Originally Posted by
AZCardinalsFTW
any other insight on this issue, I'd really like to get this car fixed for the father in law
At this point, you have nothing to lose. So I would try one last thing. Run Honda Top End Cleaner (preferred) or Seafoam (local auto store) and blow as much crap out as you can through the tailpipe. Run a tank of gas through between the freeway and streets to help it all circulate through the system. Get the cat nice and hot, get it smogged and report back to us.
At my check 2 yrs. ago here in CA, the car was at about 90k. The cat had just been replaced at 79k due to factory defect, and at 90k it barely passed. I was like WTF? Well, the car was cold and the smog shop was down the road from the house and that sucked ass for the test. With that being stated, about 2wks. prior to my last smog, I ran Honda Top End Cleaner, ran it for about 2 weeks between the freeway and city, went to get it smogged and it passed with flying colors. I was like WTF? It worked.
I know my time line is messed up too, but at 79k I was pulled over and cited for an illegal header. I had to go through the whole BAR process and pass smog at BAR level, and after a whole basic tune-up, plus Honda Top End Cleaner, it came close but no cigar. So Acura replaced the cat for free since it had an 80k emissions warranty. The car passed at BAR level, but it did NOT count as my bi-annual smog test. I had to go back when it was due again and get it done which was around 90k.