2000 Dodge Caravan hydrocarbons

papet · Posted at Wed Nov 04, 2009 7:59 am

Engine Performance problem
2000 Dodge Caravan 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

Hello Bob and Ken,
I just had an emission test yesterday but the test failed because it has a high hydrocarbon reading. The limit was 50 and the reading was 76 so the test failed.
So I am asking you to please help me because I cannot renew my plate if my vehicle cannot pass the test.
What must be the problem and can you advise me what to do so my van can pass the said test.
Thank you very much Bob and Ken hoping that you can help me.

rasmataz · Posted at Wed Nov 04, 2009 8:53 am

Hydrocarbon failures mean unburned gasoline is passing through the engine and entering the exhaust. The three most common causes include ignition misfire, lean misfire and low compression (typically a burned exhaust valve). Ignition misfire can be caused by worn or fouled spark plugs, bad plug wires or a weak coil. Lean misfire results where there is too much air and not enough fuel, so check for vacuum leaks, dirty injectors or a fuel delivery problem. In addition to these, hydrocarbon failures can also be caused by oil burning due to worn valve guides, valve guide seals and/or rings.