My 91' TPI is burning a lot of fuel. It runs fine as far as I can tell without hesitation but there is a rough idle and some power lost. My check engine light comes on after driving for 10 minutes or so. Its giving a code for the EGR system and I smell gas. Is this a simple replacement of a part or parts or should it be taken to a shop???

Thanks in advance...

 

First step is to retrieve the code (or codes) that have been set, and work from there. I was going to include a link to the procedure, but it appears that thirdgen.org is down at the moment... (It's not tough at all, you just need to turn the key to 'on' [without the engine running] jumper two slots in the ALDL connector under the dash, then watch the "SES" light & keep track of/write down the sequence of flashes. Unfortunately, I don't have the procedure here at work, but a bit of Googling should turn it up for ya...)

Anyway, once you have the code(s), we'll be better able to help you get past this...

 

code 32
EGR

 

My guess is that this is probably something relatively minor.

I'm going to assume that you've checked for obvious things like cracked vacuum lines, etc. (And yes, I can parse the word 'assume'! )

Have you taken a look at the EGR valve, & verified that it's not all gummed up & can open/close as it should? (It's located under the plenum on the intake manifold, between the runners. You'll probably want some TPI intake gaskets on hand, just to be on the safe side.)

Once you verify that the EGR is working OK, and that you don't have any loose/cracked vacuum lines, & the electrical connections between it & the ECM are OK, then you might be looking at getting a new ECM...

But I'd guess that it's not going to be that serious.

[EDIT: Found an article that you may or may not want to check out. The tone is a little condescending toward third-gens, but there's still a bit of moderately good info there.]

 

Just found this as well - keep in mind that I'm not sure what year this pertains to (although I'm pretty sure it's a TPI diagram), so take a good look at it before trying to follow it!!

http://chevythunder.com/egr_code_32.htm

Good luck, I hope this helps!

 

No, I haven't checked the EGR b/c I didn't know where it was b/4 you told me. I'll get right on it in the morning. Thanks a bunch...