EGR valve light

[1wired1]

I finnaly got to the dash of my 76 westy and found out that the light for the EGR valve was pulled out and hanging in the back. Not really a problem except when trying to smog the bus. I thought it was a reminder and you could reset it. Any thoughts. Don't really want to buy a new one, as I only have to smog it one more time before exemption.
Chris

[ratwell]

There is a box half way down the speedometer cable behind the kick panel. Press the button on it to reset the light.
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'78 Westfalia CDN
'76 Doublecab Sweden
Read the Baywindow FAQ

[JamesT]

I was actually wondering, does the EGR system reduce emmissions enough to justify the power loss? I mean, if you have less power, you're going to burn more fuel, if you burn more fuel, you produce more emmissions. On every van around here, the EGR has been removed, but we're not in a large city.
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-James T

1968 Kombi
1995 Eurovan Camper
2006 Garbage Jetta TDI

[ratwell]

I don't know of any posted results that measure the effect with it on or off wrt emission, mileage, etc.

Science:

- EGR was added to lower NOx (smog) emissions only
- EGR introduces oxygen depleted exhaust to the intake manifold
- EGR lowers the head temperatures which reduces NOx production
- When NOx emissions go down, HC and CO emissions go up
- Most effective when the idle mixture is between stoich to lean

Law:

- EGR is part of the emissions system and state and federal laws prevent tampering with it.

Observed:

- EGR produces a hesitation off idle because it causes a large drop in vacuum.
- The idle also jerks a little and when you try to maintain your speed. It's very subtle but there.
- EGR reduces horsepower.
- EGR filters rust away in a short amount of time

Based on the way the fuel injection system works (fuel metered based on the volume of air that passes through the AFM) I would guess the mileage would go down because there will be less oxygen overall to mix with the fuel and it would go unburned. However, if the temps go down and there is less HP lost to heat maybe it all balances out. I don't really know.

The EGR valve whether mechnical or the earlier electric/vacuum style is designed to close at idle and WOT so it has no effect if you are stuck in traffic or barreling down the highway at full pelt.

Couple the results with the fact that the parts are very hard to find and the filters are $100 and up it's pretty much a no brainer to remove it. If you've already modified your engine in some way your already guilty of breaking the federal, state or local laws. Ironically modifying your engine for the better, e.g. installing a cat, is also illegal so the law is an ass as they say.
_________________
'78 Westfalia CDN
'76 Doublecab Sweden
Read the Baywindow FAQ