Questions and Answers

200 SX EGR Problem Q. Hi, My name is Emanuel, I own a 1986 Nissan 200SX XE. The car has approximately 118,000 miles and has 2.0 liter engine. I recently took my car in for a smog check and I was informed that it would not pass because something was wrong with the EGR valve.

I was told that it could be cracked or it could just be dirty. I was just wondering if you had any tips on how to check my EGR valve to find out what the matter is. And will it be very difficult?

Thanks,
Emanuel

A. With the engine running, take the vacuum line off the EGR valve and, with a hand operated vacuum pump, slowly apply vacuum to the EGR valve. The engine should start to stumble and eventually die out if the valve is operating correctly. If it doesn't, release the vacuum and stick your finger up underneath the valve. Apply vacuum and you should feel the pintle move up. If it does, then you have a bad EGR valve or the EGR passages are clogged.

If this all checks out, place your fingers under the EGR valve and goose the engine. The pintle should move up rapidly and come right down. If it doesn't move, then there is a problem with the EGR control system. If it does, then the EGR valve and the EGR system are okay and the problem lies elsewhere.

Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA