I finally got tired of all the code 16 errors and purchased a new EGR valve today.

Are there any other pressing jobs that should be done while I am in there? Is this a good time to check the silicone hoses (installed by Pettit 3 years ago), or are they in another area?

 

You'll also want to get a new EGR gasket, since it is made from paper. There aren't very many hoses in that area (compared to under the UIM), but I would make sure non of the hoses are splitting or coming loose. Just remember, if it isn't broken, then don't fix it.

 

I will have to wait to tackle this... Water Heater in the house burst and tried to drown my carpet. House first, car second.

But thanks for the reply Jonski.

 

While removing hoses to replace my EGR valve, I came across this open port (yellow arrow - there was no hose running to this fitting). Does anyone know what this is? Is there supposed to be something connected here?

[IMG]Open Port.gif[/IMG]

Also, I think I got lucky… The upper radiator hose was being gored by this hose clamp (Red circle - the last shop to have touched this car was Mazda two years ago) I reached in to feel the hole left by the clamp and it feels as if it was half way through the radiator hose. Now I am glad I took the time to replace the EGR. Otherwise I would not have found this until after it burst.

[IMG]Gored Hose.gif[/IMG]

All of the air control hoses on the car are old and I would like to replace them, does anyone know of a supplier of braided hoses to replace these warn ones? If not braided, I would at least like to try color hose. Any suggestions?

 

Pics for above post...

 

Second Pic...

 

I don't recall there being any open vac fittings down there... have you checked the vacuum diagram?

 

No, I have not checked that yet. I gave up on taking the car apart before I could even identify what device the port is on... I will get a better look tomorrow when I can see better.

 

I seem to recall from doing the downpipe install that there was a hose there right next to what affectionately became known as "brown" (BOV i think) What can brown do for you? "Get in the damn way a lot, thats what it can do"

 

Turns out that is not a vacuum port. It is actually a limit screw for the actuator near the EGR.

I am now in the middle of reinstalling the hoses. In general it is going well, just before finishing I did find a hard plastic 3/4" Tube that I cannot identify. On one end it has a short rubber hose, the other end of the plastic tube us not round but sort of pear shaped with a squared exdent. If anyone knows what it is and were it goes, the knowledge will be appreciated. I will chack the pics I took while dismantling the intake.

While I was in there I changed the upper and lower radiator hoses ($40) from Mazda. The worst part of this job is trying to get the engine side clamp back onto the hose. I finally gave up on the original clamp and purchased a the screw down type which went right on with no trouble.

Tomorrow while finishing the reassembly of the air intake, I will relace the spark plugs and wires.

 

If you have pics I can probably help but what you just said kinds threw me off.
-R

 

I've been looking at eliminating the EGR system for a few weeks now and think I will do this. If you race your car, or just drive at a moderate pace on twisty roads, you can benefit from not having oil circulated into your intake stream. Good luck.

Kyle

 

OK, thanks for the help. I am getting ready now to go back to the garage. Before going in there I have reviewed my pictures and have found the hose as it was installed. It sat to the right (next to the radiator) of the air box and it looks like the top end was attached to the air box. The lower end (as attached) is not visible in the photos, but I will be able to see in a few minutes if there is something that will fit the odd shaped tube end.

 

Pic 2

 

Pic 3

 

OK, the job is complete. That hose actually goes to... nothing. At lease nothing I can identify, it just sort of hangs. But there is a filter in the upper section of the airbox where this hose is connected.

Perhaps I am missing a component?

 

There is one hose that is connected to the airbox but nothing else; on the right hand side if one were looking from the front bumper.

Kyle

 

The upshot of the job is that so far (20 miles) I have not triggered a code 16. That itself is worth the trouble. I have read other threads where some people here think it is OK to live with the check engine light on (just ignore it). My problem with that is that the light is annoyingly bright and if there is another code thrown, I would not notice because I would think it was the 16 again.

The EGR valve and gasket were not too pricey (compared to other Mazda parts) at $209, but now I am not too sure that all I really needed was the cheap gasket and not the more expensive valve. I say this because the gasket is supposed to have a small hole (red arrow) to pass gases. On my gasket, this hole was plugged with carbon.



I am planning a 4 hour drive this afternoon and hopefully I will not get the 16. When I get back home, I plan to test the valve. If it is diagnosed as good, I would be happy to pass it on to someone else who is getting 16 and is willing to try the gasket alone.