Probs passing WA emissions

[minstralwinds]

Urgh! I have a 89 Corolla GTS that is not passing the Washington State emissions. Today was my 5TH attempt. I can get the CO's to pass but not the HC (hydro-carbons) part. Today both failed on Cruise HC and Idle HC. The following is what I have done....I am beyond worn out.

1. Changed cap and rotor
2. Replaced spark plugs
3. Repaired a leak on my oil hose. (dont know if that helps)
4. Checked the cold intake injector valve. (looks very clean)
5. Cleaned air filter
6. Ran it with alcohol and always drive for about a good half hour before testing. (All tests)

Wondering about something called an EGR? And does my car have a IAC (idle air control)??? I give up?? Help is greatly appreciated!

Kat

[90 GP]

A bad thermostat could be keeping engine in cold start mode and running richer. Bad oxygen sensor, plugged up EGR (emissions sticker under hood would show it if you have it), bad oxygen sensor,bad cat converter, vac line leaks. Here is a link for things to check:

http://www.smogtips.com/failed-high-hydrocarbons-HC.cfm

[minstralwinds]

90 thank you! The link is very informative. After reading, so far the cat is good, no mis-fires etc....I think I will verify the timing

My car does have the EGR and it looks simple to take apart and maybe clean?? So I guess this is what Saturdays are for

Thank you so much for your psot. Will keep updated and closed when done...

[86camota]

Just leave a $50 on the steering wheel and see if they pass you then. Just kidding, dont do that. good luck

[retiredat44]

our 89 Corolla SR5 with carb and 5 speed stick, failed California smog with high HC readings...
I use the California CAP smog program, where they pay up to about $500.00 for the bill. They haven't sent my papers yet, so I can take the car to get it checked and fixed and they pay. When they do, I will find out why it failed this go round. it has failed each time over the past 10 years... usually they put a new cat converter on, last time it failed, but they could not find a problem, so the repair shop said it passed..

this time I have no clue...
the car has 365,000 miles on it. runs great, does not burn or leak oil... original engine and trans... but, you can tell it has a few miles, the tappets are getting a bit noisier..
still hauls butt for a crappy 4af engine..

[ToyotaBrendan]

My car, especially when cold would run terrible for months and then a check engine light code came on, and i ran the code to a oxygen sensor. i replaced and the car ran great. Sometimes the oxygen sensor will get lazy or go bad before it throws a code.

[ayang951]

so after working in a smog shop for awhile now here in cali.... i can tell you one thing that ive learned... if you have to constantly replace your cat every so often, then it means that your car is running too rich and its destroying your cat... i recommend checking the timing and spark. when a car that usually comes in that is a obd 1 or so, we will always, i mean always check timing and etc, if you pass emissions, but the timing is off, you will fail with visual etc... my advice to you all... =D