EGR Insufficient flow

[wlkjr]

I've gotten an SES code 0401 which is EGR Insufficient flow. This in on a 97 3.8 GM with 272k miles. What can this be? Something strange also is when I filled up, my low fuel light was on and it only held 10 gal. of gas. Usually it will hold almost 15. Any ideas?

 

[crashz]

Sounds unrelated.

The EGR issue is with the system, not isolated to the valve, so check for excessive carbon build up and the free operation of the valve. It may even be vacuum or electrically related depending on how the valve is actuated.

The low fuel light issue sounds like an issue with the sending unit.

 

[T-Keith]

Excessive build up. Remove the valve and the hose that goes to the exhaust. Clean with some aggresice cleaner and a wire brush. That should clear it up.

 

[wlkjr]

Thanks for the quick responses. What kind of cleaner should I use?

 

[Dan4510]

I would try carb cleaner, just go to walmart or local parts store and get what's on sale. I have used all the brands and they all seem to work the same.

Dan

 

[T-Keith]

Carb cleaner might make a good dent, or gasoline might be just as good(be careful). I used some GM top engine cleaner which is a mix of about 10 different solvents and paint thinners, it seemed to work OK. A soak might be a good idea. Be careful not to get any of the electronics full of cleaners.

-T

 

[wlkjr]

I've got some carb cleaner so I'll try that first. Thanks guys. Will give this a shot and see what happens.

 

[digitaldrifter91]

in my accord it has servicable ports in which u drill out the ports or use a slide hammer to open them, and then u clean it with some throttle body cleaner.

i used a snake like thing for the brakes u kno that wire stuff that is for bikes for the brakes? i shoved it in there back and forth to agitate and used compressed water and throttle body cleaner and kept flushing it.

though i had it out of the car =).

but u can probably clean it by jetting some throttle body cleaner in the egr port area....

 

[wlkjr]

Well, I took off the egr valve and did a thorough cleaning on it. The little valve seemed to stick and was gummed up a little. So I sprayed it with carb cleaner and got it freed up. Took the battery cable off to see if it would reset the SES, but it didn't. Guess I need to get a scanner to reset it and see if the code has gone away. Thanks for the help. There were only two nuts and very easy to get to.

 

[T-Keith]

quote:

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Originally posted by wlkjr:
Well, I took off the egr valve and did a thorough cleaning on it. The little valve seemed to stick and was gummed up a little. So I sprayed it with carb cleaner and got it freed up. Took the battery cable off to see if it would reset the SES, but it didn't. Guess I need to get a scanner to reset it and see if the code has gone away. Thanks for the help. There were only two nuts and very easy to get to.

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You shouldn't need a scanner to reset the code. How long did you disconnect the battery? If the light is still on you still have the problem reguardless.

-T

 

[wlkjr]

Found my problem. The gasket needed to be replaced. Light went out after replacing it. Thanks for the replies. Not sure how much longer this car will run with 273K on it. But it's still chugging along at 25 mpg so I'm going to milk it for all it's worth.