My 1983 S-10, V-6, 96000 miles original, will not pass the California
dynomometer smog test. It passed the low speed, 15 mph with the full allowed PPM of HC, 206, BUT it did not pass the 25 mph test, allowed 124 PPM, came up with 148 PPM. The timing was reported to me to be off at 25 degrees BTDC, very retarded, I think, though they called it advanced! They told me it is allowed to be at 13 degrees, between 7 and 13. What do I do? Thanks

 

I would say if you cannot do the work yourself take it to a mechanic and have him do a tune-up. Sparkplugs, wires, dist. cap & rotor and set timing to factory spec. This should bring you into compliance.