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Failed my emissions test, what should I do?

My vehicle is a 1995 Chevy 1500 (8 cylinder) pickup.

Last week I failed the emissions test by 11 points (143 out of 154)

Then I had a tune up : oil change/oil filter, all new spark plugs, air filter, and fuel filter.

Today I retested, and failed again.

The Technician told me the catalytic converter passed, it was the hydrocarbons that were too high.

He said to go to Auto Zone and get some gas treatment called "SeaFoam".

Has anyone ever heard of it? And does it work?

I have heard that rubbing alcohol works really well, but I'm hesitant to try that.

What do you all think I should do?

Thank you

2 Answers

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  • 9 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    THINK ABOUT THIS A SECOND. If your engine is NOT passing emissions, there is a CAUSE for it. It is very simple. You have a DIRTY IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE and THROTTLE body. These things FINE TUNE the AIR portion of your injection system and are the MOST overlooked part as well. A dirty IAC Valve will cause O2 Sensor failure and converter clogging, especially on GM cars and trucks. <<HOW THINGs WORK>>> the IAC valve gets signals from Your O2 sensors and adds AIR to the INJECTED fuel. If the IAC is stuck with sludge and debris it will NOT adjust the fuel mixture by adding more AIR. The result is POOR emission as and lost power and economy. <<<ANSWER>>> take $20 to the local QUICKY LUBe na have them clean out the THROTTLE BODY and the IAC Valve. Run GUMOUT through Your PCV to remove some sludge from your PISTON RINGS. Once done, remove the new DELCO plugs you probably bought, and install set of BOSCH IRIDIUM plugs. You will be AMAZED as Your emission drop and you pick up an extra 15% in power and economy. The factory plugs just do NOT work very well and waste fuel and make power losses. Older GM cars just were NOT very fuel efficient because of poorer senosor making techniques and basic engine designs. ALL cars need a clean IAC vavle to run BEST. The IAC fine tunes the fuel mixture several times a second. SEAFOAM is GREAT for cleaning out your THROTTLE BODY and IAC valve. This RESTORES proper air/fuel mixture. Follow with GUMOUT spray. GOOD LUCK!!!

  • 9 years ago

    sea foam is a good product,,,you could try any fuel ll of waterinjector cleaner,,rubbing alchool is full of water,,,something you don't want in your fuel system

    you say its tuned up,,does that engine have cap and rotor? was it changed

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