What purpose does the EGR valve serve in an automobile engine?

Question

I own a 1996 Pontiac Firebird, with the "measly" 3.8 V6 engine. I have to come up with $1200 to fix my car. This sucks butt!!!!!!!!

I have to have the following things done:

1. Two new O2 sensors (one on each bank)
2. New extensive tune-up (plugs, wires, etc.)
3. New serpentine belt
4. Transmission flush and new fluid
5. Oil & filter change
6. Computer reset
7. New EGR valve
And maybe one or two more things. I was told by my mechanic that the parts alone will cost apx. $800. The labor will be about $400. Does this sound reasonable?


Thanks, dudes.

Answer 1

Why not save your self some money, and do some of the repairs your self. Go to your local library, and take out a repair manual on your car.
Buy some of the parts ( belt, EGR, oil and filter) and do them your self. Those are fairly easy to install.
Another option is to shop around. I will bet you can find a shop that will install those parts for less. Plus you can skip the trans work, that is just maintenance. Not really a repair.
Good luck.

Kevin

Answer 2

Iron hand is right. The EGR allows hot but unreactive gas into the combustion chamber to control NOx. If it leaks or does not open when instructed, the computer cannot operate the engine properly.

-The O2 sensors are easy but you may need a special socket to take the out. Use a lot of WD40 and let it soak.
-A tune up is easy. Follow direction in a Haynes manual.
-Belt is a bit trickier but again, just follow the directions.
-Trans fluid is messy so I'd say go to EZ Lube and pay the money.
-The oil is easy but you may want to do it at the same time as the tranny fluid.
-Computer reset is a battery thing. Remove the positive cable and reconnect. If that doesn't doesn't do it, you may need to have a diagnostic meter connected and a "reset" done. I think a meter is only $40 for that car.
-EGR replacement is like the O2 sensor change. A lot of WD40. It may be hard to reach so it may be tricky. However, if there are no computer codes which indicate it's needed, you may not have to do it. I've only had one EGR ever actually fail on me.
-The $800 materials cost is a bit steep but not outrageous.
-The $400 labor cost equates to about 1 full 8-hour day. That sounds about right.

Good Luck!
-

Answer 3

I don't know why you need these repairs, but OK.
As for the EGR valve, this is a device engineered to reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx) developed by the engine, and a part of the exhaust.
When the engine is functioning most efficiently, cylinder temperatures rise very high (>2500° F). This causes nitrogen to bond with oxygen in a chemical way. It is the major contributor, along with hydrocarbons to the gray haze we call "SMOG".
At certain conditions, the car's computer energizes the EGR valve to allow exhaust gas to recirculate back into the combustion chambers. There is no oxygen or fuel in any measurable amount in the exhaust, so it reduces the cylinder temps, and reduces the NOx.
There was a time when the EGR valve was an "add-on" component, but the engines are now designed and engineered for them, and the engine doesn't function well without them if they are designed to have one.

Happy Motoring

Answer 4

If I remember correctly the EGR valves equalize the back pressure from your exhaust manifold. It think you should have one on each side. Your estimate seems a bit high to me though. You should get a second opinion from another mechanic before you go through with this. If you have any friends that drive old cars. Ask them who they use, and see what they say. Even if it comes to $1200, it's still better than buying something new. Stick with it. Good gas mileage is better than more horsepower these days anyway.