1995 4Runner 120k miles, failed CA smog due to high Hc

Well i just bought a 4runner on CL. Got a great deal on it, but it failed one section of the Smog test 25mph HC's. The 15 mph was BARELY within the limit, and everything else seems fine.

I changed the plugs and wires and went back, and they said the numbers were pretty much the same. It also has a fresh oil change.

Any advice??

I attached a photo of the test.

 

You most likely have a vacuum leak or an intake leak somewhere. A leak will cause a high hydrocarbon reading due to the unmetered air introduced into the combustion process. A bad mass air flow meter may also be suspect. Next time you go out to your truck start it up and let it idle for a minute and smooth out and run at a pretty consistent RPM. get a can of brake cleaner aerosol and spray around the intake A little-NOT THE EXHAUST! and listen for a jump in RPMS. IF your RPMS jump you have an air leak. Keep us posted, good luck!

 

go to the local auto parts store of your choice and grab some Guaranteed to pass. I threw some in a truck that I believe had bad gas and followed the instructions to the T and easily passed inspection. Went from MISERABLY FAILING to passing with flying colors.

fill gas tank; add G2P; run entire tank of gas out; refill gas tank; 30 minutes before going in for inspection drive the car on the highway to get the catalytic converter up to temp; pass inspection.

if you can't pass by doing this you have something SERIOUSLY WRONG with your emissions system and will have to take it in for repairs.