Deal on a 94 V6

[2Fbodcru]

Tracy, this may sound like a dumb question, but how do you rebuild an EGR valve? I did a search, but couldn't find the answer. Also, does anyone know why this hose clamp (below) and band are on the EGR valves?

[TraceZ]

The EGR valve on the 3.4L V6 comes apart pretty easily. Inside it are 3 electromagnetic plungers that operate 3 different sized orifaces. The plungers slide out of the sleaves and can be cleaned.

Mine had the plunger with the largest oriface seized in the full open position. It was throwing a code and lighting up the check engine light. It was also constantly allowing exhaust gas into the plenum.

I took it apart, removed the 2 plungers that were free and slowly worked the seized one in and out little by little with WD40 until it came out. I then cleaned the sleaves with a little steel bottle brush coated in WD40. I used a wire wheel to clean the plungers, blew it all clean with brake cleaner and put it all back together. The plungers all slide in and out freely now. No more problems with the EGR valve sticking!

1 brand new EGR valve for 3.4L V6 - $300

fixing up the existing one like new for free - priceless

[2Fbodcru]

Well, it sounds like the 3.4 and 3.8 are different EGR valves. The one that is pictured is the one that I replaced with a new one, that I bought from EBAY a while back for my son’s 97 Firebird. The newer one must be defective or stuck, I won’t know until I get it off, but the code is for the EGR valve. They only have one plunger, and I think that they can be unscrewed and taken out, but the plunger in the one in the picture moves fine. I guess I’ll just have to work with it some more. The last time that I checked, a dealer replacement for the one pictured is around $150.00

[TraceZ]

Well, it sounds like the 3.4 and 3.8 are different EGR valves. The one that is pictured is the one that I replaced with a new one, that I bought from EBAY a while back for my son’s 97 Firebird. The newer one must be defective or stuck, I won’t know until I get it off, but the code is for the EGR valve. They only have one plunger, and I think that they can be unscrewed and taken out, but the plunger in the one in the picture moves fine. I guess I’ll just have to work with it some more. The last time that I checked, a dealer replacement for the one pictured is around $150.00

Yeah, they are different. You have two used valves then? Can you take them apart, clean them up and build one good one? If the plunger moves fine I'd guess the magnetic coil is burned out. Does the other one have a good magnetic coil?


More updates on the project:
Last night my bro and I rubbed off all the compound and did the car in 3M foam pad glaze. It says it is for removing marks from compounding.

Then..... drumroll please.....

I came inside and ordered $70 worth of Zaino online.
I got: ZFX, Z2, Z5 and Z6.

I'm going to expense $35 of that into project 94V6 and pay for the other half myself because I'll be using it on the Z28.

That is all that is left now.... It actually looks pretty good the way it sits now all buffed out. I cant wait to see it wearing a few coats of Zaino. This car is going to be stunningly shiny. I dont see how any potential buyer will be able to pass it up looking as new as it looks and running/driving as well as it does.

[Steel2686]

I've always had trouble giving up a car like that even though it was always my intention. Sounds great, Tracy. Nice work.

[2Fbodcru]

Yeah, they are different. You have two used valves then? Can you take them apart, clean them up and build one good one? If the plunger moves fine I'd guess the magnetic coil is burned out. Does the other one have a good magnetic coil?

Hmm, the plunger in the one pictured above does move very easily. I haven't taken the newer one off of the car yet to check it, so I will have to wait until I can coordinate with my son when he doesn't need his car for a couple of hours. BTW, do you or someone else out there, know how these like I have, come apart? Also, what is the purpose of the hose clamp and band on the middle of EGR valve?

[TraceZ]

The car is done! Zaino arrived today and I did 2 coats of Z5 with ZFX and 1 coat of Z2 with ZFX. I sprayed it with the gloss enhancer between each coat. I also allowed each coat to dry for 1/2 hour before removing.

OMG! This thing looks like it is made of wet plastic. Unbelievable.

I'm got some indoors pictures, but I havent decided if I want to post them yet. Maybe I should wait until I can get some shots out in the sun. I dunno, the indoor pics do look pretty dang good.

[Dave M]

TraceZ, are you a first time Zaino user? You're now a lifetime Zaino user, correct?

[TraceZ]

TraceZ, are you a first time Zaino user? You're now a lifetime Zaino user, correct?

Nope, I've been using Zaino ever sinse I joined the forum. This is the first time I've used ZFX, though. I've got the Z2, Z5, ZFX, Z6, Z7, Z9, Z10 and the Z18. I've got a bunch of the applicators too.

I also picked up a couple of those awsome open loop microfiber towels Ken was raving about just before Christmas time. They work great with the Z6!

[TraceZ]

I took a couple pics in my driveway today.

[Dave M]

That does look truly showroom new, TraceZ! You guys did a great job on it. I think you found a second job, buying old cars and fixing them up/selling them.

[TraceZ]

Final update:

The car is sold.

My dad was talking to his brother a few days ago and learned that his daughter needed a car. She is my cousin, actually.

My Uncle is going to come Friday and get the car with her. I hope she takes care of it, but at least I'll se it around.

The bad thing is that I won't be here to say goodbye to it. Tami and I will be in Las Vegas enjoying a 4 day weekend away from the kids.

It really bumms me out that I'm not going to be here to see the expressions on their faces when they first lay eyes on it. I know it's just a v6 car, and really noting special but it does represent an accomplishment for me and I would of liked to have gotten to share my enthusiasm about it with everyone.

Oh well.