Date:         Fri, 11 Jan 2008 17:39:47 -0500
Reply-To:     Jake Beaulieu <jbeaulie@ND.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jake Beaulieu <jbeaulie@ND.EDU>
Subject:      leaky EGR valve (air cooled Westy)

Howdy folks,

In an attempt to track down any possible vacuum leaks on my 1982 air
cooled Westy (Federal model) I inspected the EGR valve.  This valve
regulates the delivery of exhaust gas to the air intake system.

To test the valve I did the following
(1)Plugged the hole in the top of the valve where the exhaust gas would
normally enter
(2)Bolted a metal tube to the side of the valve that is normally in
contact with the air distributor (plenum).
(3)Placed the valve underwater with the metal tube sticking out of the
water
(4)sucked on the tube!  I can pull about 5 in Hg vacuum with my mouth,
while the motor pulls 20 in Hg.

Results:  A mouth full of water!

Conclusion:  The EGR valve is no longer sealing properly and is a vacuum
leak.  If I could dismantle the valve perhaps I could clean the sealing
surfaces and eliminate the leak, but I am not sure how to dissasemble.
Anybody done this?

Temporary solution:  Remove EGR valve from air distributor and seal the
hole closed with a gasket and metal plate.

Have any of you found the EGR valve to be leaking?

jake