So my 74 failed the HC test. Limit in DE is 600.....I failed with a 1277........just wonderful. I bought the car about a month and a half ago and I am trying to get the thing on the road. Car was tagged "Historic" in Jersey for the last few years. Ive been doing some research and have read that the cause is unburnt fuel in the system. Possibly needs new plugs and wires (Tune-up) etc... The smog pump is not on my engine I have noticed. Does anyone have any thoughts as to how to get the emissions to pass or what I could try? Is a tune-up the way to start?

 

Have to add that I don't have the air pump system installed. I see the bracket so I assume it has been removed. Ive been reading the service manual and looking at parts I need. Not gonna be cheap. I guess if I install this I should have a better chance at passing test. I'm new to fixing up cars and I'm feeling like I have my work cut out for me with this one.

 

Try this to pass:
Run it just about out of gas,put a couple of gallons of alcohol(not the drinking or rubbing kind-methyl) get it smogged and then fill it up with gas and drive merrily away.

 

Since they failed you for the HC, I don't think the pump will matter.
Here in Nv. you have to have all the original componants in tact.

My first approach would be to detune the carb and really lean it out.
Advance the timing just a little and adjust the idle setting.

A fresh tune up, oil/filter, and air filter change always help.
If you had your car in my driveway I could show/tell ya the steps.
You really need the visual part too. Step by step with explaination.
It really helps to hear the changes along with the explaination and visual.

The car will run like crap but will pass smog test.
Once the test is over ya just retune on you're off.

 

Well I definitely want to tune up the engine and keep it as clean as possible. Detuning the carb and advancing the timing are things I have read about as options but it is something I am not familiar with doing at all unfortunately. Trust me, i wish i could pull it up in ur driveway cause i would like to learn all i can I would have to have my mechanic take a crack at that one. What about running methyl alcohol in the tank mixed with gas? I see it has been suggested and I have read the same idea on other posts. I would like to just get it passed and tagged then spend time putting the original parts on and getting back to being in good order. Is it safe to run the methyl alcohol just for emissions testing then fill up with hi test gas.

 

Go ahead and get a good tune up.
Plugs, dist. cap, points, rotor, resistor(s), and maybe even plugs and coil wires.
Change the oil, oil filter, and air filter.
Take the car in to be tested first thing in the morning with the car just warmed up.
The cooler morning air is dencer and has more oxygen. Fuels burn better.
If it doesn't pass after that, you'll just have to start diggin' in and find out why.
Keep the readout from your smog test.

OH Ya,.....PCV valve, don't forget to change the PCV valve too.

 

Thanks for the input. Hopefully the tuneup works. But if not, like u said, time to start digging.

 

Remember alcohol is a mild acid and our fuel systems were not designed to handle more than 10% ethanol.

I think the AIR pump, if installed, would lower HC as it functioned by adding fresh air to the exhaust to continue combustion. The EGR was to lower combustion temps to lower NOx.

Will be expensive to reinstall the missing equipment. And the small pipes inside the exhaust manifold will have to be replaced as w/o the cool air, the ends will melt and "mushroom" which will necessitate removal of the manifolds and cutting the ends off of them. Don't ask me how I know this. BTW, Paragon sells the little tubes.