My 87 LE runs great, but after 20 mins of driving each day, the 'check engine' light comes on. Code reader says it'* the EGR, but the car just passed the 'Air Care' test here in British Columbia.

I get about 350km per tank in mostly city driving, but sometimes when at idle, the exhaust smells somewhat like paint thinner.

Anyone know if this is a big issue? Thank you.

Since you have the older 3.8 LG3, you will have a vacuum powered EGR valve. If you can, pull the vacuum hose on the top of the EGR valve (its the round thing behind the throttle body), and up under the valve you will feel something similar to a bellows. Press that up into the valve, and put your finger over the vacuum line fitting. It should hold the vacuum. If not, it needs replaced. Sorry if the instructions seem confusing, as I have never worked with that particular 3.8. If it does hold the vacuum, check your vacuum lines, if they are ok, you will most likely need to clean the passages under the valve or replace the solenoid for it.

Actually I just noticed that the EGR may have holes too small on the bottom to stick your fingers through, so testing it will have to be done with a vacuum pump.

I appreciate your help, and I will do as you suggest.

Do you think that would account for the strange exhaust smell? Also, is 350km / 220miles per tank a pathetic gas mileage number?

yes, 220 is pathetic, a properly tuned car should be getting double that. when was your last tuneup?

Is there a vacuum powered EGR on my .89 SSE?

Anyone know where all the shortwords are? Like EGR =) I know its a list somewhere on the forum.


//kisen

definitely check your maintenance schedule. she probably just needs a tune up, my friend'* old 87 used to avg about 24 mpg, your mileage is definitely not lookin good. Definitely do one if you don't know when the last time one was done. Low cost solution to bad fuel economy.

Just out of curiosity, does the EGR on the LG3 have a feedback circuit as well?

On some of the other GM vac operated EGR valves, there'* a sensor on the base of the valve. Hot exaust gas passing through the open valve heats the sensor, closes the circuit, and tells the ECM that the EGR valve is actually functioning. If so, I'd check that wire as well for being burnt and blistered (no reading on the sensor due to an open circuit on the wire can trip an EGR code...at least it can on the 3rd gen F-body)