EGR or No EGR: That is the Question?

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The PIG Smith
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EGR or No EGR: That is the Question?

Post by The PIG Smith »

My 1982 J10 project's 360 V8 sports an Edelbrock 3731 EGR style intake manifold.
I have removed all the emission gear from this truck.
Now, I need to decide to block off the EGR port or install a EGR valve.

I plan to use my truck as a part-time daily driver, weekend toy.
My guess is the EGR valve maybe useful.

If I install a EGR valve, what is the simplest method of plumping the vacuum lines to it?
Will I need to use a thermal vacuum switch?

Comments? Suggestions? Opinions? Flames?
Bryan Smith
Fort Wayne, Indiana
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
- 75th Anniversary Edition - 1941 Trim Package - Recon Green --Daily Driver
1986 Jeep J20
- Super clean rig from the AZ/CA state line -- Current Project
1982 Jeep J10
- Has become a Long Term Project.
1981 Jeep J20
- Commercial flat bed - Lost in a Divorce --gone
1987 Jeep J20 Pioneer
- Former Rick Bielec aka Ricbee plow rig. Major rust!! --gone

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REDONE
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Re: EGR or No EGR: That is the Question?

Post by REDONE »

My thoughts are that if you don't have emissions now, before long you will. While emissions areas aren't really expanding right now, it is an ebb and flow situation and we all know that life throws us curve balls. I found out myself that in the big picture it was best for me to move to an emissions area and now my truck has been down for two years while I piece enough of the emissions back together that I can get it tested.

On top of that, with a carbureted engine the EGR does provide drivability benefits. I say that since you have the option you might as well run it. :)
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Charles Kline
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Re: EGR or No EGR: That is the Question?

Post by Charles Kline »

The EGR does more than just emission stuff, it helps reduce combustion chamber temperatures. I wouldn't run with out it.

will e
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Re: EGR or No EGR: That is the Question?

Post by will e »

The EGR is one of those emission devices that does not hurt performance. I would run with it.
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Charles Kline
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Re: EGR or No EGR: That is the Question?

Post by Charles Kline »

will e wrote:The EGR is one of those emission devices that does not hurt performance. I would run with it.
Another one that fits in that category is the evap canister, I've seen people talk about how they are going to rip it out to 'make it better without that emission crap"
Ok, but what are you doing with your tank vent or your carb bowl vent? Its literately just sitting there absorbing fuel vapor, hurts nothing. Sure it can be a vac leak if its got a bad diaphragm or bad hoses but its not the HP robber some folks worry it is.
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The PIG Smith
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Re: EGR or No EGR: That is the Question?

Post by The PIG Smith »

Okay...you fellows have made an overwhelming case to keep my EGR valve.

Bolting on the EGR valve is the easy part.
Here are my questions about finishing this EGR valve install:

1. How can I test my existing EGR valve to ensure that is it functional?

2. Is there a simpler, easier, cleaner way to plumb the vacuum lines?
I really do not want to put all that crap back on.
Here is a 1981 vacuum diagram, courtesy of http://www.oljeep.com
Image

3. Are all thermal vacuum switches the same or do they have different ratings?
So, if a thermal vacuum switch is required, which one does the EGR valve need to function?
Where does this switch get installed? ..on the intake in front of the carb? ..on the thermostat housing?
Bryan Smith
Fort Wayne, Indiana
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
- 75th Anniversary Edition - 1941 Trim Package - Recon Green --Daily Driver
1986 Jeep J20
- Super clean rig from the AZ/CA state line -- Current Project
1982 Jeep J10
- Has become a Long Term Project.
1981 Jeep J20
- Commercial flat bed - Lost in a Divorce --gone
1987 Jeep J20 Pioneer
- Former Rick Bielec aka Ricbee plow rig. Major rust!! --gone

IFSJA Member #1933 Joined November 30, 2001

Charles Kline
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Re: EGR or No EGR: That is the Question?

Post by Charles Kline »

The PIG Smith wrote:Here are my questions about finishing this EGR valve install:
1. How can I test my existing EGR valve to ensure that is it functional?
With the engine ideling, use a length of hose to jumper from the EGR to good manifold vacuum. The idle should stumble and engine die/almost die.
The PIG Smith wrote:2. Is there a simpler, easier, cleaner way to plumb the vacuum lines?
Go from manifold vacuum to the rear CTO to the EGR. The switch in the air cleaner is a pain and fails often.
The PIG Smith wrote:3. Are all thermal vacuum switches the same or do they have different ratings?
They are different, there is a chart somewhere.. not sure where I saw that.
The PIG Smith wrote:So, if a thermal vacuum switch is required, which one does the EGR valve need to function?
Newer 360's used the 5 port CTO for the EGR, older engines used just a 2 port CTO in that back corner. If we find that chart we may find that one of the other CTO's is close to temp and could be used.. On mine I'm using the 5 port but only use 2 ports for the EGR. (since I'm not running the AIR diverter valves)
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The PIG Smith
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Re: EGR or No EGR: That is the Question?

Post by The PIG Smith »

Thank you, Charles!
Bryan Smith
Fort Wayne, Indiana
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
- 75th Anniversary Edition - 1941 Trim Package - Recon Green --Daily Driver
1986 Jeep J20
- Super clean rig from the AZ/CA state line -- Current Project
1982 Jeep J10
- Has become a Long Term Project.
1981 Jeep J20
- Commercial flat bed - Lost in a Divorce --gone
1987 Jeep J20 Pioneer
- Former Rick Bielec aka Ricbee plow rig. Major rust!! --gone

IFSJA Member #1933 Joined November 30, 2001
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babywag
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Re: EGR or No EGR: That is the Question?

Post by babywag »

Since I'm in CA, have to run an EGR.
I just use a 2 port CTO on ported vacuum.
Napa had a book, I just got one that the temp is 165F IIRC.
Looked for receipt to get you PN#, but didn't find one.

Bonus of TBI most of useless smog 'bits, vacuum mess goes in trash can.
-Tony
'88 GW (aka Babywag)
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Topic author
The PIG Smith
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Re: EGR or No EGR: That is the Question?

Post by The PIG Smith »

Thank you, Tony!
Bryan Smith
Fort Wayne, Indiana
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
- 75th Anniversary Edition - 1941 Trim Package - Recon Green --Daily Driver
1986 Jeep J20
- Super clean rig from the AZ/CA state line -- Current Project
1982 Jeep J10
- Has become a Long Term Project.
1981 Jeep J20
- Commercial flat bed - Lost in a Divorce --gone
1987 Jeep J20 Pioneer
- Former Rick Bielec aka Ricbee plow rig. Major rust!! --gone

IFSJA Member #1933 Joined November 30, 2001

prospector
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Re: EGR or No EGR: That is the Question?

Post by prospector »

You already have the right intake, I'd go with the EGR and work toward keeping the 360s emissions as low as possible, someday the lawmakers will outlaw our gas hogs unless they can pass emissions, may as well prep for it now. Besides, EGR has some benefits like cooler cylinder head temps., less fouling of plugs, and cleaner valves. I like to think of it in terms of my wallet, I want to make every penny spent at the gas pump count.
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Tatsadasayago
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Re: EGR or No EGR: That is the Question?

Post by Tatsadasayago »

If I recall correctly, you will need a delay valve in your EGR vacuum circuit to delay the opening of the valve. Not having one will likely cause a stumble on acceleration. I think the proper valve is the white/black one.
1977 Cherokee Chief - The Blair Jeep Project III
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