I am trying to get rid of one my 1988 STD hatch, so passing smog is necessary. Unfortunately things are not working out for me here, so let me know if I am missing something here.
I failed re-inspection again for high hydrocarbons, at idle it was 136.00 PPM. Here is a list of things I did before smog check: new spark plugs (NGK), distributor cap, rotor, cleaned PCV, IACV, adjusted timing, and of course oil and filters change. Yet I still failed.

I started researching and next in line (based on level of difficulty) was vacuum leak - I did that today by generously applying brake cleaner to my vacuum hoses - did not find a thing.

Appears that what I have left is potentially leaky head components... i.e. valves.

What else do you guys think I can tackle on before I rip this **** to pieces?

It appears that I had the same problem year and a half ago when I purchased and smoged the vehicle - however I did pass the re-inspection - perhaps because one of the guys was hitting on me. No such luck this time,LOL.

 

Well, today I did compression check, my first ever... My numbers were: #1-192, #2-190, #3-195, #4-198. Although the numbers seem bit high (standard for SOHC is supposed to be 185 - per manual) everything is still well within the specs.

Tomorrow I will take out the injectors and check them out.

 

you can have carbon deposits on the pistons that will increase the compression slightly, giving you higher numbers..

maybe throw a cat on it? lol... high hydrocarbons are caused by unburned fuel, or a bad cat... you should be able to clear it up like that.. at least i would think so..