1989 E-250, 5.8L

My van has steadily been losing power and using lots of gas recently. I've pulled codes on the vehicle several times and continue to get the same ones over and over: 34 (EGR out of self-test range) and 41 (system lean for 15 seconds or more). I've replaced the O2 sensor, and changed the EGR valve and EGR valve sensor. I also tested the hose coming off the EGR valve and the vacuum on that was fine.

With regards to power, the van runs poorly for the first 5 minutes after start-up - sluggish, power bottoms out - before slightly improving. On the highway, it continues to bottom out power right around 45 mph, maybe a little higher. I should mention that the exhaust system is old and worn, and it's been suggested that the converter might be clogged.

The guy at the autoparts store suggested it might be any of one of a number of things, including MAP sensor, TPS sensor, or coolant temperature sensor. Any thoughts on this? Or, should I start with replacing the exhaust system? Interestingly, the van has run worse *since* I changed the EGR sensor. Any advice greatly appreciated.

 

how old is your fuel filter?

 

Fuel filter is less than one week old.

 

I replaced the EGR and EGR Valve Position Sensor on my '94 4.9, and the engine light stayed on. We messed with this thing for hours. Finally, we found the actuator pin on the new VPS was a tad shorter than the original, so when the EGR diaphragm moved, it would not activate the VPS switch.

There was a part number change somewhere along the line, so the new EGR and VPS that I got were not compatible. These were genuine Motorcraft parts from the dealer. You might want to compare the pin length on the old VPS to the new VPS.


------------------------------
http://easyad.net/images/94vanavitar.jpg http://www.easyad.net/images/mustang1.gif

'94 E-150 Conversion Van 4.9 / C-6 -- '89 Mustang LX 5.0

 

What is the VPS? Are you referring to the solenoid that controls the EGR system?

 

Oops, didn't read the first part of your post carefully. As far as the VPS, I believe everything is fine with mine (I verified that I bought the right one), but I'll check it just to make sure. Thanks.

 

>Oops, didn't read the first part of your post carefully. As
>far as the VPS, I believe everything is fine with mine (I
>verified that I bought the right one), but I'll check it
>just to make sure. Thanks.

keithi70

Yeah, they verified mine too, but somewhere along the line, a part number change entered the system, and the new number had a shorter pin. They found one with the old part number, and it worked fine.

It may never happen again, but I just wanted to point out what happend to me. Glad I didn't have to pay the full labor on that one!

Good luck getting yours fixed.



-------------------------
http://easyad.net/images/94vanavitar.jpg http://www.easyad.net/images/mustang1.gif

'94 E-150 Conversion Van 4.9 / C-6 -- '89 Mustang LX 5.0

 

My 88 failed emissions testing twice. The check engine
light was coming on intermittently and after a while
started to stay on solid. I was getting an egr error code
(don't remember the number but it had something to do
with the EVP voltage). Changed the EGR and EVP and it
didn't solve the problem. I replaced the factory 2 cat
setup (4.9L) with a Walker direct replacement setup
which eliminated the pre cat. ($210.00)

This solved the EGR error code and also my mileage was
back to normal. I was getting 200 miles per tank full
from my front tank. After the CAT change I was back to
the normal 250 miles per tank.

Passed the emissions test in the first 60 seconds. The
test can go on for up to 240 seconds before you get a
pass or fail result. This is in (Maryland) where they
have the dyno/roller test.

 

how does the engine idle

 

 

>My 88 failed emissions testing twice. The check engine
>light was coming on intermittently and after a while
>started to stay on solid. I was getting an egr error code
>(don't remember the number but it had something to do
>with the EVP voltage). Changed the EGR and EVP and it
>didn't solve the problem. I replaced the factory 2 cat
>setup (4.9L) with a Walker direct replacement setup
>which eliminated the pre cat. ($210.00)
>
>This solved the EGR error code and also my mileage was
>back to normal. I was getting 200 miles per tank full
>from my front tank. After the CAT change I was back to
>the normal 250 miles per tank.
>
>Passed the emissions test in the first 60 seconds. The
>test can go on for up to 240 seconds before you get a
>pass or fail result. This is in (Maryland) where they
>have the dyno/roller test.
>

Been reading the threads on the Chk Eng. light thing...sigh just had a Summit hi-flow cat installed but not the pre cat with the dual inlet side. Do you have a source where a replacement for this one is possible. That's number one, Two where is the EGR located on a 93 F-150 5.0L 4x4? Sounds dumb but hey I'd rather ask and know, then I won't be so dumb

Been having the Check Eng. light on & off for over a year glad to find this site. I'll also try Ford dealer and ask if there are any recalls for this. Oh yeah O2 sensor replaced twice and fuel filter replaced this year. Could explain why the 30-40 mile drop
per tank

Thanks for the help! Chinookman

 

Well today I removed the EGR and cleaned it out plus the intake manifold side, only had a thin film of carbon no heavy deposits. Yesterday had Auto Zone test it and had Codes 11, 31, & 33. So I hope cleaning out the EGR will help. BUT as of today will have to drive it around a bit to see the mileage was down about 30 per tank.

Any way of testing the EVP sensor? Will stay on top of the mileage and see if it improves also the CE light is on only momentarily. Checked the vacuum line and it was intake no cracks or dried out portions. Thanks for any comments that will help.

C-man