2.3L ('83-'97) Bad idle with EGR valve connected. 2.3 Liter 1988

[Eduardo.lodela]

Hello, everyone.

I just made my truck start again after installing a few stuff; among them is the EGR valve. The last one was not working at all, so I put a new one as well as a new EGR sensor.
Now the idle is quite bad, but if I disconnect the vacumm hose it gets better, it is ok even if I jsut cancel the vacumm.

The O2 sensor is working and the IAC seems to be working well too. I recently put in a new in-tank pump and changed the combustible filter too. It has new spark plugs and the spark plug wires are ok.

Here is a video of it:

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[franklin2]

You should not have any vacuum to the EGR at idle. Only when going down the road or revving the engine. Sounds like you have a control problem with the EGR. It does have a solenoid that controls the vacuum. See if you have the solenoid type that has a plastic cap on it. You can pull this cap off, it has a filter under it. If this filter gets dirty, it can cause the problem you are having.

 

[Eduardo.lodela]

Thanks

You should not have any vacuum to the EGR at idle. Only when going down the road or revving the engine. Sounds like you have a control problem with the EGR. It does have a solenoid that controls the vacuum. See if you have the solenoid type that has a plastic cap on it. You can pull this cap off, it has a filter under it. If this filter gets dirty, it can cause the problem you are having.

Thanks, Franklin

I'm trying to find the solenoid but can't. I checked on both the Haynes Repair Manual and a Repair Manual. The Haynes one says it should be near the coolant reservoir, but there isn´t. Do you know where is it located?

Thanks again.

 

[franklin2]

In the red circle in this picture.

 

[Eduardo.lodela]

Nothing there. I guess it was taken off by a previous owner.
Thanks

 

[franklin2]

Nothing there. I guess it was taken off by a previous owner.
Thanks

Just unplug the EGR and plug the vacuum line. It's probably hooked to the wrong place since that stuff is gone. Just run without the EGR. See how it does. Most of them will run ok without it hooked up.

 

[Eduardo.lodela]

I just did that and seem to run ok. I wanted to pass the emissions test, but I guess I´ll think of something later.
Thanks again!

 

[franklin2]

I just did that and seem to run ok. I wanted to pass the emissions test, but I guess I´ll think of something later.
Thanks again!

Your truck is old enough, I doubt they will put a scanner or a code reader on it. If the check engine light comes on, you might be able to clear the code, take it to the inspection before the light comes on again. See how long it takes if the light does come on.

The newer cars and trucks can't get away with this, they can hook a scanner to it and tell you just cleared the codes.

If they do a visual inspection under the hood, you can put a little ball bearing inside the hose to block it, and then put it back on the EGR valve.

 

[Eduardo.lodela]

Thanks for the advice.
Luckily the engine light is off. I think they'll put a scanner right on the exhaust. Perhaps I´ll end up installing a catalyzer too.

 

[franklin2]

Thanks for the advice.
Luckily the engine light is off. I think they'll put a scanner right on the exhaust. Perhaps I´ll end up installing a catalyzer too.

If they check it at idle, it should pass without the EGR. If they rev it up and check it, your NOX may be a little high. Cross your fingers, that is a small engine and it might squeak by.

 

[Eduardo.lodela]

Thnaks a lot. Lets hope so