Questions and Answers
Saturn EGR Valve
Q. Hello Vincent, My name is Phil, and I am the owner of a 1997 Saturn SC-1 (SOHC) coupe. It has about 65,000 miles and has just become a bit of a problem vehicle. I took it in for repairs and it cost me $600.00 to replace many things on the vehicle, as it was overheating and braking improperly. I am a student and this is a lot of money for me.
Now, about last week, the car's SES warning light went on and I took it in. The car was stalling at almost every stop light, or whenever I'd slow down below about 10 mph. Saturn diagnosed it as having three problems (1) a bad harness on the cooling mech--which they replaced (2) a bad coolant tank--it was cracked (3) and a bad EGR valve. They said the EGR valve went bad because the coolant leaked out onto it and corroded it. That it is stuck and not working at all. They said that since I did not have the money to pay for all the repairs which would have come to over $300.00, that I should replace the cracked tank, and the harness and that would prevent further damages.
I want to fix the EGR valve because I was reading in your about column that it can cause "detonation" and exhaust flowing into the engine which sounds very bad, that it might cause more damage to the car and engine which I cannot afford. How do I replace the EGR valve on my own? Is it very difficult? I have little to no car repair experience.
A. That's not a very difficult job at all Phil. Here's what you need to do: REMOVAL:
INSTALLATION:
- Remove the air intake tube.
- Disconnect the EGR valve wiring harness connector.
- Remove the EGR valve attachment bolts and valve assembly. NOTE: Remove all loose deposits from the EGR inlet passage, otherwise they could clog the EGR valve.
- Inspect the cylinder head and adapter passages for excessive carbon deposits. Deposits can be removed using a screwdriver and a small pick.
- Clean the EGR valve mounting surfaces and inspect for scoring and cracks.
- Install new EGR valve gasket.
NOTE: Make sure gasket is installed correctly or a vacuum leak will occur.
- Install EGR valve.
- Install EGR valve attachment bolts. Tighten the bolts farly tight, but don't go overboard or you will strip the head.
- Connect EGR valve wiring harness connector.
- Inspect air inlet tube. Attach air inlet and tighten clamp.
- Install fresh air hose.
- Start engine and inspect for exhaust gas leaks.
And that's it. It takes about an hour to do.
Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA
