's.

Good luck passing. these things aren't made to pass inspection.

Re: Failed Smog, high HC readings, help

Reply #19 –
Is your thermostat working properly?  When I had a 180 thermostat my LTD failed HC at 3x the limit.  Bumping timing down only made it worse -- 5x the limit.  With a stock 197 and stock timing, it passed with flying colors.

Re: Failed Smog, high HC readings, help

Reply #20 –
Inspections? What are those? :evilgrin: