EGR / MAF Help

I have a 95 Transport 3.8L and what I have read from this group on the EGR valves it looks like mine needs to be replaced. Start the van up in the morning when it is cold or even when it is warm after about 30sec it sounds like the engine wants to stall. When driving it seems to start to choke at around 60Km;s or so and higher. If you need to pass someone (not flooring it) the van seems to choke, it you them floor it it seems to go away.

Now my questions are:

On the EGR valve you guys have said to discconect it and see how it runs. Unplug and let it idle for a couple of minutes or take it for a drive for 20 min?

Someone else had said it could be a small wire in the MAF area which could be dirty and needs to be cleaned. I have taken a pic of the MAF area on my van and need to know where this wire is to be cleaned.
See here:
http://www3.telus.net/darylh2000ebaypics/MAF%20Area.JPG

Just replaced the fuel filter, spark plugs, starter and had a tranny flush.

Any help would be great.
Thanks

Are the CEL on at any time?
Have you checked if there is any DTCs stored in the ECM?

Not sure what you mean by the CEL? How can I check?

I don't have OBD to check for codes.

Thanks

Not sure what you mean by the CEL? How can I check?

I don't have OBD to check for codes.

Thanks


CEL = Check engine light (looks like an engine, read in the user manual)
Does it light when driving?, all the time, intermitent or not at all?

A scan tool, or an interface for your laptop+ software is very useful when trying to make a diagnosis upon a problem. You don't know anyone you can help you with this?

If you disconnect the connector to the EGR valve, the car should behave more or less normal, if the EGR valve is the problem. Have you checked and clean the IAC-valve? The IAC valve controls the idling.

The small wire to clean is the sensor wire inside of the MAF sensor, measuring the air going into the manifold/engine. Be very careful not to brake the wire!

I checked the MAF sensor and it looks very clean, no dirt etc.

I pulled the connector off of the EGR valve and went for a drive. No CEL light came on??? perhaps burnt out? The van sure had alot more juice. The problem never really showed up. I went up a smaller hill and there was minor appreance but could that be still from the EGR valve stuck in an open or clesed position? Otherwise looks like the problem is solved.

I found a parts guy online in TX thats sells them for $95.00 US + shipping.

Is it hard to chenge the lights in the dash?

Thanks

All lights in the dash will light up when turning the key to START..so you can see that all lights are functional. SO you should see the CEL at that moment.

I thought my engine light was burnt too...after I disconnected my EGR....the first time it took a good while..(40 min) the second time 15 minutes....

I just checked to see if the light was burnt by turning the key to start. The engine symbol lights up so perhaps I didn't drive long enought with the EGR connection taken off. 15min drive.

My replacement part hasn't arrived yet and I am leaving on a trip for a couple of days. Is it ok to drive with the EGR valve connector unplugged? The van runs somewhat better with it unplugged.