Originally posted by projectSHO89:
Run this quick test:

Disconnect the vacuum line to the EGR valve. Attach a short piece of rubber hose to the valve connector on the EGR valve. With the engine running at an idle, suck on the hose like you're trying to drink a milk shake. Did the engine drop RPMs or even stall?

If yes, the EGR valve is good and the intake passages are clear and the problem is elsewhere.

If no, either the valve is bad or the passages are blocked.


In my case I did not find this to be true. I ran the test that you are talking about (although I used a handheld vacuum pump instead of my mouth), and the RPMs did drop. This made me think that the problem was elsewhere (as you suggest). Well, after replacing the EVR, DPFE, and finally the EGR valve, I finally took a look behind the TB gasket and it was totally clogged.

96 Contour SE Duratec V6 24-valve 2.5L ATX 108,000 mi. Replaced: crankshaft w/ DMD, EGR valve (clogged), EVR, DPFE, PCV valve, evap emissions hose & tube (cracked), window regulator (broken), LH & RH PCV tubes, UIM gasket (leak), ignition coil