Hey guys, great forum. I've been having issues with the EGR system on my 1994 Camry 5F-SE. It's been throwing code 71 for about a month now. After extensive searching, I found that pulling the valve and cleaning with carb+choke cleaner is a good start, so that's been done. I found the tube from the Exhaust Pressure Chamber to the vacuum modulator was restricted. I checked movement on the pintle, and it was free. I tested for leaks by compressing the spring and covering the port on top, and fond it held fine. I reassembled and a week later, it threw the code again.

The only other thing I can think of is the filter on top of the vacuum modulator. It was pretty much a hockey puck. I tried cleaning it with compressed air when I did the EGR valve, but I don't think it made much difference.

1. Will carb+choke cleaner hurt this filter? (Can't imagine it getting any worse!)
2. Where can I get a new one? I read that the dealer sells the whole unit only :thumbsdow:. Not doing.
3. Is it OK to make one out of some filter material?

I haven't put a vacuum tester on the system yet. I think my father has one somewhere, but that'll be the next step. This filter is obviously bad and it's an easy swap (if i can find one).

1994 Camry, 212,000 miles. No driveablilty issues, as of yet. Inbetwixt of all of this, I cleared the codes and ran it through emissions. I can't believe it passed! NOx was almost out of spec, though.

Hey guys, great forum. I've been having issues with the EGR system on my 1994 Camry 5F-SE. It's been throwing code 71 for about a month now. After extensive searching, I found that pulling the valve and cleaning with carb+choke cleaner is a good start, so that's been done. I found the tube from the Exhaust Pressure Chamber to the vacuum modulator was restricted. I checked movement on the pintle, and it was free. I tested for leaks by compressing the spring and covering the port on top, and fond it held fine. I reassembled and a week later, it threw the code again.

The only other thing I can think of is the filter on top of the vacuum modulator. It was pretty much a hockey puck. I tried cleaning it with compressed air when I did the EGR valve, but I don't think it made much difference.

1. Will carb+choke cleaner hurt this filter? (Can't imagine it getting any worse!)
2. Where can I get a new one? I read that the dealer sells the whole unit only :thumbsdow:. Not doing.
3. Is it OK to make one out of some filter material?

I haven't put a vacuum tester on the system yet. I think my father has one somewhere, but that'll be the next step. This filter is obviously bad and it's an easy swap (if i can find one).

1994 Camry, 212,000 miles. No driveablilty issues, as of yet. Inbetwixt of all of this, I cleared the codes and ran it through emissions. I can't believe it passed! NOx was almost out of spec, though.

You should be able to clean it with warm water and dishwashing soap. give the filter a good soaking with warm water and apply the soap on it and gently work the soap into it. then rinse it good with water. should be able to get it pretty clean and not harm the filter using this method. carb. cleaner might be a little too harsh.:2cents:

Regards,
JOET/CAMRY

Similar issues on my '94 4 cyl w/190k mi, although nott throwing any codes. Just high NOx readings and failing smog. Had to replace the EGR filter which was around $85 or so. NOx came down, passed smog, etc. Mechanic said that it is hard to really clean the filter. Best to replace it. If you talk to dealer's service dept, they say that just replacing the EGR filter, not the whole unit solves about 80% of the issues. I also replaced my original fuel filter which was original. Let us know what solves it for you.

Just a quick update:

Cleaned filter with straight Simple Green, and it came pretty clean w/o seeming to harm it in any way. Reinstalled it, but I'm still getting code 71 intermittently. It seems to go out after a lot of highway driving, which is what I do most.

I did a lot of searching in different forums and found that the VSV is a HUGE issue for '96 and up Camrys. Does anyone know if that's true for the 3rd generation as well?

The system seems pretty simple, with only 3 parts: EGR valve, Vacuum modulator, and the Vacuum switching valve underneath. However, I don't want to just start throwing parts at it, especially when it still runs good with no driveability issues and no real loss of fuel economy.

Any suggestions?

"I don't want to just start throwing parts at it, especially when it still runs good with no driveability issues and no real loss of fuel economy."

I suggest you download the generation 3 (1992-1996) manual stickied at the top of this forum. It should have a procedure for testing the Vacuum switching valve.

Here is the link:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=497839

Mike

is it just me, or does the 'vacuum modulator filter' sound like its something straight out of star trek or lost in space?

I suggest you download the generation 3 (1992-1996) manual stickied at the top of this forum. It should have a procedure for testing the Vacuum switching valve.

Mike

Yep, it appears that's my next step. I just haven't gotten around to it yet. Oil change time is coming up next weekend, I just may play around with it then.

Thanks!