I will do some more tests later today or tomorrow. To answer a few questions/comments, the engine has had a complete tune up within the last 1,000 miles including new plugs, wires, rotor, cap, timing belt, timing was set perfectly, valves adjusted.
I will reconfirm that the timing has not slipped, but I can say that the crank key was perfect and torqued to spec as was the cam when the timing belt was done.
I would also reiterate that the engine has run perfectly right up until THE MOMENT that I pushed the diaphragm of the EGR valve. Right then, it stumbled a little and when the diaphragm was released, it didn't return to running right. Pretty bizarre.
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'94 Sidekick JLX 16-valve
Last edited by libbybapa : 08-27-2009 at 03:30 PM.
ah , EGR valve are natorious for sticking open.
even ones that are very good mechanically but the carbon makes them stick inside. they are infernal devices.
you said the compression is good. so I say believe that.
and check spark
and that injector.
id have them swapped so fast.....
redundancy is a beautiful thing, 4 lovely injectors all in a row.
My initial thought was that the valve had stuck open, but I then made a gasket that completely blocked both of the exhaust gas passages (only had the bolt holes) and it behaved exactly the same. I'll run further tests tomorrow.
i think you have an injector problem, if compression is good and the spark is good what else?
there is 1 in 100000, chance of broken valve spring that passes compresion but floats after starting. (id forget that )
that was smart to x out the egr . but the holes have to be blocked so exhaust cant push in to Intake, I sure that is obvious to you but say so just to be complete and others reading.
did you unseat a spark were, no.
im sure spark is ok to this cylinder.
Yup, flaky injector. Still a bizarre coincidence that it happened when it did. Running on all four now. I still haven't done anything about the clogged EGR system, but at least I'm almost back to zero.
Back to my plan for the EGR. Fill the two channels with carb/choke cleaner, soak it and blast it out with compressed air. Wish me luck.
Well, I took the EGR valve off and removed the gasket that I had made to block the channels. I got some clear nylon tubing that fit snugly in the channels and cut two sections about 10-12 inches long. I shaved the ends to be tapered so they'd fit into the channels easier, greased them up a little and slid them in. I blew into each of them and could easily see that the channel through the head to the exhaust port was free and clear and that the channel into the intake ports was blocked. I sprayed carb/choke cleaner into that tube until there was cleaner above the level of where the EGR enters the intake ports inside the runners. I let it soak for an hour or so. In that time the level dropped a bit. I tried spraying more in, but the level remained the same. I figured at least one of the small intake channels had opened up. I let it sit for a while again. I then drained it out. The fluid was black. I then filled it back up and let it sit again. I drained it the second time and blasted compressed air into it repeatedly. I could hear it hissing out into the intake plenum. I then started it up. There was a bit of a cloud as the cleaner burned out. I then pressed on the EGR diaphragm and the engine stumbled horribly and stalled!! COMPLETE SUCCESS!! Who would have ever thought that an engine severely stumbling and dieing would sound so good? I am astounded and very appreciative of how easy that was to accomplish.
Oh yes, by all means feel free to post this fix anywhere. I'd be very pleased if anyone could be saved time and effort of attempting to clean those channels mechanically. I don't even car about getting any credit. FWIW, your site has saved me an incredible amount of effort, Jerry.
When I was driving home last evening the CEL came on. All other gauges and operation appeared normal so I continued home. I checked the code and it was "Area 51" (the aliens invaded...) indicating the EGR system. After perusing JTGH's excellent site I came to the conclusion that I have the MOST HORRIBLE intake manifold as pictured here (picture borrowed from JTGH):
I reset the CEL and it has not yet come back on. I also pushed the diaphragm on the EGR and the engine idle changed slightly, but not much. I must assume I have a blockage.
What problems am I going to cause to my engine by running as is for a little while? I've removed the intake manifold before and so know the pain involved there and would like to avoid that if possible. I've been considering pulling the EGR valve and fitting a small piece of hose into each of the EGR tube openings and then alternating between filling with carb cleaner, letting it soak and blasting it out with compressed air. Thoughts?
Andrew
Andrew
How do you push the diaphram down? Explain please, I would like to try it on my Tracker
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I am astounded and very appreciative of how easy that was to accomplish.
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