SL2 barely runs - EGR?

[grandy]

I've owned 4 saturns, still have an 01 SC2. Never any problems. A friend asked me to help her get her 95 SL2 running. Its the DOHC, and it throbs/pulses at idle. Cuts out like it has a vacuum leak. I swapped the EGR from my SC2, and the symptoms are the same. I've replaced TPS & the coolant sensor. (the coolant sensor had been previously replaced, it has a new connector) From searching the forums, it might be the EGR Solenoid?? If so - where is it?
Any ideas - I'm getting frustrated, not only with the car but with taking my friend to work every day....
thanks for any advice!
Grandy

[blue92]

If I recall correctly, the EGR on a 95 is not the same as on an 01.
DId you check the connection where they spliced the new connector on the ECTS leads?
They are usually just crimped, and should be soldered together.
Alos, the 95 has 2 temp sensors, you sure you replaced the correct one?

[alordofchaos]

1995 was the first year everyone got electronic EGRs; California got electric EGRs in 1994. Not real familiar with EGR issues, but if you suspect the EGR, I think the usual thing test is to block it off and see if the car improves.

In addition to checking the ECTS connector and wire splice, I'd pull the spark plugs and check condition, spark plug wires, and the bolts for the ignition module for corrosion. If you find fouled single platinum plugs, discard and replace with copper core spark plugs.

Was there a precipitating event in the maintenance history (e.g., "it started shortly after I did xx")? Or is it a condition that showed up out of the blue, started gradually getting worse?

[grandy]

In addition to checking the ECTS connector and wire splice, I'd pull the spark plugs and check condition, spark plug wires, and the bolts for the ignition module for corrosion. If you find fouled single platinum plugs, discard and replace with copper core spark plugs.

Was there a precipitating event in the maintenance history (e.g., "it started shortly after I did xx")? Or is it a condition that showed up out of the blue, started gradually getting worse?[/QUOTE]


Thanks - checked the CTS wires and soldered them. I tried blocking the EGR - no difference. I pulled the plugs and the two on the passenger side had fresh oil on the threads.....cracked head? I really don't know what precluded the failure; she said that it never overheated.

[grandy]

Thanks - checked the CTS wires and soldered them. I tried blocking the EGR - no difference. I pulled the plugs and the two on the passenger side had fresh oil on the threads.....cracked head? I really don't know what precluded the failure; she said that it never overheated.[/QUOTE]

more:
I got it to run - sort of. By feathering the gas, i was able to keep it running at high rpm. It pulses there too. once it warmed a bit, it would idle. a minute later it idles good. two more minutes and it cuts off completely. Could the ects connector be responsible?