Engine dies unless EGR is unplugged

[DandysRanger]

Here is the situation. 1985 Ranger with the 2.3L FI. It has been idling poorly and been missing occasionally. Now, it will start right up but after a few minutes it will idle down and eventually die although it will start right back up.
One thing I noticed is it will idle much better with the electrical plug pulled out of the EGR. Not sure what this means. I can have it idling but it will die pretty quick if I plug the EGR back in. I don't have to worry about passing smog can I go ahead and drive it with it unplugged?

 

[Mark_88]

You can certainly drive it without the EGR period if you can/want to but I would check before actually removing anything. Unplugging might be forgiven the first time...check local laws to see if original equipment must be kept installed or replaced by similar parts (in my area this is the law...and removing things can get expensive, even if it doesn't actually work).

The benefits somewhat outweigh the cost of the parts and keeping them working...but you can read more about that on the web...but it helps reduce engine heat (internal)...

 

[DandysRanger]

Thanks Mark. There are no emissions checks in our county for a vehicle this old so I am not worried about the legality. It seems to be running much better without it being plugged in. I am not sure what the malfunction is. I know I can replace the EGR but mechanically it looks fine. Also, since I removed the electrical signals if the EGR was bad or leaking wouldn't the symptoms still be there with it unplugged?

 

[tomw]

If you have the EFI version of the 2.3, the EGR valve electrical connections are the 'position sensor' portion of the valve. The computer commands a 'position' and sends signals to the two solenoids over by the battery, under the plastic cover.
Unplugging will stop the signals, and the valve may remain closed, but I don't know if the computer will stop trying if it gets no feedback of position. It should set a code for a non-responsive EGR valve.
The EGR is not supposed to be open at idle rpms. If it is, it is either jammed or dirty or won't seal any more. To totally disable the EGR, you can remove the vacuum line from the diaphragm and plug it with a golf tee. You may get pinging or 'rattle' going down the highway as you will increase the temperature in the combustion chamber.
Have you checked your plug wires by running the engine in the dark? If you get a light show, you likely need new plug wires. A set of wires that misfires when cold and damp might need to be replaced also, but might be saved after drying in heat, and coating with a non-conductive plastic clear spray to keep the moisture out.
If you have a carburetor, some of the above applies.
The EFI system will throw a code with the EGR disconnected. You need a scan tool or a VOM and jumper wire to retrieve the codes.
tom

 

[kimcrwbr1]

Sounds like a plugged egr vent solenoid for a 1985 or a plugged vent on the egr solenoid for the 1986. If you have a late 1985 it may have the 1986 components. The vacuum diagram on the radiator support will tell you which one you have. Do you have pics of the egr solenoid? If the vent is plugged it will not allow the egr to close when the computer tells it to.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

Are you talking about the egr position senser on the egr? If so it may be sending the wrong signal to the computer?

 

[kimcrwbr1]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/EGR-Valve-F...ash=item3d0619dffd:g:RJIAAOSwYHxWH853&vxp=mtr
Do you have a part like this coming off the egr vent solenoid?

 

[enjr44]

The EGR valve is there to keep the combustion temps under control (under certain load conditions the computer opens the valve to cool things off). It is called part of the emission system; but, it is more than that. So really it should be there and operating correctly.

 

[DandysRanger]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/EGR-Valve-F...ash=item3d0619dffd:g:RJIAAOSwYHxWH853&vxp=mtr
Do you have a part like this coming off the egr vent solenoid?

I don't see anything like that. Here is the EGR. The engine quits if this is plugged in.
Sorry for the delay responding. My son was using the Ranger for a couple of weeks.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

Just guessing here the egr position senser may be out of spec. If you unplug the electrical connector the egr stays closed correct? There should be two solenoids that control the egr one applys vacuum pressure and the other vents pressure off to allow the egr to close if the filter is plugged the. Do you have pics of the egr solenoids? just follow the vacuum line from the egr.

 

[DandysRanger]

You mean these? They are located on the passenger fender near the air filter.

I don't see a vent. There is the red vacuum line that runs from the main tree to a box under the air filter and then to the solenoid.