if my ignition timing were really reatarded could that cause my hydrocarbons to raise if it were not getting enough spark to ignite all the fuel.

 

Yes.

Excerpt from link below:

"If the spark occurs too retarded relative to the piston position, maximum cylinder pressure will occur after the piston is already traveling too far down the cylinder. This results in lost power, high emissions, and unburned fuel."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ignition_timing