fail smog check

[93XLEcamry]

i went in for a smog check and fail.....

the readings says my HC is too high.....is there a way to try and fix this problem??

i've tried looking and searching but most of them just says

change spark plugs, timing (what is timing???), pvc (what is that??), coil pack (what is that?)...ect...

i came here because most of the things listed, i do not know....i know for sure i need to change the spark plug because i haven't done that since i got the car....but is there any other things to look for???

thanks guys...

[5SlowFE]

High HC is caused by unburned fuel. What engine do you have? It makes a difference as to what components to check/replace, but changing your plugs is a good start. Check your air filter too.If you've got the stock air box, just pull the filter right out before you go into the test station. More involved/expensive things like coolant temp sensor, sticking/dirty injectors ( run some injector cleaner through it ) or oxygen sensor can be bad too, even with no check engine light ( happened to me ), but do the easy stuff first.

I always add a few of quarts of methyl hydrate to the gas tank and fill up with premium before getting emissions tested. Works for me to get well below the " average " readings.

[93XLEcamry]

i have the v6 3 f something engine, as far as air filter goes i have the k&n and i had just recharged that like a couple of weeks ago..

im still so depress....because i just got a new muffler and now i have to wait to install that...

is sea foaming going to help??...

[bigbird]

as silly as it sounds. make sure all of the vacume lines are attached to the throttle body. i had the same problems and it was simply a hose that was detached from the top of the throttle body leading the my EGR. my strut tower bar knocked it off. just an idea.

[5SlowFE]

So you've got the 3vz-fe. Ok, besides the plugs, change the plug wires, distributor cap and rotor. Check your pcv valve too. Remove and shake it - if it rattles, it's ok, if no sound, nfg. Actually, it's so cheap, just replace it.

As for seafoam, idk because I've never used it ( haven't seen it around here ), but lots of people on here seem to think it's great.

[93XLEcamry]

ty guys ill check the throttle line...i doubt it though because i dont have any strut bar...but ok....

how much does plug wire and cap go for??

and what is a rotor??? (sorry im noob at engine) and where do i find the pcv valve??

[BMR]

Originally Posted by 93XLEcamry

how much does plug wire and cap go for??

and what is a rotor??? (sorry im noob at engine) and where do i find the pcv valve??

Plug wires are about $80. About $130 if you get 'em from Toyota. I've used "Autolite" brand with good results. Cap is about $15, rotor is about $9.

The rotor is underneath the distributor cap. It rotates and routes the ignition spark to each cylinder in the correct sequence. The contact on it tends to get burnt and pitted with age.

The PCV valve is on top of the rear cylinder bank's valve cover, on the passenger side. It looks like a steel cylinder with a rubber hose on top that goes towards the opposite side.

[93XLEcamry]

ty....i might need pics for the pcv valve though..lol..

oh and is it normal to pass the 25mph hc but fail the 15mph ???

thats how i fail because of the 15mph....but it doesnt make sense, shouldn't i fail on the 25 instead of the 15mph test

i dont know...any suggestion will help

[new echo owner]

What are the specs and what are your reading for HC?

N.E.O.

[TheKevin]

another easy tip:
Fill gastank with 91 and take short highway drive (will lower HC)

[93XLEcamry]

Originally Posted by new echo owner

What are the specs and what are your reading for HC?

N.E.O.

at 15 mph HC Max is 84 Avg is 21

my measure at 101

[Albuynp Ryeno]

did you make sure your car was wamed up before the test?

also you could make your own guaranteed to pass kit. Put 4 gallons of pay in the tank and 1 gallon of acetone. You will pass.

[new echo owner]

Originally Posted by 93XLEcamry

at 15 mph HC Max is 84 Avg is 21

my measure at 101

What about at 25 mph?

It is kind of strange that it would act like that, usually it is the other way around.

N.E.O.

[93XLEcamry]

yeah my car was warmed up before the test, but probably not warm enough i guess....

and new echo....at 25 mph it did past.....thats what im confuse about...i mean is it normal???

oh and i did my spark plugs today....found out that one plug in the back wasn't plugged in all the way so i was a v5 for the longest time...

but it wasn't as difficult as it sounds, "just needs right tools" as my brother says...lol...but i broke the pcv valve so i had to buy a new one, then the old one fell in the hole that it was on top of....

took three or two hours to get that thing out of the hole, but yeah spark plug was easier than taking that broken pcv out...

[BUNNYz]

the dyno will put 50% of the maximum federal test procedure load at 15mph.
25% at 25mph.
that is why it is harder to pass the 15mph.