Ok i started my s10 which i got reciently got, haven't had it going sence i got it and when i started the truck theres hardly any power in it, it wont idle right or anything. I know the truck was running good not too long ago because i bought it off a family member, about 1000km ago he replaced plugs, wires, and cap any ideas why it was run sluggish? It has 2.8L motor which only has about 40,000km on it

try finishing the tuneup.
PVC, EGR, fuel filter, air filter and check the timing

try finishing the tuneup.
PVC, EGR, fuel filter, air filter and check the timing


Actually it's PCV = Positive Crankcase Ventilation Valve

no, overboard just wanted him to replace some plastic pipeing in his truck :p

Oops Sorry the aircleaner and pcv valve was replaced, i never heard of the other one before

EGR means Exhaust Gas Recirculation circuit. On my 2.2 it is a small bladder type bell houding in the back of the motor activated by a vacuum line which is controlled by a solenoid. I'm not sure where it would be on your motor, but if you check online, you could get a picture of what it looks like and then check it out in your truck. In my repair manual it states that to check it you should let your truck idle, and then push the valve manually. If it starts to stumble, buck etc then it is most likely ok. I have heard that sometimes all you have to do to fix it is to clean it (solvent?, i'm not sure.) When I had an EGR engine code, my problem was that it had little power also. I checked all the vacuum lines connected to it (trace them all the way back), and found one that was broken. If I stated anything that was incorrect let me know.

sounds like what the truck is doing exactly, would anyone know where this is too?

sounds like what the truck is doing exactly, would anyone know where this is too?


It is a round, saucer-looking valve with a small vacuum hose coming out of it right on top of your intake manifold...it's job is to recirculate some of your exhaust gas back into the intake to keep combustion temperatures down. It only operates under load, and its malfunction is the reason NOx emissions can be very high during state inspections.
Here is a picture: http://home.sprynet.com/~dale02/egrvalve.htm

The most common problem I see (I work at a vehicle state inspection station in Texas) is that the EGR Valve is simply no longer funcitonal. To test this on older vehicles like our's (I have an '87 S10 Blazer) is to do a simple vacuum test on the valve itself. Take the top little vacuum hose out of the EGR valve, then hook up a small hand vacuum pump to the valve and see if you can pump it up to 20psi (do not pump it up over this, as you might damage a good valve.) If it is an old valve and holds no vacuum at all, then that is probably your problem and new EGR valves are only like $40-$50 at AutoZone or maybe even cheaper on eBay. Installation is very easy.
The second most common problem with the EGR system are the vacuum lines running to and from the valve. Many times, people think that they should immediately replace the valve and all will be good. However, a lot of times when I am looking at faulty EGR systems, a worn/broken/disconnected vacuum hose is often the culprit. Simply trace all of your vacuum hoses and feel them and inspect them closely for any leaks or tears or breaks. If any are found, you can take some scrap hose to replace your broken hose (be sure to clean the hose out with maybe some straightened coat hanger wire).

Also, this sort of EGR system maintenance will help you greatly if you ever have to do any emissions inspection in your state on your car, and will reduce your NOx emissions.

Hope that was helpful.

Very good description. When I checked and fixed my EGR system I unfortunately didn't have a hand vacuum pump. But my problem wasn't the valve, it was a broken vacuum line before the valves operating solenoid.

no, overboard just wanted him to replace some plastic pipeing in his truck :p

Well I have to work with plumbers from time to time. Their glue might have permantly affected me

I'll check it out and let yee know