EGR AND!!! Smog Pump

[gblumenstock]

All,

I have a 79 SC. Mostly because of this board, I have been poking around the engine compartment more and more (even though almost everyhting works well). I discovered that I have an EGR valve and a smog pump. Is this unusual (CA car)? My Haynes suggests that it would have one or the other.

The next question is should I keep the EGR? I took it off and found that it was completely clogged with carbon. Should I simply plug all of the lines and remove it or would there be some benefit to renewing it? My last smog checked passed with both the EGR blocked and the smog pump filter never changed (PO). I have subsequently changed the filter. Should I do the same with the smog pump? I would like to clean up the engine compartment and would like to eliminate things not needed.

Thanks.
GB

I don't know CA smog laws, but if you remove the AIR system (smog pump) you will most likely fail the visual portion.
Also the air pump is there to help you pass the smog test.
Question: do you have any problems with engine knock? (pinging)
If you do I would suggest replacing the EGR valve. And if you don't I would also recommend replacement.
You might find some performance/driveabilty gains from doing this.
Most guys when the EGR fails don't know and have a mechanic back off the timing.

Also if you know anyone with a 4/5-gas analyzer you can have them demonstraight what happens to your emissions when you remove the AIR pump.

This was'nt an indepth answer to your question so if you are interested in the what and why of all the smog stuff on your car I would be more than happy to explain.
Chris
Happy motoring

[Wayne 962]

Here's an even less in-depth answer. If you remove anything from your car, you will fail the smog test. Primarily because it has to be there, and they will fail you if it's been removed.

Last time I checked, the EGR system really didn't reduce any performance of the engine. The air pump does, but it is required to pass smog. If you wanted to get rid of the pump, you might be able to upgrade to the later-style injection, but even then, you'd have a hard time convincing the Smog guys that you should pass...

-Wayne

[gblumenstock]

Thanks for the reply Wayne.

I decided that I will leave the smog pump in place. As for the EGR, what do you suggest for putting it back into operation. Will simply cleaning the carbon out and replacing he seals do it or do I need to replace the unit?

Can anyone describe how it works. If I knew that, I could answer my own question.

(As I understand it the EGR reduces the NOx emissions.)

GB

I t is designed to control nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. Basically, the EGR recirculates a metered amount of exhaust gas into the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chambers where it slows down the combustion process and absorbs heat. Since NOx is produced by hi temperatures, the EGR sytem serves to reduce temperatures and NOx emissions.

Chris
PS when you clean it anything you loosen up and does not fall out, will fall into your engine. Murphys law
I work in a fleet environment so my way of thinking will be different. But I would replace it myself.

PSS Bosch sells little yellow Technical Instruction books that cover many different areas of cars/trucks.
Ignition
Alternators
Fuel injection K-jetronic KE-jetronic Motronic ME-Motronic
Starters
etc
Diesel engines (smoke pushers)

They also have training films/cd's at there main site.
www.boschservice.com click on learning tools and it has a list of items and ordering information. This is a good way to get an understanding of how the different systems work in your car.