AboutTed Ritter Expertise I have more than 26 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 specialize in difficult to diagnose problems but when posting a question please keep in mind that some situations require the used of special test equipment and diagnostic procedures especially as the newer models become more technologically advanced, so without actually having the car on hand I may only be able to try to steer you in the right direction and in some cases may have to refer you to the toyota dealer but at least you will know what you may be dealing with. Please don't hesitate to ask any questions, I will have an answer for you in most cases. When posting a question keep in mind that I reside in the US, although I get questions from all over the world I may not have an answer for models that are not sold in the US, I will do a reasonable search to try to match your model to the US model,please refrain from asking about diesel powered vehicles, I have no information for them. In most cases I will not answer questions about major modifications of OEM components, engine swapping or aftermarket products,please post a question not a statement, please provide enough basic information such as year, model, what engine and if anything has already been done to fix the problem, the more information I get the more I can help without having to ask you more questions.
Experience 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.
Education/Credentials Toyota master technician, ASE certified in eight catagories, Hybrid vehicle certified.
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.
