Astro Idle problem

I bought a used 1993 Astro about a week ago. I've put about 90 miles on it, and it was running really good for a van with 200,000 miles on it until today. The van had been bought new, and was kept up good with routine maintainence. I started to work this morning, and drove about 5 miles when I had to stop at a stop light. The van was all of a sudden idling very rough, and was trying to cut off. It seems to run ok after it's starts rolling again. I can lightly touch the gas and hold it to increase the idle, but I'd like to get it fixed. I was about a mile from home last night on my way back from work, and the Check Engine light came on, but it still ran good. Then today like I said, it started the rough idling, and the check engine light was on again. What stumps me is that it ran great for 90 miles. Does anyone have any suggestions? I need the vehicle for work Monday badly. Thanks.
John Sr.

First thing I would look for is a vacuum leak. Given the idle problem you state, I'd look for a broken or cracked vacuum line that runs to the MAP sensor.

HTHs,

I would check the codes first...most likely you will find a 32 EGR.
Is the 8th digit of your VIN number a "W"?
If so, a piece of carbon has become lodged in the pintle and seat of your EGR valve and is holding the valve open creating a huge internal vacum leak.
Click on this link...it should help
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=136982

In all truthfullness, I know almost zero about the newer(computer)cars, and trucks, but I feel like it exhibits the same type of symptoms as a vaccume leak. I notice that I can smell gas too, like it is running too rich, and flooding. I got the inside engine cover off, and checked as many things as I knew to check. It seems to have almost new plug wires, distributor cap,ect. I found nothing loose of broken.GMM; the engine does in fact have a "w" as the 8th digit in the VIN. How do I gain access to the EGR valve? Thank you both again for responding so soon.
John Sr.

If you're smelling gas, that might lead us into another direction...but first things first.
The egr valve is located on the front of the engine under the intake duct.
It is held in place by 2 10mm bolts. It will come out without removing anything more than the black intake duct..you may have to wiggle and twist it..but it will come out.
Look at the pintle and seat...is there a chunk of carbon stuck in the pintle and seat..if so, thats your problem.
You can pick up a screened EGR gasket from www.tomco-inc.com

GMM,
I really shouldn't have said that I smelled gas heavily. That is kind of misleading. If the smell of gas was more than normal; it was just a tad more. I'm familiar with the intake duct, and it's location, so I feel sure I can get to the valve. Will the trash/blockage be easily visable, or is there something specific to look for? Also, if it is clogged; how do I go about unclogging it? Thanks again.
John Sr.

Look at the pintle and seat...is there a chunk of carbon stuck in the pintle and seat.
Just try to pop it out..if it wont come out you may need to buy a new valve

GMMerlin,
I just wanted to post a follow up on the van problem. It was in fact, the EGR valve. I bought a new one($145.00)and replaced it today. Many thanks to you for directing me to the valve. You saved me the trouble of looking elsewhere first. I don't think I'll be a whole lot of help here on the forum answering questions, but I'd sure appreciated being able to ask you any that may pop up. If anyone ever has any drywall, or chemical coating questions; I'll be glad to help out there, even though this is an auto forum. God bless you my friend. Thank you also CD. You guys have a great work week.
John Sr.

P.S. The fuel you smelled was the result of the misfire resulting from the excessive EGR flow. These units are typical of having the problems you described. It was best that you replaced it, typically cleaning it is short lived, due to the corrosion caused by exhaust on the passages. Ray