My 1988 Toyt Truck 22R with 2 BBL carb and 154,000 miles just passed the Virginia Emissions test which is has done since I bought it 19 years ago.
It does have a slight knocking in the engine which I have heard for the past 19 years.
I only drive it once a week about 25 miles and use it as a weekend truck only.

The Mechanic advised the truck is not healthy to drive because it puts out certain type of gas emission that is due to old age of engine. It sometimes outputs a certain carbon smell that I started noticing about 4 years ago.

I was wondering if anyone had suggestions or comments on what kind of dangerous gases or emissions I can be exposed to driving the truck.

The emissions test for today shows everything passed:

15 MPH 25 MPH Test
Limit Reading Result Limit Reading Result
HC ppm 207 128 Pass 201 149 Pass
Co% 1.76 .38 Pass 2.29 0.47 Pass
NO ppm 1438 644 Pass 1314 675 Pass
RPM 1547 Valid 1531 Valid
Dilution 14.5 Valid 14.5 Valid

Visible Smoke Inpection: Pass
Air Injection System: Pass
Exhaust Gas Reciculation System: Pass
PCV System: Pass
Catalytic Converter: Pass
Fuel Evaporative System: Pass
Thermostatic Air Cleaner: Pass
Gas Cap Pressure Test: Pass

 

Carbon monoxide would be the one to worry about, but if you keep your exhaust system in good repair it will all be exhausted at the rear of the vehicle. I would drive it until it died which, being a Toyota, could be another 19 years.

 

Your mechanic is very observant, seeing that all vehicles give off carbon monixide, except for those hydrogen powered vehicles.

Like John (Tow_Guy) said, just keep the exhaust in good working order.

What part of Va do you live in? I lived in Newport News for 5yrs while I was stationed at Langley.

 

I am in Arlington, Va.

How do I know if the Exhaust system is in good repair. If it passed all Emissions tests I assume it is okay? What other things can I check to make sure it is in good condition and no Carbon Monoxide is leaking in my cabin?

The Exhaust muffler is around 9 years old and not sure how long ago I replaced the Cat converter.

 

If you are passing Va inspections, I would not worry to much. The inspection station would have found anything if there was an issue.

They (Va) would not pass my old Chevy I had because the cat was cracked so I know they looked under there.

If you do not smell rotten eggs and your engine is running ok, then your cat is most likely fine.

Just do a visual inspection looking for any holes, etc.