Save my Bonny!

[Strongbad]

I saw on several old posts that you can clean it with carb cleaner and a toothbrush. Is that correct? I think I have some carb cleaner I was using on my old Rustang...

[harofreak00]

Yes, to free up the pintle.

[Strongbad]

I read where somebody said they cleaned out their TB with a shop vac. LOL.

I guess I should clean out the TB while I have the chance. Any pointers there?

[repinS]

http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=51&t=8689

Not applicable to 1994/1995. They (and I) have the OBD 1.5 PCM that has an OBD 2 connector, but more along the lines of an OBD 1 PCM. You will need someone with a compatible scanner in order to do this. I have an Actron CP9110 with a custom-made cable.

edit: Yes, I would scan for codes. When my EGR valve went bad, it did set off a code, but it was often a history code which meant that the CEL wasn't always on. I did try the throttle-body cleaner approach, but to no success. Still worth a shot though.

Based on what I have scribbled in my phone, the code I had was something along the lines of "406 Linear EGR Pintle Position Error". Hope this helps.

[willwren]

...Your car either needs the OBD1 paperclip trick...

A "trick" eh? I like the sound of that! LOL!

Please explain...

Do NOT DO THIS!

You can fry your PCM. It WILL NOT WORK ON YOUR 94. 93 was the last year you could do that.

In addition, the 94 uses the linear EGR. It doesn't generally respond as well as the 93 and earlier digital EGR to cleaning, but you can try. You'll need a new gasket before you start.

[LeSabre in Buffalo]

...Your car either needs the OBD1 paperclip trick...

A "trick" eh? I like the sound of that! LOL!

Please explain...

Do NOT DO THIS!

You can fry your PCM. It WILL NOT WORK ON YOUR 94. 93 was the last year you could do that.

In addition, the 94 uses the linear EGR. It doesn't generally respond as well as the 93 and earlier digital EGR to cleaning, but you can try. You'll need a new gasket before you start.

My mistake!

[gonzo4191]

hmmm thought his avatar said 93

[willwren]

Joined: Mon May 18, 2009 10:54 pm
Posts: 10
IP: xx.xxx.xxx.xxx
Year and Trim: '94 SE

[Strongbad]

So with the paperclip trick out, would an autoparts store's scanner be able to check the codes for me, or do I need to go to the stealership?

[willwren]

Hit or miss. You need an OBD1 scantool that can read OBD1.5 GM from 94-95 with the 16 pin ALDL connector, not the 12-pin OBD1. Some scantools can, some can't.

[Strongbad]

I ordered the new gasket tonight (should be in tomorrow), and picked up a big thing of Berryman's Carb Cleaner. Should be ready to get her re-inspected again by the afternoon...Wish me luck...

[londonontman]

I just saw your numbers and have to put my 2 cents in. A few weeks back we had a Focus that came in with huge fail on NOx. Normally we would replace the cat and get most likely a conditional pass. The tech that was doing the inspection found that the temp of the exhaust was way to high. Further exam he found a small hole in the flex pipe before the cat. I would take some time and check the exhaust for any small leaks....especially pre cat.

[willwren]

Sound advice. And the main culprit would probably be the donut gasket to the downpipe from the rear manifold.

[repinS]

^I recently fixed that donut gasket on mine, it was a leak that I get go for far too long. Also had a dead cat - not sure if there's any direct correlation there.

[Strongbad]

She passed!

3/16--------------high speed std/high speed reading---low speed std/low speed reading
HC (ppm)............ 114 / 9 .......... 117 / 13
CO(%)................ 0.63 / 0.08 ...... 0.65 / 0.09
CO2(%)............... XXX / 14.6 ..... XXX / 14.6
O2(%) ................ XXX / 0.1 ...... XXX / 0.1
NOx(ppm) ........... 796 / 647 ..... 879 / 533.......PASS!!!
Dilution .............. >6.0 / 14.68 ... >6.0 / 14.69

I took the EGR Valve off. Looked kinda nasty, but no where near as crusty as some of the pix I have seen on the internet. I soaked it in Berryman's Carb Cleaner and let it sit 10 or 15 minutes. Then I dumped it out and repeated it 5 or 6 times, each time scrubbing it with a small brush, and tiny screwdriver.

Put it back on, and drove it 6 or 7 miles to warm it up.

After that, I took it too the inspection joint and it passed.

I am not 100% satisfied. I found my inspection report from 2 years ago, and the high speed NOX was around 350, so I think there may be something else going on. Perhaps an exhaust leak like was mentioned.

Regardless, she's legal for another year. Thanks a million for all the great suggestions...