Would Plugging Up My EGR Cause Problems?

ERamos

Registered User
I recently had 95 type mustang shorty headers installed, and we had to leave the EGR unconnected. The guy who installed the stuff for me plugged the EGR tube. I was told by others to just leave it suck up air from the atmosphere. I was planning on unplugging this. I am now having starting trouble, first related to a short with the fuel pump now the mechanic is still trying to figure it out. I was just curcious to see if the plugging of the EGR could cause problems except for just codes.

Thanks
 
I'll take a stab at it Ernie...

The short answer is ..sometimes. It depends how the engine control system is set up, and the the case of EEC-IV, it sees the lack of EGR manifested in higher combustion chamber temps, because the recirculation of exhaust gases lowers chamber temps to thwart the formation of NoX (nitrogen oxides) emissions. So...the chamber temps run hotter, introducing the possibility and tendency towards detonation, and the computer will then pull timing , and also run rich, affecting performance and fuel economy.
Most of the time, you wouldn't notice a drastic change, as the computer does it's job. Other times, like yours , she spits out codes complaining about it. Every car is a bit different (even SC's of differing years respond differently.

Sometimes the better choice people make is to allow the EEC to "think" it's working by putting a plate in betweeen the manifold and valve, instead of just plugging the vac line. Let it work as normal. Of course, this still affects combustion chamber temps, and timing may be pulled, but the system , including the feedback transducers, will not throw codes (ostensibly).

Hope this helps, you really need someone that has been through exactly your scenario, with your year of SC, to give you some more insight on things you can do. Good luck.
 
Dan is correct on this. It will increase your tendancy to experience detonation especially in the mid rpms. Leave it connected and just plug it off. I ran my 90 successfully for many years like that. No codes.
 
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