Hey guys, new here and new to Integras. Just got my first GSR 2 weeks ago and I took it in to get the smog done yesterday but it failed because it has "High HC at Idle." I dont know what that means and the mechanic really didnt explain it too well. I was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to lower that...what is "HC" btw. The max I could get was 100, and my car hit 159. Anyways, I wanted to know if there was anything I can do, or if taking it to a mechanic is the best choice.

Thanks in advance!
-Stone

 

Welcome to HAN. HC stands for hydrocarbons. Your car is not running in tip top shape and so un-burnt hydrocarbons are entering the atmosphere and so the SMOG test is failing you and your being advised of that through the test.

I would do a basic tune up if not done already. Plugs, wires, cap, rotor, oil change & fuel filter. Run Honda top end cleaner through as well to clean out the motor of carbon build up as well. You can use seafoam too if you wish. I've used both and results are pretty much identical. Make sure the timing is correct as well. If you still fail after this, your cat most likely is taking a shit, took a shit or is severely lazy. You'll have to replace it. Then your car should be running tits, considering all you did prior to the change of cat.

Are you mechanically inclined? Will you be able to do these things yourself? Use OEM parts as well. They last a long time and fit right the 1st time.

 

Cool, bro. Thanks! I'll take it to get a tune-up. I'll see if I can find the Honda cleaner, otherwise I'll just go with the SeaFoam.

 

Alright then, check back when you get re-tested after the tune-up so we can see where your at.

 

Ok, took it to a mechanic yesterday and turned out that all it needed was new thermostat and a new fuel evap cannister. They also cleaned out the engine of carbon built up which will result if better fuel economy and I must say the car feels excellent! What a difference it made! HC levels dropped dramatically. Previously at 159, not at only 9! Woo!

 

Cool deal.

 

shoot I guess thats what I need to do.... my teg would not pass on HC's either.... I think the emission testing places are just trying to take our money! lol

 

Threads merged.

 

Just pay them in order to pass, I'm sure they corrupt.