i just bought a 94 honda accord from las vegas back to Cali. and it didn't pass smog, the HC and CO is way high when it's at 25 mph. for HC, Maximum allowable is 52 and it's measured 1473, CO MAX is 0.49 and it measure 2.24. i went to a honda repair shop and they say it could be the both cataltic converter and o2 sensor or one of two things.

i am running into an money issue right now, i don't have $1000 laying around for repair. so i want to hear some opinion, if i get the same comment, then i just do it myself and go back for retest. what do you guys think? please help me out here...

 

I take it that there is no 'check engine light' on? If there is no cel I would say it is your cat. A bad cat can actually cause the o2 sensor to have a poor reading. But I would wait and hear what some of the experienced honda guys have to say before you do anything.

 

give the mechanic a 50 spot to pass you

 

Spark plugs and air filter in good shape? Fresh oil change can help too.
Smog Test Article
I don't have smog tests where I live, so I'm not an expert on the issue.