Hi all -- just purchased my '94 last month, my first Cruiser (first pic below). Thanks to folks here for some feedback in the search process. I've got two issues I'd love a gut check on. I've searched through old threads but couldn't find what I was after.
1. EGR Valve: I asked my mechanic to diagnose the typical gas leak / tank pressure issue (faint gas fume smell near rear driver side, tank hisses when I open to refill, etc.) I assumed to start with the charcoal canister, but mechanic says its likely the EGR valve after running a smoke test. Not seeing a lot of literature connecting the EGR to gas leak though. Should I replace it? It's a little expensive and I'm not sure it'll entirely solve it. He says it's fine to leave as is as well, if I can stand the smell when refueling.
2. Battery drain: the battery died after sitting for a week while I waited for my plates and registration. Ran fine before in between starts. Battery still has life and holds a charge. Mechanic says older trucks typically draw on the battery faster and shouldn't let it sit for more than 5 days and a new battery wouldn't improve the issue that much. That seems like a pretty small window to drive it. This is a weekend truck, not a daily driver.
Also, I had a check engine light come on right before the battery died, but I didn't check the codes. CEL isn't coming on anymore (not sure if it was for EGR), mechanic says dead battery may have wiped it.
Thanks for any thoughts.
Harry
1. EGR Valve: I asked my mechanic to diagnose the typical gas leak / tank pressure issue (faint gas fume smell near rear driver side, tank hisses when I open to refill, etc.) I assumed to start with the charcoal canister, but mechanic says its likely the EGR valve after running a smoke test. Not seeing a lot of literature connecting the EGR to gas leak though. Should I replace it? It's a little expensive and I'm not sure it'll entirely solve it. He says it's fine to leave as is as well, if I can stand the smell when refueling.
2. Battery drain: the battery died after sitting for a week while I waited for my plates and registration. Ran fine before in between starts. Battery still has life and holds a charge. Mechanic says older trucks typically draw on the battery faster and shouldn't let it sit for more than 5 days and a new battery wouldn't improve the issue that much. That seems like a pretty small window to drive it. This is a weekend truck, not a daily driver.
Also, I had a check engine light come on right before the battery died, but I didn't check the codes. CEL isn't coming on anymore (not sure if it was for EGR), mechanic says dead battery may have wiped it.
Thanks for any thoughts.
Harry