Failed Smog

[OCMike]

Took my 95 in for it's smog test today and failed. Somehow, my timing was set at 3. Yes, 3. That was the only thing that failed on the test, but I almost failed the HC category too.

Max @15 MPH is 62. I was at 61
Max @25 MPH is 37. I was at 34

So, I'm going to try and adjust the timing myself. Figured it would be much cheaper to buy a light and learn how to adjust the timing myself, than to have a shop do it and I have no idea what they'd charge. Looks like it should only take a few minutes.
I'm also wondering if my HC counts will go down after the timing is adjusted properly. And, if my gas mileage will improve.

Any feedback would be most helpful.

 

[fourwd1]

Change the oil right before you go back for a retest.

 

[OCMike]

Oil was just changed a few days ago. I read on another site that someone used ISO HEET to reduce the HC counts. I'll have to check the local autozone to see what they have.

I did just pour some Mystery Oil in the tank the other day. I wonder if that could affect it also.

 

[OCMike]

So I got a timing light and followed the instructions over on yotatech. Is it really that easy? Anything else I need to do?

Timing Adjustment for 1988-1995 3.0L V6 - YotaTech Forums

 

[KidVermicious]

So I got a timing light and followed the instructions over on yotatech. Is it really that easy? Anything else I need to do?

Timing Adjustment for 1988-1995 3.0L V6 - YotaTech Forums

I have a 22re not a 3vze, but yeah, assuming the motor is set up and nothing is broken, it really is that easy.

I cleaned up my timing marks on the block and the wheel with a wire brush and painted them with white model paint, and had a lot better visibility than using chalk. Also, leave that paperclip wrapped around something on your fender, so you've got it any time you need it.

 

[OCMike]

I'll only see one mark on the wheel. Is that all there is on the 3.0? And yeah, I need to paint or chalk the marks. I can barely see any of the marks right now. That was the hardest part of the adjustment.

The instructions that came with the light also said to rev the engine and turn the nob on the light to a certain point. Is that necessary to do? I tried, but hard to pull the throttle and turn the nob at the same time.