Failed Smog Test - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Retzius · 08-30-2011, 11:22 PM

Hi everyone,

I failed my Smog Test today. The guy told me I failed the emission part and by very little. He said my car needed a tune up. He recommended I change the spark plugs and spark plug wires.

I have not changed both in a while and think I changed them back when the car had about 120K miles. Right now my car has 206K miles. So, what can I do to pass this test and what spark plug/wires do you recommend.

Also, how about Seafoam? Thanks.

Here are the numbers:

HC(PPM)
Test RPM MAX AVE MEAS
15mph, 1718, 55, 9, 75,
25mph, 1686, 39, 7, 39,

***BMR*** · 08-31-2011, 09:24 AM

What year and engine?

***TrailDust*** · 08-31-2011, 11:30 AM

I would also ask, what was the condition of your engine when you had the test done? Did you drive five minutes down the street to a local shop for the test, or had you driven a freeway just before the test?

Retzius · 08-31-2011, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMR

What year and engine?

97 Toyota Camry CE 206K miles automatic (srry, dont know exact model of engine)

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrailDust

I would also ask, what was the condition of your engine when you had the test done? Did you drive five minutes down the street to a local shop for the test, or had you driven a freeway just before the test?

I drove to local street. Never got on the freeway or drove the car hard.

Retzius · 08-31-2011, 07:43 PM

Hey guys,

I just got my car checked with an OBD II scanner and no codes came up. So I guess the car doesnt have anything serious.

I am going to Seafoam the car, replace the spark plugs and spark plugs wires with NGK iridium IX. Hopefully, that will help me. I also checked the gas cap and it did make a good seal.

I replaced the PCV valve recently too.

***BMR*** · 08-31-2011, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retzius

I drove to local street. Never got on the freeway or drove the car hard.

That could be the problem right there, especially if it's marginal. It needs to be *fully* warmed up, and even better, run it at freeway speeds for 10 or 15 minutes. Or run it in first or second gear with the engine at decent RPM; 3k or so.

Retzius · 09-01-2011, 02:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMR

That could be the problem right there, especially if it's marginal. It needs to be *fully* warmed up, and even better, run it at freeway speeds for 10 or 15 minutes. Or run it in first or second gear with the engine at decent RPM; 3k or so.

Thanks BMR,

I am going to do that when I get it checked out again.

Today I replaced the spark plugs and spark plug wires. I notice the spark plug ports on the ends had oil in them. I recently replaced the valve cover gasket and tube seals. I should have cleaned the ports but didn't. My bet is they were leaking before replacing the VCG and tube seals. I am going to get them cleaned out this weekend.

Also, one of the spark plugs was a pain to take off. It appears the port on the engine block has been cross threaded. I am going to use this tool,

Amazon

to rethread the port and hopefully it will be easier to install and remove. I did use the anti-seize grease for the plugs and boots.

Lastly, I bought some Seafoam and will do this on Sat.

Brand · 09-01-2011, 02:21 AM

you should've used seafoam before replacing the spark plugs

Retzius · 09-01-2011, 02:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brand

you should've used seafoam before replacing the spark plugs

Really? Is this to have everything clean before putting new parts in? Thanks.

Oh, and by the way, I just read up on changing the spark plug metal tubes here, 3sfe spark plug tube oil leaks, going to remove them and apply new sealant to fix any leaking ports.

I guess I will be very busy on Sat.

Brand · 09-01-2011, 04:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retzius

Really? Is this to have everything clean before putting new parts in? Thanks.

Oh, and by the way, I just read up on changing the spark plug metal tubes here, 3sfe spark plug tube oil leaks, going to remove them and apply new sealant to fix any leaking ports.

I guess I will be very busy on Sat.

exactly, you don't want carbon deposits on your new spark plugs.
I had the same problem with oil leaking into one of the spark plug tubes. Camry's service manual says "use three bond 1324 thread sealant or equivalent" I still have some three bond sealant left since fixing the leak 2 years ago but shelf life is just 1 year.

***TrailDust*** · 09-01-2011, 04:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retzius

I drove to local street. Never got on the freeway or drove the car hard.

That may be a significant part of your problem considering the issue was the HC count. I've had two mechanics in the past--one a friend who owns a tire and brake shop, and the other owned a smog test facility--tell me that not allowing an engine to heat up completely will lead to high HC numbers. Both suggested to run your car preferably at freeway speeds for at least 15 minutes prior to pulling in for the test, and that they'd often seen vehicles that failed the smog test at first, pass after warming up thoroughly. Just passing that info along.

Retzius · 09-01-2011, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrailDust

That may be a significant part of your problem considering the issue was the HC count. I've had two mechanics in the past--one a friend who owns a tire and brake shop, and the other owned a smog test facility--tell me that not allowing an engine to heat up completely will lead to high HC numbers. Both suggested to run your car preferably at freeway speeds for at least 15 minutes prior to pulling in for the test, and that they'd often seen vehicles that failed the smog test at first, pass after warming up thoroughly. Just passing that info along.

Yeah, I am going to definitely do this the next time but every smog test I have done I've never really drove it hard and always passed. I guess my car is getting up there in age.

I think seafoam and changing spark plugs and wires should hopefully help.