I am faced with a decision. My wife's 3.1L Lumina needs an EGR valve. New, they are between $170-240. However, my local junkyard has quoted me a price between $10 and 15 for one.

Is there any reason that the junkyard valve would not be a good choice, or is new the only way to go?

Thanks,

Kenton

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Owner since December 6, 2002, 1st Fiero, 1987 SE, 2.5, Auto.

I'd go with the JY one. Even if the valve is bad you could buy a dozen of them and still be ahead of the game.

What I would suggest is picking up a vacuum pump to test the valve. Apply vacuum to the valve and see if it holds, if it does, the diaphragm should be good (the most common failure location). This will save you the trouble of removing a bad one. Most vacuum pumps have a dial to indicate how much vacuum you are applying as well as indicate if there is a leak by reflecting a drop in vacuum on the guage. A good EGR valve should not leak at all.

like everyone said above

Plus, you want to stick your fingers underneath and push up on it. It should return back down.

Another problem, is when they stick and dont want to come down.

When your pulling them, look for a low mileage car, and one that doesn't have much carbon.

And just buy 3 or 4 and see which one works.

Based on the price, I'd say he has one of the electronic EGR valves with the stepper motor to control the exhaust.

FYI, if this is the case (it has a connector with 5 small pins), I have one that was working when I pulled it off my donor engine (1997 3400 Silhoutte).

Thanks for the info. I will have to see what sort fo luck that I have tomorrow.