My car got labeled as a gross poluter. I had high HC, low CO, and extremely low NO. Here's the nbr's...


15 mph

HC Max=138 Measured= 382
CO max=.85 Measured=.26
NO max=1148 Measured=105

25 mph

HC max=113 measured= 239
CO max=.65 measured=.11
NO max= 978 measured=92

I think i need to replace the main cat as the pre's have been replace in the last 10k miles. I had a test pipe on there, but put them back on for smog. I did the alcohol trick, but I'm sure i didn't warm up the cat enough to be efficient. I did run some errands around town, but i did not dog it on the freeway like i normally do before a smog which is making me think that could be it, but i could be wrong.

What i would to know is has anyone received similar numbers and what you did to rectify the situation. I have enough money to replace the cat if necessary.

p.s. i had the smog pump hooked right into the split air pipe too.

 

As found in the FAQ for FC sticky thread:



So you have high HC and low everything else, you have either bad spark, a bad converter, or really old oil.

 

I read that like I said I just did not understand "run-in converter" and had done a recent tune-up and oil change. I just assumed that's what everyone did before a smog so I did not mention it. Anyways, is this gospel and should I just replace the main cat? I can do that and smog it before work tomorrow. Your advice is muchly appreciated.