replacing EGR and PCV valves

[kontinu1]

I just bought a fuel filter an EGR and PCV valve today. I am going to replace them when it gets nice out. What type of changes am I going to see after this is done? 93 Xplorer. where are they located( back of throttle body?)

 

[IgotTwo]

Silly me? Why did you want to replace them?
Where you having idling and warm up problems?

Blowing into the PVC usually is a good sign if it bad.

If it was running well... you may be disappointed.

 

[kontinu1]

11-12 miles per gallon on gas, failed emissions(inspection comes up in december) i had to sneak it through a private inspection last year. 176,000 miles and they have probably never been replaced.i had it since 119,000mi

 

[IgotTwo]

Good Answer!!!!
If the ERG is bad you usually know it. Idling is all over the place ....power loss. I had a bad one on my 97 with NO CEL
You can test it with a vacuum\pressure pump too

Do you know what you failed for? .. that is often the most revealing. In NJ they give you an emission read out.

 

[kontinu1]

i think it was NOX

 

[IgotTwo]

If you have Nox problem it could also be the CAT.
with 179K? Tired O2s may not be helping.

Try the simple things first:
If the idle is stable during warmup and while it reaches operation temperture and everything else seems in order...it may not be the EGR

Take in out on the road - holding it about 45-50MPH and stomp on it. If it hestiates and doesn't have power(won't take the gas) it could be the CAT is blocked. Losing back pressure.

 

[DonM]

Sorry to butt in, but I have a CAT question.

If one has a clogged CAT, is there a way to tell with out pulling it off?

 

[IgotTwo]

THE CAT:
Simpliest staring point - See above
that 45 -50 mph thing

 

[NH25]

kontinu1
Have you tried replacing the O2 sensors? Usually they fail at about 50,000 and they will make you fail the NOX emissions. I would not replace the EGR valve but I would replace the PCV. They can get clogged up with oil and they will not work. You can test the PCV by taking it out and shaking it. If it rattles its good. No noise its bad. Happy trails!

 

[DonM]

Originally posted by IgotTwo
THE CAT:
Simpliest staring point - See above
that 45 -50 mph thing

Before I installed the chip, I would have said my cat is clogged. But now that I have a Chip in, it's hard to tell useing the test above!

So is there another way to tell if the CAT is clogged?

 

[V8BoatBuilder]

The way to test a catalytic converter while still on the car is with a high temperature thermometer. This is what many gas stations use.

1) Warm the X up thoroughly!!!
2) With it still running, take the thermometer and measure the exhaust pipe temp BEFORE the cat.
3) Measure the exhaust pipe temp AFTER the cat. There should be a 100 degree difference between them if the cat is working.

CAUTION: the after temperature may well be above 1,500 degrees.... FYI...use a good thermometer. And don't burn yourself

 

[DonM]

Ok, i think I can do that.

Thanks