Hey guys,

I have been having a problem with backfiring, popping, running rich. As I was looking around - I noticed that the vacuum line was not connected to the EGR solenoid - and therefore the EGR valve was not getting any vacuum.

My friend told me that this would cause incorrect MAP readings and could be the source of my backfiring issues. I just want to know what you guys think about this.

Also, how do I tell if my plugs are bad? I took 2 of them out so far - they are not very dark or anything - but about half of the electrode on the end is BRIGHT WHITE - almost looks like a dab of white paint. Does this mean the plugs are bad?

thanx in advance for the help....

 

All about the EGR system.

The vacuum line being off, would cause a vacuum leak any time the EGR is commanded on (which is quite often).

Sounds like your plugs indicate a lean condition that could be exacerbated by the vacuum leak.

 

I thought that the white electrode meant a lean condition also

I just dont understand how that could be considering that I have black smoke puffing out the exhaust as well as popping and backfiring - doesnt that mean it is running too rich??

something just doesnt seem right here

 

Fix your problems, then re-evaluate.

 

I was also told to change the plugs. Would this even help considering what the plugs look like? They do not have a strong fuel smell either.

Also, does the vacuum line for the EGR need to be plugged directly into the intake? Or can it just be to any vacuum source? I'm searching for a picture of the vacuum routing on the right side of the intake but cannot find one...

 

Tell us what year your car is, an we'll tell you exactly where the vacuum hoses go.

Shoebox has a photo of the driver's side of the intake manifold on a 95, and of the EGR components.

http://shbox.com/1/opti_vacuum_conn.jpg

http://shbox.com/1/egr1.jpg

Might be a good idea to add a "signature" with basic info about your car.... year, model, trans and any major mods.

 

My car is a 1997

 

Testing signature. These plugs literally have 5 miles on them - and about an hour total running time. Would the EGR vacuum being off for that long be enough to make them bad that quick?

As stated before - they are light brown- but have a very white electrode end. Should I change them? I guess I can just change them anyways to rule that out.