95 Astro w/ carbon build up problem

[danielle4girls4]

My 95 Astro has had constant problems with carbon build up. The problem comes and goes, but has been really bad lately. I have had a tune up earlier this year. I also replaced the oxygen sensor and the whole fuel injection system, but the problem is still there. I have also had the carbon blasted out by a mechanic. I use the best gas and put in products to help w/ carbon build up, but nothing works. After researching, I think it may be the EGR valve. I cant afford to put any more money into it, already spent around $2000 this year. Where is the EGR valve and can I take it out myself to clean out the carbon???? Please help!!!!

[yoslick]

On mine it was easy, remove the dog house and on the back side of the TBI unit right below the TBI itself you will see it, it has a vacuum hose connected to a diaphram lookin module and 2 nuts hold it to the intake, carefully remove the nuts and it should pop right off, becareful of the distrubutor and the gasket as not to disturb/destroy it. It can be cleaned, most parts stores have new ones for around 40 dollars so it may pay to get a new one as there is not much you can actually clean from the outside of it. Really made a difference on mine.

[Mecha2]

Originally Posted by yoslick

On mine it was easy, remove the dog house and on the back side of the TBI unit right below the TBI itself you will see it, it has a vacuum hose connected to a diaphram lookin module and 2 nuts hold it to the intake, carefully remove the nuts and it should pop right off, becareful of the distrubutor and the gasket as not to disturb/destroy it. It can be cleaned, most parts stores have new ones for around 40 dollars so it may pay to get a new one as there is not much you can actually clean from the outside of it. Really made a difference on mine.

Do try to have a MOTORVAC service done on your car to flush the
carbon out of your engine and EGR valve. Should cost about 100.00..
Without a full carbon flush the problem will just keep popping up.

[SMarquez]

The EGR on a 95 is accesible from the front. It is on the right side of the manifold. Remove intake and filter box, use 1/4" drive sockets and be patient. It is a tight fit. Good luck.

[Ken Naw]

I have a 94 6cyl that has the same symptoms often. The EGR valve becomes stuck open by a pea sized ball of carbon. Generally it is only a problem at low speed as the valve is open at high speed anyway. The valve is located center top on the front of the V-6. Carefully remove it and looking at the inside, push on the phillips head screw, its spring loaded, and the pea falls out allowing the valve to close. Reinstall and drive on for a couple months. Once you figure out the tools required and the process it can be done in less than twenty minutes.
Hope this helps.

[CD Smalley]

The replacement of that gasket with a new gasket with a screen installed will help as well. Any parts store should have this gasket and it costs around $10US.

Plus you can buy a can of GM Top Engine Cleaner at the dealer for around $8US. Get the aerosol version and simply follow the instructions on the can. Works great!!