Trouble with Emission : HELP : 91 Civic Hatch

I am in Massachusetts, where the emission laws are damn tough (okay...not as
tough as CA....but tough enough!!).

The car has 74K miles and it passed everything except the HC test (Higher
hydrocarbon emissions - approx 25% higher than normal).

The mechanic at the gas station who did the yearly inspection test told me
that it needed a new air filter, new plugs and a PCV valve. I bought these
parts and changed them over (even though the air filter & plugs were fairly
new !!), excepting the PCV valve, as I don't have a deep socket 9/16" wrench
(I'll get a socket for it tomorrow and try). I tried getting the PCV valve
out with a 8" spanner wrench, but couldn't get the damn valve to come off
(is it always this tight ?? anyone change one of these out ??).

In any case, I am going to get a deep socket wrench and a longer driver and
get the damn PCV valve out of there.

I read in a Chilton Honda Civic service manual that says a mal-functioning
PCV valve will make higher HC emissions.

Right now I have "R" sticker on the inspection sticker area. The mechanic
told me to change these things out (air filter, PCV valve & plugs) and come
back and it should pass. Anyone think of anything else?? The inspection
fee is $ 29 bucks in Mass, but on a R sticker is free for a first
re-inspection. So, I want to be sure there is nothing more than this !!

Thanks in advance for your response.

Santino.

 

Give it a good hard highway drive to heat up the oil and "boil off" any
moisture etc. If it's getting due for an oil change go ahead and change it
first.

 

You might need a new a Catalytic converter. I had to replace mine after
134k miles. All the years before it passed easily under California
emissions. Before replacing the CAT it read 600 over the max CO, after the
new CAT was installed it was below the average.

 

A new cat. won't change the HC as far as I know, cat is probably still oke,
since all the other reading were oke.

Wilfred

 

Joseph, Wilfred & Bill:

Thanks for your response. I think Bill may be right. Joseph my CO reading
is normal.

Here is the summary of Emissions:

HC GPM Reading 1.80 Limit 1.20 Result : FAIL

CO GPM Reading 14.58 Limit 20.00 Result : PASS

NOx GPM Reading 0.87 Limit 2.50 Result : PASS

I just finished changing the PCV valve ; there was a lot of carbon deposit,
was black going into it.

I had the oil changed just 1,000 miles ago. I could change it if you think
it will make a difference...only $ 10 bucks.

Please, you guys, if you think of anything else, please let me know. This
Civic runs great otherwise, I can't afford to part with it. It is a good
poor man's car (which is what I am...we eat hand to mouth !!). They are
really difficult here in Mass with inspections. I have one more chance
before I take it in for a final inspection. I will try to drive an hour
before the inspection, hope that cleans it up ; but if there is anything
else, I'd appreciate it if you let me know.

Thanks in advance for your help.

santino