[Raylo]

Well, it's acting up (sticking open) again. This for a code W CPI 4.3 Vortec V-6. According to Haynes there were several types of EGR and the one for my code W is not what I am used to seeing. It's unusual, and unusually expensive.

Thanks to a tip in the excellent step-by-step procedure below I was able to confirm my diagnosis. I took a ratchet extension and banged on the EGR housing. The idle immediately settled down into its smooth old self.

Anyway, anyone with this motor might want to peruse the link below. Good info.... but I don't think the pictures will come up unless you register for the site. I was already a member.

I'm going to live with mine for awhile and see how it goes before springing for a new one.


http://www.s10forum.com/forum/f201/egr-replacement-how-to-18667/

 

[mack1]

Re: S10 EGR... again!

Hi Raylo,

but I don't think the pictures will come up unless you register for the site.

You were right, you can't see the photos without membership.

Too bad you can't just clean the thing up and oil it.

Best wishes,
Mack1

 

[Raylo]

Re: S10 EGR... again!

Actually Mack I may just try that. Or since this is OBD-I I may just get 2 gaskets and sandwich in a piece of galvanized sheet metal to block the ports. I am not getting a code so all should be good. Might not work with OBD II vehicles.

Here is one of the pictures from that website that shows the old and new EGR valves with the old being clearly stuck.

 

[mack1]

Re: S10 EGR... again!

Hi Raylo,

You're probably right about the codes just showing up in OBD II. The engine will likely run just as well. The whole idea about reburning exhaust gas deals with emissions as I understand it. Not a thing that was done on the older cars that I grew up with.

Best regards,
Mack1

 

[Raylo]

Re: S10 EGR... again!

Yes, it is emissions and has an effect on mixture and combustion temps. I suppose taking out the bit of exhaust might make it run a tad rich until the computer gets feedback from the O2 sensor and learns and adjusts the injectors to compensate. It'll probably cause one of the pollutants to go up a bit but not enough to matter.

Heck, after I banged on it it might be OK for another year or 2 anyway. ;-/

 

[Raylo]

Re: S10 EGR... again!

Got to working on this problem this AM. It's worse than I expected. I looked at the EGR valve and one of the 2 mounting bolts was cross threaded into the aluminum intake manifold and only inserted half way. So the EGR was only tight on one side. Even if it wasn't sticking there was probably a vacuum leak there. Pep Boys (in FL) work.... gotta love it. I need to pull the a/c compressor out of the way to get access to run a tap through the hole. It looks like the rear half is undamaged so I may not have to helicoil. And they ask why I do most of my own work on my cars??

 

[mack1]

Re: S10 EGR... again!

And they ask why I do most of my own work on my cars??

Hi Raylo,

Gotta do it yourself if you want it done right. I haven't put in a helicoil in a long time. Don't like them, but they are sometimes necessary.

Sometimes, down here, we rate jobs by the beers you drink before finishing.
You've probably got a six beer job to do there.:grin:

Hope it goes well,
Mack1

 

[Raylo]

Re: S10 EGR... again!

Got to working on this over the weekend. I was able to somehow get a tap in there (1/4" driver with swivel adapter) to chase the threads and the bolt goes in easily and holds torque. I also was able to clean the old EGR and re-installed it with a gasket that has a screen over the port. Maybe that will keep it cleaner for longer. Mission accomplished.

While in there I also replaced my a/c compressor (old one was very noisy) and condenser and fabbed up and installed a set of Camaro dual electric radiator fans (got rid of belt drive fan). I guess I got a little carried away. ;-) Driving smooth and cool again.

 

[BUDFAN8]

good to hear.

 

[mack1]

Great job Raylo and glad you didn't have to worry with the heilcoil.