kp texan
1/2 ton status
I'd like to first start off by saying that I am most likely going to replace it this week although I do have a few questions on its operation.
A few months ago a noticed that my '88 K5 wasn't running too smooth just off idle and that it was very difficult to maintain a constant engine speed at low RPMs. Last week, I decided to just unhook my EGR valve and give it a try. I unhooked the vacuum hose, jammed the end of a bic pen in it, and then took her out for a quick test drive. The difference was amazing! All of my problems went away. The thing I am most thrilled about, though, is that my torque converter will now stay locked up at 70-75 mph. I used to only be able to maintain a max speed of 65 mph down the same stretch of highway without my TC coming out of lockup in OD. I can now do the Texas speed limit with a locked up TC!
Back to my original question: what is the advantage of having an EGR valve? I know it is mandatory to pass inspection and I have also read that it may help gas mileage on the highway. How much could it actually help mileage? Well, my Blazer is running better than it ever has so I'm just wondering if I should keep the vacuum line plugged and leave it as is or replace the EGR valve with a new Delco unit.
Thanks,
Wes
A few months ago a noticed that my '88 K5 wasn't running too smooth just off idle and that it was very difficult to maintain a constant engine speed at low RPMs. Last week, I decided to just unhook my EGR valve and give it a try. I unhooked the vacuum hose, jammed the end of a bic pen in it, and then took her out for a quick test drive. The difference was amazing! All of my problems went away. The thing I am most thrilled about, though, is that my torque converter will now stay locked up at 70-75 mph. I used to only be able to maintain a max speed of 65 mph down the same stretch of highway without my TC coming out of lockup in OD. I can now do the Texas speed limit with a locked up TC!
Back to my original question: what is the advantage of having an EGR valve? I know it is mandatory to pass inspection and I have also read that it may help gas mileage on the highway. How much could it actually help mileage? Well, my Blazer is running better than it ever has so I'm just wondering if I should keep the vacuum line plugged and leave it as is or replace the EGR valve with a new Delco unit.
Thanks,
Wes
