Hi ,

I'm new to the forums, But i have a question on a 86 ranger, 2.9 . I'v noticed it started running funny, I did a code scan and came up with codes
33- EGR sensor detecting valve not opening,
41- EGO sensor detects always lean.
My question is can these sensors by faulty or are the components bad, i had replaced EGR a couple years ago.
I have also noticed black carbon in exhaust pipes.
Thanks for any help

 

Yes, the sensors could be bad or other components could be faulty. The standard procedure at this point is to get the pinpoint tests (usually can be had from a good manual (Mitchell) at the library). They also say to work on the codes one at a time, starting with the lowest, so you'll want to work on the 33. Don't know the specifics of EGR system, but you'll probably want to start with a thorough checking of the wiring and vacuum hoses and make sure they are all intact, then go from there.

 

Black carbon in the exhaust means you are running rich. This is consistent with an EGO sensor (or it's wiring) that is bad and always reading lean. The computer richens things up trying to compensate.

 

When I try to locate the EGO sensor on the manifold, i see a steel tube that goes to the throttle body area with a small hose that goes to a sensor that is behind the EGR valve. Can this be the EGO sensor, there are no other components attatched to the manifold. thanks for the help

 

Nope. I don't know exactly where your EGO sensor is located. If it isn't on a manifold, then follow the exhaust pipes. On the fullsize trucks, it is way under the passenger's seat, shortly before the cat. Look for a 2 inch tall thin metal cylinder with wires coming out of it. No pipes, no hoses. The cylinder base will have a 7/8 inch hex on it.

 

On my '87, the EGO sensor is in the Y pipe where the two exhaust streams join, just before the cats.

 

Yep thats where it was, in the Y pipe. Thanks for the help everyone and have a great summer

 

it took me a long time to find the cause of code 33 on my 86 Ranger with 2.9 ... the engine was running great so I wasn't that concerned about it... finally i found that the port in the throttle body that opens up to the EGR valve for exhaust intake was completely plugged- after cleaning I no longer had code 33... my Ford Emissions shop manual with all the troubleshooting steps was no help in finding the solution