Thread: Alternator Trouble

Originally Posted by TheOtherNick

pcv has nothing to do with exhaust. It takes fumes from teh crank case and recirculates
them into the intake to be burned.

you where thinking egr which is used to lower combustion temps to reduce nox emissions.

Well... should I do both of them?

Originally Posted by brandonl2000

a PCV valve is a ventilation system for exhaust gases that sneak into the crank case, basically. if you're looking at your engine from the front, it will be on the passenger size, near the top of the UIM (black snail looking thing). overtime they can get a little clogged and prevent MPGs and if bad enough can cause minor oil leaks. it's like what, $3 for a new pcv valve??

and as far as coolant, just pop off the lower radiator hose, drain it out, and just flush it with water, and when you're comfortable with it, just put your coolant back in

but if you're really concerned, it's okay to get the whole block flushed out professionally, it can never hurt. but i understand you're short on cash (like me) so i figured i'd give you the DIY option.

I don't have anything big enough to drain it in to, otherwise I would.

Originally Posted by TheOtherNick

pcv has nothing to do with exhaust. It takes fumes from teh crank case and recirculates
them into the intake to be burned.

you where thinking egr which is used to lower combustion temps to reduce nox emissions.

i wasn't thinking EGR, but i had the right idea about the pcv valve. i knew it allowed gases to escape. thats whats important.

and important as part of a tune-up, which was my point.

thank you, nick



and no no, you don't have to mess with the EGR at all. i just had my terminology wrong as far as describing the PCV valve in technical terms for you.

I think I'm getting real bad gas mileage too. I drive it kind of hard, but have been laying it off the peddle for a few days and haven't seen much improvement. Any ideas? tyia

if you have car ramps or a jack and stands you could change your own antifreeze your self with a 5 gallon bucket, cap the bucket and take it to your towns dpw, or a repair shop and drop the old coolant off to be disposed of properly, new gallon jug of coolant is 12-14 bucks. get the green stuff.

just pull the lower radiator hose and let it drain in the pail, done, refill with water from a hose run it around for a little while, drain it again, and fill it with antifreeze and water.

if you have pets keep them away from you work area, dogs like to drink coolant, it tastes sweet to them, but it can kill them as well. hose down the work are real well after your done.

Originally Posted by Hippo Machine

I think I'm getting real bad gas mileage too. I drive it kind of hard, but have been laying it off the peddle for a few days and haven't seen much improvement. Any ideas? tyia

you can try cleaning you throttle body here a diy link http://www.grandprixforums.net/how-c...ody-48650.html

Originally Posted by scottydoggs

you can try cleaning you throttle body here a diy link http://www.grandprixforums.net/how-c...ody-48650.html

I considered it, the thought of it scares me a little though.

Originally Posted by Hippo Machine

I considered it, the thought of it scares me a little though.

you can do a half decent job with it on the car still, just remove the maf sensor before you start to clean it, throttle body cleaner will kill the maf sensor.

most maf sensors have security torx bolts holding it on, if you dont have this tool, take a hack saw or grinder with a thin blade and cut a grove across the bolt, so you can use a flat head screwdriver to remove the maf sensor, thats what i did.

and here i am i paid for the expensive ass torx security bits.

taking the TB off to clean it is pretty easy though, Hippo. a few bolts and it's off

Originally Posted by brandonl2000

and here i am i paid for the expensive ass torx security bits.

taking the TB off to clean it is pretty easy though, Hippo. a few bolts and it's off

Some more zoomed out pics would be nice in that how-to, gahhh idk, maybe another time

Originally Posted by Hippo Machine

Some more zoomed out pics would be nice in that how-to, gahhh idk, maybe another time

just go buy your self a new tooth brush, and use the old one to clean the inside of the throttle body, and some nice clean shop rags, clean the sides and the butterfly's back side as well, its so easy a caveman could do it lol

Originally Posted by scottydoggs

its so easy a caveman could do it lol

i see what you did there

My dad and I just replaced it, pain to get it up the driveway on no battery but it was good. Changed the pcv valve as well. Everything works great now.