With an EGR valve working ok on a 302, what would be the response if I unplugged the electric solenoid?

 

Try it and find out.
If it works OK why mess with it?

 

Let's say the operation of the valve is ok. But the thought of dumping hot exhaust into my intake sucks and kills my horsepower. The small 302 needs all the help it can get.

 

Ironicaly I am trying to trouble shoot that very problem right now. From a backwards perspective you will probably get a CE light every time you drive and you might see a slight increase in MPG. I keep getting 33 ( EGR valve opening not detected) and 84 (EGR vacuum solenoid circuit failure) yet the truck runs fine. I have replaced both parts and checked vacuum to no avail. The interesting thing is that, as I collect data, I have seen a 1mpg increase in my local driving. When you drive a 460 that gets 8mpg going to 9 is a big deal. Now I am not sure I even want to fix the "problem".

 

I did it while running and noticed no change in idle condition. The only thing is it will trip a trouble code....332....EGR not flowing. Then you will have to reset it to get the light to go off.

 

I made a block off plate out of a piece of stainless steel. The computer is happy (no codes) because EGR valve, EGR sensor & solenoid are all in place. The engine pings a tiny bit occasionally. I have heard others have experimented by drilling a small hole in the block off plate, I might try a 1/8" hole in mine some day. ...Terry '90, F150, 302
ps. The EGR valve doesn't open at an idle.

 

dude drill that hole or get rid of that plate... pingings no good in my book.

 

Turboguy, you are right, pinging isn't any good. It is a very slight ping, usually if I lug the engine, so I down-shift or ease-up on the throttle a tiny bit. ...Terry

 

You can just unplug the vacuum line off the EGR valve and see how it runs. The CEL will come one, but you'll know what its for.

BTW, EGR valve is closed at WOT.

 

Rotor
the EVR controls the vacuum to the egr and vents that line to atmosphere when the egr is supposed to be closed. It sounds like yours might be stuck and not sending vacuum to the egr.