Well, thats basically it. It seems like I've been burning a hell of a lot of gas lately. I mean, I filled up yesterday morning, and this morning I'm already down to 1/4 tank!!! What could be the problem? It seems to be running a little rough, too. I really need to do a tune up (Plugs, Wires, Cap, Rotor), I have no idea when I did my last one. Is there anything else that could be causing me to burn gas excessively? I've only got 10 days to make this thing pass emissions, or I'll owe them another 40 bucks to test it again Thanks!

Edit: Well, just did a search, which I should have done before I posted.... Seems like it might be a good idea to replace the EGR valve, and more importantly, the O2 Sensor. Is there any way to check the EGR valve to see if it is working or not?

 

As you said, plugs, wires, cap, rotor, O2 sensor. Plus air filter, oil & filter change. The EGR valve isn't a likely candidate for excessive fuel usage.

What exactly did you fail?

 

i can probably tell you what your problem is because i had the same problem. i dont know if your car is tune-port or not so if it isnt, disregard. first of all, DO perform your tune-up. Second, make sure your MAF (mass air flow) sensor is working properly (e.g.:is your Service Engine Soon light coming on?). If your S.E.S. light is coming on then you could do the "paperclip" method to retrieve the codes. also, make sure your throttle position sensor is adjusted properly, and make sure your idle control valve is good too. have you checked your EGR lately? TPI engines can be a pain in the @$$! to get to pass emissions. trust me, my 87 Formula with TPI 305 ran me through the gauntlet! if you check your car out thoroughly yourself and still cant figure it out there are shops all aroud that specialize in emissions systems and have computers to "talk" to the complex and oft times hard-headed TPI system. good luck!!!

P.S.- to check the EGR valve, take it out of the valve cover and rattle it, if it rattles its good, if it dosen't, it ain't.

 

Car is a TBI, thanks for the post anyway screaminformula, the part about the EGR helped. I failed the following tests:

High Speed Test:

HC(ppm): Allowed Value = 117, My Value = 128
NOx(ppm): Allowed Value = 821, My Value = 821 (I just barely passed this one, listed just for reference)

Low Speed Test:

HC(ppm): Allowed Value = 120, My Value = 291
NOx(ppm): Allowed Value = 907, My Value = 1465

As you can see, I failed fairly miserably....I sure hope a tune up fixes the problem! Thanks for the help guys.

 

That's the PCV valve.

The EGR valve is on the intake manifold. To test it, the best way is to have the engine running at idle, and put a vacuum directly to the valve (not the vacuum normally supplied by the engine). If the valve is working, the engine should die or at least stumble when the vacuum is applied.

 

OK, I'll try the vacuum method when I get a chance. Thanks!