I need some "Z" engine help (pre-Vortec 4.3)

[big94gmc]

I have a '95 Sonoma, pre-Vortec 4.3.... Now, I thought that this model engine was a vacuum EGR. But, as you can see from the pic below, that's definitely an electric plug on the end. Am I completely wrong? AND, does it make sense to anyone else that a new one at the store is $210??

Also, I bought this truck about 3 months ago, haven't really done much to it but drive it. Now it's time for some maintenance.....so I'm digging around, and notice this is just bundled up, crammed in corner. Why would my ABS be completely disconnected? (No dash lights indicating a problem.)

And, finally, I'm ditching this horribly ghetto-rigged K&N filter (that you can see in these pics) and putting the stock filter/intake back on. But, when I went and sorta test-fitted the rubber neck from the intake to the air box, it really looks like the tranny kickdown linkage is in the way. Check the pic below, and tell me if that's how the linkage should look - just seems "not right" with it being over top and touching the alternator, and seemingly in the way of where the rubber neck would be. Am I wrong??

 

[big94gmc]

I got this from another 'board:

"The EGR that you have is refered to as a Linear egr valve, it recieves and sends information with the ECM. The reason its so much is because it bi-directional in regards to recieving and sending info."

Can anyone elaborate with more on that? Am I to take it that this IS a vacuum valve that communicates with the ECM? Or.....what?

 

[84zz4ss]

Yes that is a linear egr. It does communicate with your ecm referencing pintle position. Not how much vacuum leak. Pull it of and clean the chunk of crap from between the pintle and seat.

Leave the abs unplugged it would cost more to fix than the truck was worth new.

The air filter you'll have to figure out. But the tv cable looks correct.

 

[big94gmc]

Awesome on all counts, brother.

I swear that ghetto-rigged air cleaner was so clogged, and improperly fit, that this thing must have been choking itself out every time I tried to start it....last couple times, it starts with a flick of the wrist. Also, not sure how it's all connected, but the engine is gaining alot more RPM before shifts now, and the tranny is seems to be "just okay". I could probably still benefit from a rebuild, but I'm starting to think I may not have tranny issues like I initially thought - most likely a "smart computer" that's messing things up. Once I can (find and) fix the exhaust leak, I should be even better off.

Also, I run about 20* cooler now, according to my dash gauge. I tell ya, that thing ran HHHOOOTTT!! An hour and a half after it's parked it was still very hot to touch, but, I think that may cease (since I bought it, gauge would sit at 210*, on the drive home it was at about 190*).

The EGR was dirty as all get out, but it was functioning appropriately. I let it soak in some SeaFoam Deep Creep for about 45 minutes, put on a new metal gasket, and bolted it back up. It did look 'new', so.... I did clean up the injectors and intake as best I could. I also replaced about 6' or 7' worth of various vacuum lines here and there, so hopefully that'll help things.





I still need to do a tune-up (although what's there doesn't look too old), fuel filter/pump/sending unit, and an oil change.









Thanks for being available, Scott.