So I got my car emissions tested yesterday and failed with high hydrocarbon levels. I have no idea what could cause this or any way to fix this. Does anybody know what I could do?

It says the acceptable level is 1.00 and I failed with 2.17.

 

I didn't think arizona had smog tests

 

Yeah but only if you live in Phoenix or Tucson, they have done it for quite a while now.

 

I would start by taking a look at what your plugs look like. Emissions in AZ test for 3 categories, HC-Hydrocarbons(Unburned Fuel) CO-Carbon Monoxide(Partially Burnt Fuel) and NOX-Nitrides of Oxygen(Heat). Lets also dig a little deeper and see what the other 2 categories tested at. Sometimes they are related to each other when one fails. Because you tested high on HC you are having an issue with too much unburned fuel in your exhaust. That means either weak spark, air restriction or lack of air, or way too much fuel. Can you post the other numbers, as well as what maintenance you have done to the car before the test?

 

Mine had failed for just HC once, turned in a receipt for a new Carb and was good until they got rid of the program here in Nky. Later I had removed the exhaust to clean it up and to install a cut out and it turns out that the catalyst was empty, just an empty shell.

A few hints for those that have to go through testing. Make sure the car is up to temperature and don't let the car sit there idling for a long period of time right before testing.

 

I had this same issue one year, was applying for collector plates. I had passed emissions testing at a smog station, but according to the DMV I had to get released by the emissions lab and they failed me for the same thing. The only thing I did was change the engine oil and went back, passed with flying colors. Hope this helps.

 

Same thing happened to me in my state. I changed my oil, clean the throttle body(for smooth idle), plugs were replaced 2 years before as well as the cat and o2 sensor, put G2P in gas tank and failed. I replaced the o2 sensor and put this stuff and passed no problem. If you are at a dead end I would try this, but check yourself first, when the cat,o2 sensor, and plugs were recently replaced. Also check the EVAP system for standard operation.

 

Any update on this thread?

My Blazer is due in next month and is running super rich. Expecting not to pass HC. I have the print out from last year (avail online with VIN) when PO did it. Barely passed on 3rd try.


Thats some good info there ^^^ Any suggestions to correct those issues?

Ill be doing new plugs-wires-coil-D'cap-valve cover gaskets (leak now) before I go.

 

I live in phoenix and have a brand new car for sale 3inch let me know I'm by Desert Sky mall and will let it go for cheap if it'll help you pass emissions

 

A what?

 

Catalyc converter

 

My Cat is good, thx though.

 

Befor every E-test change your oil. Old, used oil has fuel in it that your engine breaths in through the PCV system. You also want to be using 87 octaine fuel and make sure your air filter is clean. Ideally, you want to take the vehicle for a good hard drive to get the catalysts up to tempurature and clear any carbon deposites. You could try seafoam (or similar products) a couple weeks befor the test as well. I did all of the above this year and my car, which almost failed HC a few years ago, passed with flying colours.



Another thing to think about is that O2 sensors get caked in carbon as you drive and also get lazy with age.

 

Ten-fo. o2 is just a few months old, also heard about taking the tank down to nearly E and putting denatured alcohol in the tank......

 

85IROC... I dont mean to hijack this thread, but was hoping to hear how your situation ended up?


I attached the printout from last years test (vehicle was not mine yet).


Within the past 6mos the only emission related parts Ive replaced are:

PVC valve-grommets
o2 Sensor
Plugs

Not much, I know....priorities have been elsewhere

Before testing I plan on installing:

MSD cap-rotor-coil-wires
Valve cover gaskets
New plugs
New PVC

Throttle body has been removed and cleaned.

Thinking about:

EGR valve
Air Check valves
IAC valve
MAP Sensor

CAT is good, as far as I know, will put fresh oil in it, maybe Seafoam it, add the denatured alcohol and do some hot laps before I take it in.

Info so far has been great guys, thx.

 

Sorry for the lack of update, the car needed a tuneup bad. The plugs were shot, the wires were cracking in multiple places, and the cap and rotor were done as well. Went back and it passed no problem.

 

Sounds good, ill follow up with my results....