Causes to trigger check engine light

[rpickle]

Hi. My '88 had the check engine light come on while I was on my way home from work. I was at highway speed (65-70mph), I noticed the light and simultaneously could feel the car buck/miss a few times. I let off the throttle a bit and the light went out and it didn't come back on. On my way in tonight, the light did not come on. So, on a carb'd car, what are the triggers for the check engine light? I would like to get this straightened out 'cause I am planning on driving her out to St. Louis next month (1500 miles round trip).

The car, otherwise, run well. I am averaging 35-38mpg in mostly all city driving. It has about 129k on it. I have replaced the fuel pump, plugs, wires, cap/rotor and fuel filter.

Appreciate any help.


Rick

[monkeyracing]

Could be pretty much anything under the hood. I suppose the first thing to check might be the EGR system. The symptom you describe makes me think it'd be worthwhile having a look.

[rpickle]

Thanks. What in particular? Hoses, EGR valve? Anything in the EGR system that may be more typical of going out? The EGR valve can be pulled and cleaned?

Thanks

Rick

[monkeyracing]

Check the EGR valve itself for function and cleanliness: they get clogged, and the diaphrams can break. Check the vacuum lines in the system. If you can find a way, see if the egr passages are clogged.

I had a car once where the entire EGR passage system in the intake manifold was packed completely solid with carbon.

[rpickle]

OK, sounds like a good plan. When the weather breaks, I'll give the valve a close look.

Thanks

Rick

[miami man]

when you come to st.louis pm me if you have any trouble because i live here.

[rpickle]

Thanks. Appreciate the hospitality! Will be there the week of March the 19th on business. I have had it on the road since late November and it has ran fairly well considering the way I found it, in a field and not registered since 2000!

Thanks again. (Hope to not need ya though.....)

Rick

[dahodges]

You can also try a bottle of sea foam. To clean up the inside of the engine.

[rpickle]

Yeah, I was planning on dumping a can in before the trip anyway. Now I have another problem, broke my door handle off trying to get in tonight. Ice is very thick. Thought I had it, when snap.... Argh....


Rick

[WmWatt]

Look in www.ncf.ca/~ag384/Cars.htm for a description of checking and cleaning the EGR valve on my carburetted '89.

[rpickle]

WmWatt, Nice and useful. Appreciate it. If the weather gets more reasonable next week, I'll be doing this for sure. Took me hour or more today to scrap the 1/4-3/8" ice off of the glass! Yuck....

Rick