what are the symptoms that would cause high values in HC, CO, and NO. Could it be too high temps, too much timing, too much compression (10.2:1), to rich, too lean ????

everything thing is new, I just have to verify that they are indeed functioning properly.

 

Hmmm... I can give you a starting point...
NOx
Oxides of nitrogen are created when combustion temperatures
exceed something like 2600 f. In older head designs the EGR
system allows a bit of inert gas into the combustion chamber
to reduce the production of Oxides of Nitrogen. Later, the
cat will take a shot at ripping an oxygen molecule off of
NOx reducing further what shows up at the tale pipe.
(NOx are truly, no question, nasty crap)

HC
Hydrocarbons are just small variations on the the normal
air fuel mix that exists prior to combustion. Their existence
in the exhaust mixture implies that they did not burn during
the combustion phase. The cat takes a shot at burning these
as well.

CO
Carbon Monoxide is produced primarily when the flame front
runs out of oxygen as it travels through the combustion chamber.

Sooo....
With the exception of some pretty silly visual inspection rules
virtually all states emmisions standards are easy to meet. They
are a walk in the park for all but a few engine configurations.

What to look for...
All "high" readings can be caused by rich fuel mixtures. Rich
fuel mixtures can be caused by leaky fuel injectors, clogged
fuel filters and malfuntioning oxygen sensors.

Combustion issues can be caused by all the usual suspects
ignition wires, plugs, timming.

A less likely culprit is the EGR system but in cars that are as old
as ours it merits a look.

Last but not least is consideration of how long this has been
going on. The cat will valiantly try to deal with these sort of
f*** ups until it commits suicide melt down.

The good news is that failure to meet these relatively pitiful
emmisions standards are a good sign you are leaving a good
bit of power, mileage and driveability on the table.

In short your buying gas and pouring it out the tail pipe...

 

My cat was hollowed out...probably from hitting too many speedy bumps and then blowing it out the exhaust.

Passed easily, quickly, and extremely clean.