Failed emmission test-any ideas? (4AGE GTS-16)

[mrdennmann]

hydrocarbons were high, both at idle, and at cruising speed. she's got 220,000 miles on it, but doesn't burn oil. I'm trying to narrow down the repairs, as my tags have expired, and am on a very limited budget.

Does anyone know of anything that would explain the failure? is there some in-expensive options for bringing the emmissions within the pass range?

I made sure it was good and warm, I even temperarily removed the air filter.

Any help would be very appreciated.

[REN69]

Crap, I can't remember but I think that means your catalytic converter is dead. Don't they tell you guys?? usually here when you go for your E-test and you fail, the mechanic will tell you what the cause is and of course, how much to replace it.

[Infinitrium]

Maybe you could try some of that emissions cure fuel additive at a parts store or something. Luckily we don't have emissions testing here in this part of Canada. All they check for is to see if the cat is in place. It can be a hollowed out shell, they don't check to see if it actually works. Man if they did bring emissions testing here there would be an awful lot of cars going off to the junkyard.

[diver9000]

Maybe get some injector cleaner, O2 sensor, and have the catalytic converter and collector checked or changed.

[91gtssilvertop]

how high? post readings and limits.
Could pass with simply retarding the timing a bit.

[mrdennmann]

I think they were off by quite a bit. perhaps double the allowable levels. I know that the spark plugs are pretty old. and maybe it's' due for a cap and rotor. I'd really like to avoid replacing the cat. converter.

I'm going to talk to another Toyota guy that I know. He's familiar with the AE92. I'll see if he's got any suggestions also.

I'll also pick up some of the fuel system cleaner, and try that out.

[goooopher]

try this...go to a junk yard find a car with a new inspection sticker and peel it off and put it on your car...

[Bitter]

check the coolant temp sensor, if thats kaput the engine wont leave warmup mode and will run rich.

[91gtssilvertop]

If it was running rich you would have high co levels along with the hc. Make sure your ignition parts are all good and your timing is set correctly.

[Liter]

LOL i just got mine done and it passed with flying colours....sucks to be you

[mrdennmann]

I've got no idea where that would be. It makes sense, it runs very rich. so, does anyone have instruction on changing that unit out?

[Doctor J]

I need info on your O2 reading as well as CO.
The common reasons of HC are slightly over limit on EFI Toyota are:

1. minor intake air leak (lean condition)
2. bad ignition components
3. leaking exhaust valves

[Bitter]

Originally Posted by 91gtssilvertop

If it was running rich you would have high co levels along with the hc. Make sure your ignition parts are all good and your timing is set correctly.

he didnt mention if his CO was high or not, if its not then i'm wrong.

[mrdennmann]

so I'm going to attack the Ignition parts. New plugs, cap and rotor. then I'll get it retested.

Thanks for all of your help guys.

[motu 56]

Most cars will pass with a fresh oil change, air filter change and RXP. RXP is an additive that you read about on the net.