While looking for a possible minor vacuum leak after I installing OEM Cruise Control functionality in my 87 GT, I was having a suspicion about the EGR solenoid/valve. Now, I'm not getting any SES codes (CODE 32) at all, and I did the forum repair on this device 6 years ago (no ohms, broken coil wire @ solder post along with adding RTV to seal some areas as a preventative measure), but I was getting some minor air passing through it while doing tests as recommended in the 87FSM flow chart. So I decided to open it up again. Even with the RTV I put at various water entry points, the coil was rusted over sooo bad and the shaft going into the air filter looked like a 100 year old rusty nail, that it was gonna soon eventually die on me and short itself out to the metal housing then to the mount then to the engine. Off to the Internet and PFF.
The good news is, there is an EGR solenoid available (NOS for other 80's vehicles) that is a perfect match for our 2.8 V6's (2.5 also?). Since most of us longtime Fiero lovers are pretty good DIY'ers, all you have to do is transfer 3 (three) parts from the old original Fiero EGR solenoid and install on the new.
Below is the info and what needs to be done. First off, the part numbers. Fiero Original (unicorn, good luck finding one): ACDelco 214-361 GM 10038324
Near EXACT replacements: ACDelco 214-303 GM 25519958 (Was available on MANY 80's GM vehicles, this post is gonna be about this one) --->>>As of 6/11/2022: eBay, I currently see over 30 of them NOS. 7 under $120, and one seller has over 20 but cost $350+<<<--- Search both ACDelco and GM part numbers. As far as junk yard pulls, these are compatible vehicles that you can probably get a decent one.
ACDelco 214-305 GM unknown (Edit: GM 25519960 (Edit: Standard Motor Products VS5 --->>>As of 6/11/2022: eBay, I currently see over 20 of them. Price ranging from $65 - $140<<<--- (Same as above but includes sensor-switch/solenoid mount)
ACDelco 214-366 GM 14089438 Standard Motor Products VS16 (1985-1989 Pontiac Firebird and 1985-1989 Chevrolet Camaro, this one includes the jumper hose and the 3 inlet/outlet pipe setup just like on the Original Fiero EGR solenoid. This one is another unicorn and all you'd have to transfer to this one from the Fiero is the mount and air filter.)
(These 2 pictures are from my old coil and metal housing) PUSH the coil out of the metal case entirely by applying pressure to the shaft sticking out, just enough to have the plastic tabs exposed and seal. Then push back into the metal case.
Put the block-off metal disc and spring back in.
Now, when the electromagnet coil is installed in the metal case/housing, I'm willing to bet a special press was used at the factory to put equal amounts of pressure on all 8 metal tabs. I found that after I was putting this one back together the first time, I had a small leak when I used a section of silicone hose and blew into it and applied suction while plugging the other 2 using 2 fingers wearing a rubber glove. I would do this several times as I was bending the metal tabs. I found that by pinching them across from one another was best. Took me the usual, 3 times, taking off putting back on to get it right.
The other way, I would always get a minor leak somewhere around the seal or where the 3 pipe adapter mates onto the solenoid housing.
I've been known to over-think things from time to time, but It's EXTREMELY advised to waterproof and seal this as you reassemble. In other PFF threads related to CODE-32 some have PLASTI-DIPPED theirs instead of using 3M Weatherstrip Adhesive or silicone RTV. I didn't have any PLASTI-DIP, so I used what I had. When I repaired my original EGR solenoid 6 years ago, I see where I went wrong and why it started getting more rusty then it was when I first took it apart. Originally I only put sealant where (1) The 2 wires go into the metal housing to the coil (2) Around the metal housing where the air-filter dead-stops and the wires come out under the plastic hump (3) All around the square of the sensor/switch/filter (4) Where the 2 wires go into the sensor/switch/filter enclosure. This go around I added sealant to go around where the coil goes into the metal case as shown in the pictures above (rusted inside metal coil housing picture).
Why GM decided to put this device directly below the coolant/thermostat house, I'll never know. From the vents above the battery (water), the engine coolant/thermostat housing )coolant/water), engine heat (plastic degradation/contraction), you should seal it some how.
Feel free to let me know of any errors, or other suggestions to contribute to this problematic component that may become extinct. I'm no mechanic, just a guy who likes to tinker.
{Edited to add other compatible part numbers and eBay availability} ------------------ Curtis
1987 Pontiac Fiero GT: <Drives like a Go-Kart, handles like a roller coaster>
[This message has been edited by WonderBoy (edited 06-11-2022).]
What, it didn't work with a tee and hose extensions?
Thats what I believe. Functionality should be the primary objective. The slightly different look of using longer hoses and a T connection should not be a big deal.There is talk about preserving the original appearance but painting the unit a bright blue is not original.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua: Thats what I believe. Functionality should be the primary objective. The slightly different look of using longer hoses and a T connection should not be a big deal.There is talk about preserving the original appearance but painting the unit a bright blue is not original.
Wow, just WOW. Why do these solenoids die and fail?Water leaking in. Thermostat housing/cap drip/coolant spill. Rear deck vents throw water on the belt throwing more water on it (yes, some of us DO use our Fieros as daily drivers and not just wipe them with diapers so they get driven in rain and snow). It's mount location was a poor location. You will want to seal this new one up if you want LONG LASTING FUNCTIONALITY... and in the process use the old hardware ('Tee' and filter) if you don't have access to another "tee and hose extensions".
We all aren't gearheads and grease monkeys that have that extra stuff in our back pockets or garages.
[This message has been edited by WonderBoy (edited 06-27-2023).]
I am just posting to confirm that this corrects error code 32. Plug and play...no mods. Toss the old one and plug in the new one. All sorted. The car has had this stinking error since I bought it. I have tried a few different solenoids and it remained. Shortly after the car warms up boom the light popped on.
I ordered the following from ebay: OEM VS5 EGR NEW Valve Control Solenoid/Motor $67.75 Interchange Part Number 214305, 25519960 BUICK CENTURY 1984-1985 BUICK ELECTRA 1985 OLDSMOBILE 98 1985 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS CIERA 1984-1985 Thank you to the OP for letting us know!
just jump the wires people. The computer will "think" the EGR is doing its job, and everyone will be happy.
Removing the EGR on my Fiero(s) is not something I wish to do... but for anyone who does wish to do so, I suspect your engine will not be "happy" unless you also take the additional step of having a re-programmed (EGR deleted) PROM installed. Plenty of threads in the forum cover this.
just jump the wires people. The computer will "think" the EGR is doing its job, and everyone will be happy.
The only problem with that though is that the EPROM in the ECM is actually programmed to account for EGR gasses... so if you disable the EGR, your fuel maps are going to be off. EGR... I'm not really a fan, to be honest... it does have some benefits, like keeping the piston tops cooler, etc... and even improving fuel economy while cruising, but I really dislike all the "crap" it puts in the intake.
But disabling it isn't ideal... you need to get a new PROM that's programmed to account for a disconnected EGR so you have the proper fuel mapping without it.
The only problem with that though is that the EPROM in the ECM is actually programmed to account for EGR gasses... so if you disable the EGR, your fuel maps are going to be off. EGR... I'm not really a fan, to be honest... it does have some benefits, like keeping the piston tops cooler, etc... and even improving fuel economy while cruising, but I really dislike all the "crap" it puts in the intake.
But disabling it isn't ideal... you need to get a new PROM that's programmed to account for a disconnected EGR so you have the proper fuel mapping without it.
If the EGR is disabled in the EPROM wouldn't it just use the EGR off fuel map?
That got a hearty laugh from me. I swear ogre has some good info but he's so negative all the time.
He did and was, he's stopped posting on this site for quite some time now, to many people ignoring him or making fun of his legalism, so he just disappeared, then got mad when people were contacting him more directly, making sure he was still alive.
He did and was, he's stopped posting on this site for quite some time now, to many people ignoring him or making fun of his legalism, so he just disappeared, then got mad when people were contacting him more directly, making sure he was still alive.
no he got mad that someone was sent to his house and the dude went around harassing his neighbors about ogre repeatedly. before we bash lets make sure we all have the facts right so at least we can say we tried to be correct
I swear ogre has some good info but he's so negative all the time.
You appear to have missed the drama. Catch up here... the Ogre
I defended Ogre plenty of times in the past when people got pissed off at his gruff manner... but he unfortunately crossed the line big time. Whether it was due to the onset of dementia or another stroke or whatever... he's no longer welcome here.
no he got mad that someone was sent to his house and the dude went around harassing his neighbors about ogre repeatedly. before we bash lets make sure we all have the facts right so at least we can say we tried to be correct
I'm not bashing, personally I'm sad he's gone, it was a reasonable response to his sudden disappearance, especially since it was soon after another forum members death and the ogre has had several close calls medically, for people who knew him to check up on him in person, after trying all the digital channels first. I'm sad that he felt noone cared about what he says, I'm sad he's gone, and the forum cared enough to try to make sure he wasn't dead, rotting alone, but he didn't like that, even if it was "reasonable".
You appear to have missed the drama. Catch up here... the Ogre
I defended Ogre plenty of times in the past when people got pissed off at his gruff manner... but he unfortunately crossed the line big time. Whether it was due to the onset of dementia or another stroke or whatever... he's no longer welcome here.
Whoa. That was.... an unpleasant read. I can't believe that happened last August. I swear I had him telling me that my Grand Am swap was a **** idea fairly recently. Hope he's doing well regardless. Dude was an ass but everyone deserves to be happy.
Whoa. That was.... an unpleasant read. I can't believe that happened last August. I swear I had him telling me that my Grand Am swap was a **** idea fairly recently. Hope he's doing well regardless. Dude was an ass but everyone deserves to be happy.
Well, I'm sure he came up with the Ogre handle & Avatar himself, no? (Or maybe an ex-wife haha!) kinda like a shot across the bow.
