First Gen EGR problem

[veedub]

I've been lurking around the forum for some time now and I have come across a problem looking for some help. I have a 1984, manual, 2.3l Ranger that cannot pass smog. My friend is driving it currently (I'm deployed) and that guy has told him its the "back pressure modulator/regulator". My friend calls it the UFO disk. I have been looking everywhere online to try and track down this part but I haven't found anything.

My questions are
1., Is the name of the part actually called the back pressure modulator/regulator, the part with the red hose leading into it with the black plastic top
2. Does anyone out there have any idea where I can track it down online other than sending my buddy to rummage through junk yards until I get home?

Any help would be appreciated

 

[tomw]

I did a bit of looking, tried LMC truck parts .. no go. Google, amazon & ebay were also useless.
You need to remove the part and find a FoMoCo part number for any sort of web search.

I did not know CA still checked 30+ year old emissions systems, but I left 20 years+ ago, so ...
This thing used back pressure to regulate the amount of EGR flowed, increasing or decreasing the vacuum behind the EGR valve diaphragm. An early form of DPFE, if you will.
You might be able to find a similar valve on other "CA Emissions" Ford products, as the tended to use the same or similar parts across the whole product line. With a number, you can cross years and models.
If it has to just 'be there', and kinda-sorta work, you might be able to 'help' by taking it apart and patching the diaphragm, which I suspect has gotten perforated due to age, backfire, or heat. Otherwise, you might 'make one up' that looks right, and sorta does the job. If it works too well, your engine will have too much EGR gas inlet, and it will not run well, but if it does not, you may have higher NOx formation and possible pinging.
An adjustable regulator or modulator could be substituted, if you can find one.
I would even consider flowing some latex into the vacuum side and letting it coat the diaphragm, and possibly plug the leaks. If it is just 'stiff' you can manipulate it and possibly add some lube to the 'valve' side and loosen it up. One that is intact, but 'stuck' is a lot easier to get working.
I think that exhaust gas (manifold) back pressure goes through the red hose, pushes on the diaphragm, and limits the amount of vacuum allowed through to the EGR diaphragm.
Other than that, boneyard.
tom
added: If the valve is stuck, you might be able to disassemble the parts on the vacuum side and clean them. It should just be a valve stem that is moved by the diaphragm, seating or regulating manifold vacuum with a taper, or just a valve the opens and closes.

add MORE

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/351305589533?ul_noapp=true&chn=ps&lpid=82

This thing would likely do the job. Has the right number of ports, and would look good. Heh.
Cost ~$30 and fits a Toyota of about the same displacement. Probably work fine. And if it passes the test, and you don't like the way it works, you can always find a ball bearing that fits into vacuum tubes as needed.

 

[veedub]

thank you for the help. I have come up completely empty on finding it with other models. Yea California emissions... has to be 1975 or older. Checking the ebay post now. Was on there the other day but there seems to be so many other names for the part. Thanks again