93 Vortex - EGR - not the normal problem...

I have a 93 Jimmy Vortex V6 giving me a code 32, an EGR problem.

I did change the valve. The old one didn't seem to be clogged, but who knows.

The same problem still happens. It seems to lack power. It gets worse after driving 15 - 20 minutes to the point where I'll worry about making it home. After it cools off, it runs better until hot again.

Today, after changing the EGR valve, it did seem to drive a little better for awhile, but it may have just been because it was cold. After driving around for 20 minutes (without setting a code), I decided to accelerate hard for the first time and that's what set the code. Once the check engine light flashed on, it started running really bad.

So, assuming it isn't the valve itself, does the hot / cold issue point to anything? What about harder acceleration before the code was set? Or it running much worse once the code it set, almost like a switch.

I also have a major exhaust leak on the drivers side where the manifold connects to the pipe. The person that owned it before me really screwed it up. Could that be contributing to or causing the EGR problem? I don't know enough about the system in general to know what the relationship might be there.

I do plan to get the exhaust fixed, but I'm not sure if I should drive it for that first... lol... might have to have it towed if I don't drive it to the most important place first.

Anyone have any ideas?

You might need a new lower intake manifold. I have a 95 and had bad EGR problems a few months ago. I'd have it cleaned, would run fine then after driving for a while it would start acting up again. Took it to the dealer and they checked my intake manifold and it was in real bad shape, so yeah, had to replace it and that took care of the problem once and for all.

Here, read my post about the problems I had.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=181291

Thanks for the thoughts, Fixxxer. I had actually already read your post (along with about everything I could find on the EGR). I sure hope that isn't what I need.

Anyone else have ideas?

I just wanted to give an update in case it helps anyone later. I had the exhaust leak fixed. (and it was a huuuuge one)

It seems to have fixed the egr problem. The truck doesn't seem to run perfect, but I haven't been able to get it to set the code 32 again. I've only driven it for a half a day, so I still don't trust it, but I think it definitely was contributing.

On to other things, I guess. :)