SMOG question:hydrocarbons in my car

Hi everyone i did my smog two years ago and i just barely passed when it came to the category of hydrocarbons. The limit was 70 and my actual was 70! and now comes that time to smog, how can i reduce my numbers??? so far i got a new cat converter and i was thinking of getting a o2 sensor, i really dont wanna fail this time. any other areas i should check for for hydrocarbons??

I think you can buy something at pepboys, like emmisions passer or something. Its a bottle of something you pour in the gas tank. Its a possibility

So hydrocarbons have to deal with gas?!?! thanks for the help. any other suggestions??

Hydrocarbons ARE gas. Unburnt gas to be exact. Change the replaceable parts of the ignition system, distributor cap/rotor, and plugs. Make sure your wires are in good shape. Those will make small improvements. If you need a big change in numbers, you might want to consider changing the 02 sensor if it's old, or you don't know when it was done last. Just because it doesn't throw a code doesn't mean its working right.

And make sure the car is at normal operating temp before you go, don't go with a cold engine.

a new cat will always help...

Hi everyone i did my smog two years ago and i just barely passed when it came to the category of hydrocarbons. The limit was 70 and my actual was 70! and now comes that time to smog, how can i reduce my numbers??? so far i got a new cat converter and i was thinking of getting a o2 sensor, i really dont wanna fail this time. any other areas i should check for for hydrocarbons??

If you have replaced the cat you are probably going to pass, But you can do damage to the new cat if your fuel mixture is not correct. I would throw an o2 at it just for piece of mind.

I ditto about sparkplugs and cap and rotor. Replace if not done and check your timing you could fail just because of timing.

I don't know what state you are in but CA. now tests for Nox (oxides of nitrogen) Another reason to put a new o2 in.

Good luck,

Smoghog