3A-C EGR California smog fail and Check Valve

[UserX]

OK, so for starters, my car isn't a 4WD. C'Mon, don't hate. It still runs the 3A-C engine. It's an '81 Corolla Tercel hatchback automatic. It's got 288,000 miles on it. Extremely well maintained drive train. Carb issues, but my post concerns the emission system.

She passed CA smog on emissions warm and with a new air filter (after failing on CO just barely a bit cold with a dirty air filter). BUT . . . she failed on the EGR functionality. I could've guessed this . . . it wasn't even hosed in when I bought it. The vacuum lines seem solid, but this EGR check valve (pictured) is corroded shut. Way shut. Haven't been able to soak it open and I don't think I can repair it.

She also idles very roughly, hard to start even warm without a bit of gas. I think only the smaller of the two venturis is getting fuel.

So, I can't find this check valve anywhere. They all look wimpy and plastic. I know there are a variety of other things that could be wrong, but this was for sure bad. This particular check valve is between what I believe is the ACV valve and the EGR.

Are these little plastic deals OK? Any suggestions on what I should try next?

[irowiki]

Interesting. Never seen a metal check valve... is it for the vacuum? Give us a penny for scale!

big fan of the first gens btw

[UserX]

How about a penny and a scale. It also says ACV on it in raised letters slightly barely visibly in the pic. Thanks for any attention. This forum and it's contributors helped me and a buddy greatly once before with a 3A-C head issue. You rock!

If you happen to have a Haynes for '80-'82 Tercels, pg 107 fig. 6-2 Emission Control Components, it's the check valve between the ACV and the EGR. My novice guess is that it supplies negative pressure to the EGR. Or something like that.

[irowiki]

Check valves only make vacuum go in one direction. So in theory if you can get another check valve to fit, it'll work.

[Petros]

welcome to the forum!

No hate here for the 2wd Tercels, just a little pity. I think any check valve the right size will work. Or you might try wrecking yards. If you can find a part number from one of the many parts lists around you might be able to find one that one by googling the part number (I have done it, it works!). there are likely many other cars that use the same (or similar) part and it will list the superseding replacement part.

Mine are all clogged up with carbon, but we do not have to test in our state for a car over 25 years old (not true in California however). many have been able to get their EGR valve to work after cleaning out the carbon build up, you might try vibrating it or banging it hard after soaking it to see if you can fee up the buildup. It will take more than just soaking, you have to break up and shake out the build up.

Good luck.

[ARCHINSTL]

Not related to the check valve, but if you have to clean the EGR, see: viewtopic.php?f=7&t=1496&hilit=EGR
Tom M.