oily Accord has some drivability issues

[tuna55]

It's a '88 Accord LX-i. "Rebuilt" with four new pistons/rings, new valve seals, and it has about 150 miles on it so far.

First start when it is hot outside is stumbly. Sometimes I get a CEL, not often, it's EGR related.

Mat it and let the revs climb to near redline and you can get the CEL to click on with the EGR fault code. No drivability differences when this happens.

Other than these issues, the engine is perfect.

Ideas?

[Dr_Snooz]

Download the 89 USDM Manual and follow the troubleshooting sequence for your EGR code, starting on p. 12-79.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/vtyhl48z5uftmt1/AAA0VFYqWyfZ35Nvudl0xk_Oa?dl=0

[tuna55]

Thanks for the links.

I went through a bunch. I got to the part where I have to connect the BLK/YEL and the RED connectors to the battery. I used up my extra wires, so I did not check this.

I also do not have a "test harness", so that's all that I could do.

The issue upon startup has only happened once, so I'm willing to think that's a fluke. The high throttle angle, high RPM CEL is under super low vacuum, so how does that affect the EGR?

[Dr_Snooz]

The exhaust gas is introduced to the fuel mix under certain vacuum conditions. It will also make the car run very badly if it's not functioning properly. It's your problem, just have to figure out what's wrong and how to fix it. Backprobing wire connectors or piercing the insulation with your test leads will give you the numbers you need without a test harness.

[tuna55]

So I went back through these steps and I am pretty sure the flowchart is telling me that my EGR solenoid is bad. In other words, I see vacuum between the chamber and the CVC, but not on #16 even powered externally.

So, that's expensive and there aren't any in the local junkyard.

And one more thing. How can you test the sensor on the top of the EGR valve? I want to make sure that I have the right part, iuf it's going to cost that much.

[Dr_Snooz]

Disassemble it and make sure the EGR valve isn't all coked up with carbon. If it is, clean it up and see if it starts working.

[tuna55]

Disassemble it and make sure the EGR valve isn't all coked up with carbon. If it is, clean it up and see if it starts working.

Already went there. It wasn't bad but I cleaned it anyway, it looks like it was in good shape before and it's clean and tight now.

[Dr_Snooz]

Did you test if it holds vacuum?

[tuna55]

Yup, sure does.

[Dr_Snooz]

As far as I know, the EGR valve could be completely non-operational and it wouldn't flash a trouble code. If you have a code, then the problem is elsewhere.