EGR Function Code 32 + Bad Mileage

[dmtk1234]

Hello everyone, first time poster here as I just bought a 91 Nissan 300zx N/A about a week ago for about $4500.

The owner when selling really tried to assure me that all of its maintenance had been done including the fuel injectors and timing belt (which he showed me a receipt for) so I figured it was a safe buy..

About 3 days later, CEL comes on. Code 32 EGR Function. I've read the symptoms of a EGR valve stuck closed and it sounds like that's what it is, as it is definitely not stuck open as the idle is fine.. Major smell of gasoline on startup and the car is barely getting what seems like 11-12 mpg..

I talked to a personal friend who has worked on Z-cars and said that rarely does the EGR valve itself actually fail, but often the vacuum tubes get clogged over the years from all the exhaust gas which could cause it to get stuck. He said these can be cleaned with some simple carburetor cleaner.

I've looked in the FSM and read the diagnostic flow chart for a faulty EGR but it barely references where it is. I know that it is in the back of the engine and I know roughly what an EGR looks like on other cars but I am unable to locate it and the vacuum lines connected to it.

My question is to you guys one..
What is the likelihood of me having to spend a deal of money to actually REPLACE the EGR vs. just cleaning the lines.

Also can the vacuum lines be cleaned relatively easy?
And also where is the EGR specifically?

Thanks

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Welcome to NICO!

I haven't looked at the EGR on a 300zx in quite some time, but if you can't find it via the FSM and following the EGR tubes from the exhaust, its probably not in a very accessible spot.
To be honest with you, if it were me, I'd try seafoaming the car first.
http://www.nicoclub.com/archives/how-to ... t-way.html

That MIGHT just bust up the carbon and get everything back working like it should, and is a hell of a lot easier (and cheaper) than getting elbow deep in a 300zx EGR system.

[dmtk1234]

Thanks for your reply!

I feel dumb for posting now as I checked and it was just a broken vacuum line going to the solenoid!!

Replaced that and within 10 mins CEL turned off....
Phew! Was hoping I wasn't going to have to put money into this car right after buying it just to pass smog!!

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Score!