88 2.9 EGR INFO

[RumPunch]

I have an 88 block and have installed new 89 style heads new manifolds etc I was planning to just remove the EGR components but the threads I can find state my 88 should not have had EGR yet mine most certainly does. Can I block it off and run the same ECU or will I have to get a newer ECU? Or should I just run it with the EGR on it. Planning to mostly trail ride and back road use of the truck. Will not be a primary vehicle at all. Any suggestions or direction is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Paulos]

Only '86 and '87 2.9's had the EGR valve. The '88 ECM doesn't support the EGR system or knock sensor (the pinouts are different). The blocks on the '86-'87 and '88 are actually the same, but the '88+ drivers side exhaust manifold has the EGR tube port plugged. Did this motor come out of your B2? Does the manufacturers sticker inside the jam of the drivers door actually say it was made in '88? Does your B2 have the EGR system and knock sensor wiring?

 

[RonD]

May not have been original engine, and replacement had the bolted on EGR stuff
Do you remember unplugging the EGR sensor wires?

It would have a 2 wire EGR solenoid(vacuum valve) a red and yellow wire
3 wire sensor, orange/white, black/white and Brown/green

If it has the wiring then Computer will want to see EGR sensor feedback

 

[RumPunch]

Can't recall off hand but I will look tonight when I get home. I makred all hoses and connectors. Do not recall any standard 80's colored Ford vac lines though. I will look a d see. Thought it was just a small rubber 90 and hard black line going to back of diaphragm valve on intake.

 

[RumPunch]

@Paulos do you have any diagram or pics of the Knox sensor or location? Do not believe I have one.

 

[Paulos]

I couldn't find a picture, but it's located on the drivers side of the block, between the motor mount and the back of the block. You might try getting the ID #'s off the ECM (to confirm the year it's for), look for a connector for the EVR sensor on the drivers side of the intake near the EGR valve, and the EGR valve solenoid (with two vacuum hose connections) on the passenger side of the engine compartment (where the ECM and fuel pump relays are). There will also be a vacuum reservoir under the air cleaner canister for the EGR system.

 

[RumPunch]

So I did confirm last night before I had to rush back out the truck is a 12/87 per door frame vin tag. So does that mean it does have EGR and NOX sensor? I'm positive the engine has been out before so I will have to look at the other items your describing. Will 86-87 blocks have a NOX sensor port but he plugged. If I recall correctly when I pulled it there was a sensor in that location fairly low on the block that was not connected nor was there any harness in that location. As well I looked at the vacuum diaphragm on the intake last night and it had one of the 2 line ports capped off. Also if I have read right the 2nd # of the ECU will be the manufacturer year correct? So if I have an E8 for example it'll be an 88 but an E6/7 will have EGR?

 

[RumPunch]

Knock sensor my apologies... Stuck in a FT4 mindset

 

[Paulos]

The knock sensor port is just a dead end thread in the block, and would be present in the first version of the 2.9 block (86TM). When you mentioned vacuum lines, I remembered the vacuum routing diagram on top of the radiator support. Hopefully it is still there, as it will show the EGR in the diagram.
Being made in 12/87 I would say it's an '88 and it didn't originally have an EGR system. But that vacuum diagram would tell you what you need to know pretty quickly.

 

[RumPunch]

@Paulos that's a good point I didn't even think to look there! Thanks I will definitely check this evening! Thanks again for all your thoughts!

 

[dirtymike]

Mine is 02/87

 

[RumPunch]

So here is my ECU my understanding is this is an 88+ emissions truck so NO EGR knocks etc correct?

 

[RonD]

Yes, E8 at the start means 1988

 

[Paulos]

Like RonD said. Rock Auto clearly lists it as an '88.
CARDONE 784479 {#E8TF12A650UA, E8TZ12A650UA} 4WD; Automatic trans.; with Federal Emission System; I.D. #(s) E8TF-UA
Was the sticker on your radiator support intact?

 

[RumPunch]

Good call guys. Checked the vacuum schematic on the core support, definitely no EGR. So engine had been swapped at some point.