The unknown can cause anxiety, even unhealthy anxiety, but from what I know, don't fret over it.
I think your mechanic means that Temperature Sensor (Thermo Vacuum Valve) that screws into the top of the Intake Manifold.
There are two similar sensors located beside each other - I forget what the other one controls.

It has two tube openings, rubber vacuum lines connect, that opens and closes controlling vacuum to the EGR.
Some time ago I broke mine as the tubes are plastic and did find one.
Even if its not available new, that sensor should be easily found in the Junk Yard on other Mercedes models.

It might be another part - the EGR Check Valve which is available new.

Highlighted with boxes are these two components below:

I don't have the part number for the Thermo Vacuum Valve.


EGR Check Valve part number:

 

The unknown can cause anxiety, even unhealthy anxiety, but from what I know, don't fret over it.
I think your mechanic means that Temperature Sensor (Thermo Vacuum Valve) that screws into the top of the Intake Manifold.
There are two similar sensors located beside each other - I forget what the other one controls.

It has two tube openings, rubber vacuum lines connect, that opens and closes controlling vacuum to the EGR.
Some time ago I broke mine as the tubes are plastic and did find one.
Even if its not available new, that sensor should be easily found in the Junk Yard on other Mercedes models.

It might be another part - the EGR Check Valve which is available new.

Highlighted with boxes are these two components below:

View attachment 2844419

I don't have the part number for the Thermo Vacuum Valve.


EGR Check Valve part number:
View attachment 2844418

Wow...thank you for the visuals on this...quite helpful. I read and viewed these before ringing him just now. He tells me it is EGR Temperature Sensor - about the size of a quarter with a pig -tail lead. Which to me sounds like something with a long wire? So I asked if, without this part, the check engine light will still stay on. He said maybe - that it could be the oxygen sensor or one of several other things. I know the car does not have the original oxygen sensor as it was once replaced to pass smog check, several years ago. He gave me this part # 010 542 4117 which I just looked up on internet and it brought up MB of Long Beach parts and it says it is for a 420SEL.
He had not yet started my car this morning to listen for the death rattle on the timing chain. I guess when I call him back on that, I will ask about the accuracy of the part #. Part check on the site says it won't fit the 88 560sl.
I appreciate your observation, yes...it is anxiety and the unknown, made more complicated as this is not my area of expertise. At all.
He said the part on my car seems original, but has been taped ( I think he said ). I will ask him to show it to me if I can drive the car home today - or tow it if the timing chain noise is present.
Thank you so much for your kindness.
Cathy

 

Here's a better photo, one showing after I had replace both parts.
The blue vacuum hose connects to both parts: Thermo Vacuum Valve -> EGR Check Valve

 

I have been dealing with a check engine light issue and took my 560sl ( 204K miles ) to a new mechanic today - one with a reputation for honesty. ( Maybe, maybe not)? I have been getting much advice from everyone here, starting with get a new mechanic.

He called me to say that the new EGR valve works, but feels there is a tube that is not easily accessible that needs to be cleaned out and is proposing removing the intake manifold, cleaning the tube, and re-sealing things there, with the caution that removing 2 front bolts might not go well and require drilling out or worst case lasering out. I am willing to do this for $1700 or so ( if all goes well) He said it would take 2 -3 days.

HOWEVER, he also tells me that I need a new EGR Temperature Sensor. That mine is not working. According to my former mechanic that is the code that comes up.

I am told the part is no longer made and am not finding any online this evening. Do I need this temperature sensor to pass smog check in California? I am also looking at doing the timing chain soon and am willing also to have that done, but it seems to me if this temp sensor part is the issue, I am back at square one...after $4500 of work for both of these adventures.

I am just sick about this and not sure what to do. I was all set to go ahead with cleaning out the tube, but am having second thoughts tonight due to the sensor that I cannot seem to locate and am told is not made any more. I am actually having chest pains over this and am feeling pretty lost at this point.

I know that you guys all work on your cars and I do not, so I am learning more these past few weeks than ever before, and at the risk of bothering everyone, I really need some advice from those who know. I love the car and want to keep it, but is is junk without an EGR Temperature Sensor.? The part seems it would be the least of the costs, but might be the demise of my beautiful car?

I left the car there and was going to pick it up tomorrow and bring it home to keep it clean and cool until he could get the parts and then take it back in. Now I am not sure what to do tomorrow.

Thank you for anything you can offer to help me.
Damsel in distress...Cathy

First off you need to post the year of your 107 in your profile as the emission controls are different between 1986/87 and 1988/89 560SL. We also need to know if this is a California car. Does it have an "O2" light or a "Check Engine Light"

I'm not aware of an EGR Temperature sensor. Do you have a picture showing its location? Is it the Thermo valve shown below. They are not available but easy to test. and probably easy to find something that will fit off a BMW, Porsche, VW, Volvo etc. Easy to test with a 3' piece of vacuum hose. Disconnect both vacuum hoses and connect your 3' piece of hose to one of the ports. Use a vacuum pump on the other end of the hose. If the engine is cold <°C it should hold a vacuum or at last bleed down slowly. If you don't have a vacuum pump, you can just try to blow through the hose with your mouth. You should not be able to blow through it. Temp > 50°C it should not hold vacuum and you should be able to blow through it. To by pass it and have EGR at all times, just replace the valve with a straight hose.

As far as clearing codes. IMO cleaning out the EGR ports will not clear any codes as I see no way the computers would ever know they were open or not without some sort of feedback mechanism. Also cleaning out the tube may also require cleaning out the rest of the ports in the intake manifold and heads, I forget what is at the other end of the tube, perhaps someone with an intake manifold off can take a look.

Do you have any records of a timing chain being done earlier?

 

I'm not aware of an EGR Temperature sensor...As far as clearing codes. IMO cleaning out the EGR ports will not clear any codes as I see no way the computers would ever know they were open or not without some sort of feedback mechanism.

From experience with a mid-nineties EGR-equipped Audi, there is a temp sensor, and that's what provides the feedback. The way that works is the temp sensor detects the effect of hot exhaust gas going into the induction system when the EGR opens. This is exactly why I removed that EGR valve on my '96, to clean the passage of carbon gunk.

To Cathy the OP:

Before stressing and spending a huge amount of money on this thing, consider just forgetting the smog check altogether. My suggestion is to pay the registration fee, which is all that California really wants, despite all that talk about clean air for the kids. In the event that you do get pulled over for the wrong tag color, show the cop the paid "incomplete" registration and say that you are having trouble due to locating old parts. I'm in a similar situation with my slightly newer but 18-year-old Audi, which no longer passes "secondary air injection" due most likely to clogged air passages. It's just a daily driver, pushing 300K miles and I can't justify dealing with that.

 

Sorry to thread-jack but I have a question that is somewhat related to this issue-Is the EGR absolutely necessary to the operation/functionality of the engine.

The reason I ask is because I am going to install the Euro Tri Y's and would love to delete the EGR system altogether while everything is off the car.

 

@Pampered560SL If your car is causing you to have chest pains, sell it. Lease a new Civic.

Not worth your health.

 

@Pampered560SL If your car is causing you to have chest pains, sell it. Lease a new Civic.

Not worth your health.

Point taken...I think it is the frustration I am feeling as I navigate thru this. I do love the car and really want to keep it. Since I bought it - 6 months old from the dealership ( wife of owner was driving it) I have not really had issues with parts and such, so this is all new to me. It has been a wonderful car and is so beautiful. IMO
In the meantime, I am taking ashwagandha gummies to stress less.
Thank you...

 

I discovered moving to Nevada eliminated a whole host of car registration and smog check problems.

 

My sister and I were just discussing such a move yesterday on the way home from the car place, before all this drama unfolded. Our mother is 88 and we cannot move away, or move her, right now, but lots of good reasons to move to Nevada --- California is not the place it used to be, sadly. Nevada is our top state pick at this time. Idaho is where everyone is going, but the snow...not good for cars for sure. We are hearing nice things about Nevada...
Thank you.

 

Id do the timing chain before worrying about a CEL, if it is rattling already

All of that work to fix the CEL can be undone quickly if your timing jumps or worse..

 

Yes, totally know the bad thing that can happen with no warning. I need to prioritize. Took the car to a new mechanic to see about getting the CEL to go off and stay off. When he said anything else? I said timing chain? Which is what I said at my old mechanic when I got to 200k miles. Then the CEL issue came up and this drama. I think that repair is more important.

 

I did find this. Apparently only California cars have the EGR temp sensor. But for some reason there is no section in the manual for CA cars.

egr temperature sensor

My 420sel has an egr temperature sensor in the egr line that is unplugged. I have no idea where it goes. There is no information on this sensor on the web for this car. Can someone please help me figure out where it plugs in?

www.benzworld.org

 

This makes sense as the part # he gave me brings up a sensor for a 420SEL. When we spoke about the cold start up just a bit ago, he said that 420sel part is compatible. This gives me more I can search for. It actually came up at a dealer and I could add it to my cart, but the guy at MB classic center says it is discontinued. His computer was down and he is going to call me back. I think it seems better to replace this part if I can locate one than to take things apart and as was mentioned, it might not be the clean out issue that helps at all. The code that came up was EGR temperature sensor so I am going to see if I can locate one for unbolting anything. But do the timing chain first as smog check is 15 months away. Martin from Germany suggested disabling the whole EGR system and I am going to take that page of instructions with me today when I go to get the car. Plan B...thank you thank you again.

 

My girlfriend is moving from Asheville to Prescott. She lived there before. Lots of people from So Cal move there. A guy from my office moved there too, after he shot and killed an intruder in his home ( not kidding ). Donna - who is a widow - complains there are not many men there, but I think at her age ( 70 -72 ) there might be a general shortage. I looked into having her register my car there as Phoenix requires smog checks, but Prescott does not seem to, according to the internet. Las Vegas, suburbs of, seems appealing as there seems to be good entertainment and I suspect good medical care. A friend moved to St George Utah and now returns to Orange County for cardiology. I would not want to travel like that for medical care, especially for a major organ like that. We live along the coast in Huntington Beach so the weather is temperate and that is hard to beat, but taxes and crime are rising. We have lost the common sense that ran the state when we moved here when I was 3 ( in 1960 ) It was less populated and less developed - I grew up in Monrovia and Arcadia ( near Pasadena and Santa Anita Racetrack) Bedroom communities; no industry and light commerce. Huntington Beach where I am now is nice as it is in Orange County. I could not be paid to move back to LA County - so poorly run.

 

I grew up in LA County (Whittier) but after raising our kids in North OC (Yorba Linda), we moved south to San Diego County. Me and friends spent lots of time at Huntington Beach, but I preferred Sunset Beach, because the girls seemed to outnumber the guys.

 

I live across the street (PCH) from Sunset Beach. I can see the water tower from my house almost.
Small world...

 

Sorry to hear of these problems. If it's any consolation, my 380SL is similar in that it was a "garage find" and sadly sat for many years getting gummed up. I didn't pay a lot for it and we have a budget to keep it running (I only do simple things on the car since I don't even have a good place to work on it). It's in the shop as we speak, so we can swipe credit cards at the same time! Deep breaths.

Not knowing much about your CEL issue, I would suggest taking care of the timing chain first since that can be catastrophic and would be a sad day for you. Once that's done, then work around the smog items.

Perhaps get some oil changes or other basics done at different garages until you find someone you trust? I'm on my forth mechanic and I learn a bit each time - I'm getting better at choosing them lol.

I drove an Audi A4 which had a CEL on all the time. Like 24/7. I just drove it around for years - kinda knowing the issue - but enjoying it. I sold it to a mechanic who said he'd also ignore that light.

These old SL's are a thing of beauty - enjoy yours one day at a time.

 

Thank you...yes I had come to that decision and actually will not be driving the car except to the shop for timing chain...at 204k miles I am so overdue and am stunned that at my old shop, I was the one who mentioned this. New ownership changed things a lot.
Is it not true that if the CEL is on all the time, I will not know if something else goes wrong? We do have smog check to pass here in CA and I am considering all the out of the box suggestions for this...pay the fee and not get the tag - explain to the officer etc. I can start crying if I have to; you guys really can't LOL.
It has been pretty discouraging to try to locate this part. Next week I will start calling junkyards, but I think I have to go there and remove the part myself? LOL
I hope that is not true...
I did try one new mechanic and he seems very experienced - he is older. I have a few more closer to me and they are plan B & C.

I really do not want a new car, so I am forging ahead.

Thank you so much for your help and suggestions.

Cathy

 

Pampered,

This link will give you an idea as to where the EGR intake line is and what your mechanic will need to do to clean out the EGR line to the intake:
I think your mechanic is quoting you a fair price for all the work that is involved.

Also as others have advised there is an EGR sensor on your car...it is on drivers side above the exhaust manifold near the rear of the engine.
Maybe one from a pick and pull is a good idea but, you might also try the following....they have been good for me.
Nerces Sorfazian
818-767-6455 / 818 767 6499
Universal German Auto Parts Inc.
Specializing in Classic Mercedes-Benz & BMW
www.BmwMercedesAuto.com

Steve

 

Thank you for this amazing info...I am learning a lot and I really appreciate knowing more. I think that vendor is where I got my 2 EGR valves...the first one failed on the 95th day after installation, though only 252 miles. They gave me a large credit on a brand new one they seemed to have...that is what is there now. Some people have said it is worth more than my car...funny, but not.

I will call them after the holiday...with the several part numbers I have I might get lucky. One part person said the donor car can be a 420SEL or 560SEL...hope so.
Many thanks & have a great holiday

Cathy

 

Cathy,

Thoughts here:

I don't have a Calif car but I believe the EGR sensor is located on the EGR line running from the EGR to the intake manifold at drivers side rear (sensor is located about mid point between the EGR valve and where the EGR line goes into the engines intake). The sensor is probably only either a thermistor or a bi metal element somehow connected to the EGR line with a pig tail wire and connector somewhere around # 8 injector.
As I understand it the electronics in the ECU look for the EGR sensor to indicate that the EGR line to the intake is hot indicating that the EGR system is working (the EGR opens at a coolant temp of approx 80C allows some exhaust gas from the drivers exhaust manifold to enter the intake and thereby reduces some emissions that otherwise cause a failed test during DMV testing).

If the EGR line to the intake is clogged it won't allow the hot exhaust gas to flow down the pipe to the intake and will not heat the line so the sensor does not see the temp the ECU needs to turn off the warning dash light.
Although your mechanic correctly tells you that the line needs to be cleaned out and the video I linked for you shows you how it is correctly cleaned like your mechanic advised the line may not be totally clogged or not clogged so much that it can't be opened/cleaned out by roter rooting it with a wire or similar self made tool ....not perfect way but, may work.

May in fact NOT be a bad sensor at all but, just need cleaning of the line so it will pass the hot exhaust gas that the sensor circuit wants to see to clear the alarm.

Easy test to see if you have a clogged line: Remove the EGR and apply air pressure to the line going into the intake..If air passes then the line is clear and maybe you need a sensor; if line will not pass air pressure it is clogged and needs to be cleaned.....easy clean or full monty depends on if the easy method won't clear the line.

 

Cathy,

Thoughts here:

I don't have a Calif car but I believe the EGR sensor is located on the EGR line running from the EGR to the intake manifold at drivers side rear (sensor is located about mid point between the EGR valve and where the EGR line goes into the engines intake). The sensor is probably only either a thermistor or a bi metal element somehow connected to the EGR line with a pig tail wire and connector somewhere around # 8 injector.
As I understand it the electronics in the ECU look for the EGR sensor to indicate that the EGR line to the intake is hot indicating that the EGR system is working (the EGR opens at a coolant temp of approx 80C allows some exhaust gas from the drivers exhaust manifold to enter the intake and thereby reduces some emissions that otherwise cause a failed test during DMV testing).

If the EGR line to the intake is clogged it won't allow the hot exhaust gas to flow down the pipe to the intake and will not heat the line so the sensor does not see the temp the ECU needs to turn off the warning dash light.
Although your mechanic correctly tells you that the line needs to be cleaned out and the video I linked for you shows you how it is correctly cleaned like your mechanic advised the line may not be totally clogged or not clogged so much that it can't be opened/cleaned out by roter rooting it with a wire or similar self made tool ....not perfect way but, may work.

May in fact NOT be a bad sensor at all but, just need cleaning of the line so it will pass the hot exhaust gas that the sensor circuit wants to see to clear the alarm.

Easy test to see if you have a clogged line: Remove the EGR and apply air pressure to the line going into the intake..If air passes then the line is clear and maybe you need a sensor; if line will not pass air pressure it is clogged and needs to be cleaned.....easy clean or full monty depends on if the easy method won't clear the line.

Thank you....that is what I am coming to understand. In looking for the part I need a vendor suggested an oxygen sensor, but I am assuming they checked that, but will ask as they seem more readily available. Also read that the temp sensor my need cleaned.. I am taking it for the timing chain first and will continue to look for this part. My former mechanic syas to just live with the light being on, but then will I ever know if something else is wrong, or does this CEL only deal with exhaust issues. He offered to disable the light, but that seemed counterproductive to me. I see comments here they drove with light on. Okay, but for bloody smog check in CA. That is my ultimate concern. Many thanks for your help and expertise.
Cathy

 

Call me stupid but how does a vacuum controlled mechanism with no electrical connections (like the EGR system here) make a light go on or off.

 

ic-racer

Her car is a Calif model that has an EGR them sensor that feeds into the ECU...sensor tells the ECU that the EGR line to the intake is passing hot exhaust gasses

if the EGR line is not clogged and will pass gas and if the temp sensor is functional AND if the ECU's input from the EGR sensor is operating correctly

Most likely her issue is:
Clogged EGR line can be tested by removing the EGR and seeing if pressurized air will pass through the line
Temp sensor can be removed and tested for resistance cold and hot
Sensor to ECVU wiring check for continuity

If all above OK maybe ECU needs to be sent to ProGramma for rebuild?

 

Thank you for these concise points. I will ask the mechanic when I go in for timing chain in a week or two.
May I ask what does ECVU stand for? ECU is electrical control unit I think? Cannot locate ECVU on searching internet
Many thanks for this information.
Cathy

 

I mentioned my first-generation Audi A4's EGR trouble. The EGR line would clog with burned oil residue, due to the unfortunate location of the passage in the throttle body - at the bottom where oil from the PCV system tended to collect. The Engine Control Unit would activate a solenoid, vacuum would open the EGR valve, but there would be no flow and consequently the sensor wouldn't detect a temperature rise.

 

I had the exact same issue on my ‘96 A4 2.8. My mechanic was able to ream it out a bit but which kinda sorta helped - until the engine light lit up again and I just kept driving.

 

Hi Cathy,

ECVU is a typo error

S/B "Sensor to ECU wiring check for continuity"

 

Hi Cathy,

ECVU is a typo error

S/B "Sensor to ECU wiring check for continuity"

Got it
Thank you

 

I have been dealing with a check engine light issue and took my 560sl ( 204K miles ) to a new mechanic today - one with a reputation for honesty. ( Maybe, maybe not)? I have been getting much advice from everyone here, starting with get a new mechanic.

He called me to say that the new EGR valve works, but feels there is a tube that is not easily accessible that needs to be cleaned out and is proposing removing the intake manifold, cleaning the tube, and re-sealing things there, with the caution that removing 2 front bolts might not go well and require drilling out or worst case lasering out. I am willing to do this for $1700 or so ( if all goes well) He said it would take 2 -3 days.

HOWEVER, he also tells me that I need a new EGR Temperature Sensor. That mine is not working. According to my former mechanic that is the code that comes up.

I am told the part is no longer made and am not finding any online this evening. Do I need this temperature sensor to pass smog check in California? I am also looking at doing the timing chain soon and am willing also to have that done, but it seems to me if this temp sensor part is the issue, I am back at square one...after $4500 of work for both of these adventures.

I am just sick about this and not sure what to do. I was all set to go ahead with cleaning out the tube, but am having second thoughts tonight due to the sensor that I cannot seem to locate and am told is not made any more. I am actually having chest pains over this and am feeling pretty lost at this point.

I know that you guys all work on your cars and I do not, so I am learning more these past few weeks than ever before, and at the risk of bothering everyone, I really need some advice from those who know. I love the car and want to keep it, but is is junk without an EGR Temperature Sensor.? The part seems it would be the least of the costs, but might be the demise of my beautiful car?

I left the car there and was going to pick it up tomorrow and bring it home to keep it clean and cool until he could get the parts and then take it back in. Now I am not sure what to do tomorrow.

Thank you for anything you can offer to help me.
Damsel in distress...Cathy

What year?

 

1988 560sl CALIFORNIA CAR
Thank you

 

Hi Cathy,

I have been reading through these posts. I did not have a chance to read all of it. My concern is your health. I used to sweat the little (and big) things. Until I met this lady, Chrissy, who sells seafood from her house. Her husband is a waterman.

She is a very positive person but looks twice her age. She simply looks worn out but still smiles. She has a daughter, Mya, who had leukemia at age four. This illness left this sweet cute little child both quadriplegic and blind. I believe she is eight or nine now and lives in a wheelchair with tubes, monitors etc., and a permanent tracheotomy. Chrissy, her husband and her son provided 100% of Mya’s care which is 24/7.

I do Santa strictly for charities, hospice, etc. during the season and she is one of my annual visits. Seeing her and her family certainly puts things into perspective for me.

I tell you this to hopefully help put you somewhat at ease. I still stress out when things just don’t go right. That is simply human nature. I just try to remember what is really important in life and what is not as important. I hope this helps you and your worries. It certainly has helped me.

 

I 100% agree with you...and I do understand perspective as last year when the light went back on it was at the beginning of the end for my father. I drove with the light on for months and only began to again deal with it this year - 6 months after he died.

I was rather surprised that I could not find this old part online and after a few hours, as I resorted to seeking help here in the forum, as I was searching for a title, I realized how tight my chest had become...not like a heart attack, just tension. As I have to deal with car things on my own, it can be stressful for me as I do not work on my car as others here do. I am learning a lot, but can pretty much guarantee I will not ever work on the engine and as it is a bunch of metal spaghetti to me, I am, for the first time since 1988 feeling some frustration.

I appreciate your kind words and apologize for the attention getting heading (I am a writer IRL); it was late at night and I had to collect my car the next day and was seeking some advice more urgently than usual. Trust me, if you saw my life right now, this is the smallest of my problems and I do realize that I can only do what I can do, and each day I am grateful for my problems and the support of my remaining family.

I love that you are a Santa. My grandfather used to be one in Buffalo NY - he worked as a lineman for Niagara Mohawk. One day a little boy came in and sat on his lap and said that he was not really Santa. Turned out that he was the son of a co-worker and my grandfather knew the boys name and his family matters. He called him by name and asked about his dog and named his father and mother...his eyes grew wide and I think he became a believer.

I thank you for your kind words and thoughtful post...I will keep it in mind I promise.

Best to you and yours,

Cathy

 

Can anyone tell me how to remove an EGR temperature sensor from a 420SEL? I found a car in a junkyard about 100 miles from my home and plan to go there this weekend. I understand I have to remove it myself. What tools might be needed? And can anyone show me where it is located? I believe it to be a plug about the size of a quarter with a cord/wire and something at the other end. Though I have yet to see an image of one for my actual model or a 420 or 560SEL - they are said to be the same. Really appreciate any help on this...truly.
Cathy

 

Can anyone tell me how to remove an EGR temperature sensor from a 420SEL? I found a car in a junkyard about 100 miles from my home and plan to go there this weekend. I understand I have to remove it myself. What tools might be needed?

Getting parts from a junkyard can be exasperating under the best of circumstances, and that includes toting in a heavy set of tools due to uncertainty of what else needs removing. Twenty-five years ago, I used a Pick-a-Part yard out of necessity to keep an old car running, having started a company with two other guys, and making no money for a few years. My suggestion is to ask the yard if they will pull the part for you, and if so what cost, and will they ship it if pre-paid? To me that is way better than a 200-mile round-trip, let alone not bringing the part home some reason. Yards that do this routinely exist.

One more thing: A used EGR valve may be in no better shape than what you already have. On my Audi's EGR, I used an oven cleaner, probably Easy-Off to help remove the carbon blockage, and it was fine after that (also cleaned the EGR passage into the engine, as mentioned in another post). The rubber diaphragm has to be good, otherwise the vacuum won't move the EGR's valve. So if you do try to clean yours, wear gloves, safety glasses, avoid getting cleaner into the diaphragm area, and have a water-Vinegar solution ready to neutralize the caustic Sodium Hydroxide. An inexpensive vacuum pump (Harbor Freight for instance) can test the action of the valve.

 

I have been dealing with a check engine light issue and took my 560sl ( 204K miles ) to a new mechanic today - one with a reputation for honesty. ( Maybe, maybe not)? I have been getting much advice from everyone here, starting with get a new mechanic.

He called me to say that the new EGR valve works, but feels there is a tube that is not easily accessible that needs to be cleaned out and is proposing removing the intake manifold, cleaning the tube, and re-sealing things there, with the caution that removing 2 front bolts might not go well and require drilling out or worst case lasering out. I am willing to do this for $1700 or so ( if all goes well) He said it would take 2 -3 days.

HOWEVER, he also tells me that I need a new EGR Temperature Sensor. That mine is not working. According to my former mechanic that is the code that comes up.

I am told the part is no longer made and am not finding any online this evening. Do I need this temperature sensor to pass smog check in California? I am also looking at doing the timing chain soon and am willing also to have that done, but it seems to me if this temp sensor part is the issue, I am back at square one...after $4500 of work for both of these adventures.

I am just sick about this and not sure what to do. I was all set to go ahead with cleaning out the tube, but am having second thoughts tonight due to the sensor that I cannot seem to locate and am told is not made any more. I am actually having chest pains over this and am feeling pretty lost at this point.

I know that you guys all work on your cars and I do not, so I am learning more these past few weeks than ever before, and at the risk of bothering everyone, I really need some advice from those who know. I love the car and want to keep it, but is is junk without an EGR Temperature Sensor.? The part seems it would be the least of the costs, but might be the demise of my beautiful car?

I left the car there and was going to pick it up tomorrow and bring it home to keep it clean and cool until he could get the parts and then take it back in. Now I am not sure what to do tomorrow.

Thank you for anything you can offer to help me.
Damsel in distress...Cathy

Cathy, check out this link and other videos by TonyTVLive. The mechanic who said that the EGR pipe needs cleaning knows what he is talking about in my opinion. JR 111

 

I do not have experience with EGR valves because my car does not have one. This video on YouTube might help you become familiar with what that valve looks like, where it is mounted, how it is mounted.

560SL - Reconditioning the EGR Valve

 

Agreed with Turbo510 here. My last visit to a yard saw me dodging wasps while I poked around in mouse poop.

What about sending that unit out for a rebuild to a place like CIS Flowtech?

 

This sounds like a brilliant idea...- the Flowtech, not the wasps and droppings. I will call them tomorrow. I also read that the sensor might need cleaned off and to only wipe it off. Would I offend the new mechanic if I suggest this? That would be a lucky break.

Thank you for this input and idea.

 

Thank you - someone sent this to me over the manifold issue, but I am looking for the egr temperature sensor and how - as a girl with limited tools - I can remove one from a 420SEL. I will search on you tube. Great idea. Thank you