oh hey, which one do I get? Denso?
ty!

 

Don't guess, retrieve the CEL trouble code (see link in my signature).

 

Plugs turning black (all 4 uniformly?), high HC an CO means you're running rich. The fuel pressure may be too high. Is the little vacuum hose on the fuel pressure regulator hooked up?

I'm assuming there's no code because if the CEL is on or there's a code you'll fail smog instantly because of that.

 

hey thats pretty cool...
so I get a long and four shorts:
14 IAC (EACV) - idle air control valve
I have no idea what this is. the search continues...

 

First clear the ECU to see whether the same code is thrown again after driving.

If so, here are possible reasons for code 14, which is potentially a cause for your engine running rich:

 

clean your IACV here is how https://www.hondacivicforum.com/m_566911/tm.htm

 

I'm gonna do this:
https://www.hondacivicforum.com/m_566911/tm.htm

 

allright, I'm done...man, that thing was filthy.
I cleared the cel too.
so is that it? drive it see if I throw a CEL and if not go smog again?

 

correct

 

dang. CEL on again.
same thing 14.
any ideas what to do next?
thanks all.