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Toyota Repair/87 Camry Smog Failure

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Expert: Ted Ritter - 6/9/2009


Question
1987 Toyota Camry, 246K miles, 4-cylinder.

My car failed CA smog check in this area:
HC (PPM)
15 MPH - measrd reading 119 ppm (max allowable 118, avg 31)
25 MPH - measrd reading 113 ppm (max allowable 93, avg 20)

Other readings were fine, but higher than avg.
NO (PPM) - 620 (max 799, avg 237 at 15 mph
and 532 (max 738, avg 199) at 25 mph

OK .. the issue is very likely needing a new catalytic converter.  Since this is close to the manifold, this is going to be expensive .. correct ?  
State can offer upto $500 to repair this after I put in first $100, but I am worried, it will end up costing much more.  Car has other problems (power steering fluid leaks, I need to add a little every three months), burns oil (need to add a quart every three months)

Any ideas ?  Other option - if I agree to retire the vehicle, state will pay me upto $1000.  I'd like to keep the car as it is so expensive to get a new one.

Thx for your help.

Answer
Higher than normal HC readings are usually caused by inclomplete combustion, could be a slight misfire condition which could be caused by worn ignition parts such as spark plugs, wires etc. or even low cylinder compression so i would suggest checking to make sure the engine is not having any of these problems before replacing the catalityc converter.

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Ted Ritter

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I have more than 28 years experience as toyota technician, I will be able to answer most questions related to the Toyota product line up to the present year models,I am located in the US but welcome questions from other regions of the world. When asking a question please provide specific information: year,model, engine,transmission information. Provide as much information as possible including a brief repair history if possible. I have been a volunteer here for almost ten years an have answered over 16,000 questions helping Toyota owners with their problems without any compensation, some of my answers are published on many other websites via google and other search engines. AllExperts recently added a new feature which allows questioners to donate to experts on the site, any amount of donation is very much appreciated, to make a donation just click on the DONATE button.

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Toyota technician since 1979,expert in electrical systems,OBD systems,engine repair, driveability problems,EFI systems,ASE certified,Toyota master technician.
Certified Hybrid Vehicle technician.

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Toyota master technician, ASE certified in eight catagories, Hybrid vehicle certified. Toyota technical training: Engine Automatic transmission Manual transmission Drivetrain Electrical systems Brakes and chassis Air conditioning Engine performance and diagnostics Hybrid systems

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