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1993 Totoya Camry failed smog test for high HC. Car has high mileage.

FAILED THE EMISSIONS TEST DUE TO HIGH HC. THE MEASURED TEST RESULTS WERE: 143 AT 15MPH AND 117 AT 25 MPH. THE ENGINE OIL AND FILTER WERE RECENTY CHANGED. IGNITION TIMING WAS FOUND AT 13 BTDC. TOTAL MILAGE:202100 MI. CHANGED PLATINUM SPARK PLUGS AT 159178 MI. ENGINE DOESN'T MISFIRE BUT A SLIGHT AMOUNT OF SMOKE IS EMITTED FROM THE EXHAUST WHEN THE CAR IS FIST STARTED. THERE'S NO SMOKING THEREAFTER. PLEASE GIVE ME ANY HELPFUL INFORMATION TO PASS MY NEXT SMOG CHECK.
Answer:

Assuming your Toyota Camry's emissions components are all functioning properly, considering the high mileage your Toyota has, we'd recommend a smog check repair station or auto repair mechanic conduct a compression check to make sure your Toyota doesn't have low engine compression. We're mentioning low engine compression mainly because of the high miles your Toyota has and the fact that it smokes a little when your first start the car. The smoke indicates oil leaking into the combustion chambers; which also indicates there may very well be a compression problem. Low compression will definitely cause your Toyota to produce high HC. If it turns out there is a low compression problem you'll need to have the mechanic figure out if the low compression is due to worn out piston rings, valve seals, or scarred cylinder walls, and make the appropriate repairs. I'm afraid any engine work at this level will be costly. You may have a smog repair mechanic recommend replacing your Toyota Camry's engine with one with less miles. posted by SmogTips Support

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