Looking for a reliable Toyota mechanic in Baltimore area

[Atticus]

Hello:

I have a '97 80 series with an EGR problem. I'd like to get somebody to take a look at it, and am looking for any recommendations for a good mechanic in the Baltimore area.

Thanks in advance,
Jay

 

[John Smith]

My friend in Catonsville has been using these guys for years for his 80 series and other Toyotas. Brian and Steve at Foreign Auto Experts on Rt. 1 in Elkridge. Awesome guys..never had a problem. (410) 796-4418.

 

[Atticus]

My friend in Catonsville has been using these guys for years for his 80 series and other Toyotas. Brian and Steve at Foreign Auto Experts on Rt. 1 in Elkridge. Awesome guys..never had a problem. (410) 796-4418.

Awesome, John. Thanks a lot. I'm going to clean all the EGR ports myself, but if that doesn't work, I'm going to need some pros to look at it. I need to pass inspection this time.

 

[smtyblt]

That is a common problem with the 80 Series. Most of the time it is the modulator valve. I believe that is the correct name and the EGR Valve is also common. Cleaning most likely will do nothing in your case. If you are handy at all give me a call at the shop and we can send you the parts and you can fix it yourself.

Cam

 

[Atticus]

That is a common problem with the 80 Series. Most of the time it is the modulator valve. I believe that is the correct name and the EGR Valve is also common. Cleaning most likely will do nothing in your case. If you are handy at all give me a call at the shop and we can send you the parts and you can fix it yourself.

Cam

Hey Cam:

I've replaced the modulator valve with an OEM from the folks at American Toyota. I haven't troubleshot the EGR valve yet, or the VSV. I've spent a lot of time researching this, and everything I've seen says that you need to clean out all of the EGR ports that run through the manifold in addition to checking the various hoses and valves. They tend to get clogged with carbon. To do that, I need to take the throttle body off, which presents two problems: 1. I don't have the TB gasket (though getting one shouldn't be a problem); and 2. I don't have much time because of work and other obligations (since I've moved up here my 80 has transitioned from a daily driver/hunting rig to a daily driver to now just sitting because I walk to the train).

Part of me wants to just dig into it and figure it out. Part of me wants to hand it off to somebody to do it for me. Part of me wants to sell the truck outright because it is being wasted on me right now.

If I didn't have to pass MD emissions, I would just leave it alone.