So my 83,000 mile 97 Accord is throwing the 1491 EGR Insufficient Valve Lift code. I unhooked the vacuum line to the valve and connected my vacuum pump. When vacuum is applied the car dies. So that tells me the port is not clogged with carbon correct?

I then applied vacuum to the valve with the car off to watch how long it would hold the vacuum. It seemed to be holding the vacuum just fine so that means my diaphragm is not torn correct? So can the EGR valve still be bad even if it holds vacuum? I don't know what else to do other than replace the EGR and see what happens but I'd hate to waste $100 if it is fine.

Should I try replacing the part?

 

have you tried cleaning the egr yourself, seems you know how to do some maintenance, the valve should not be hard to clean out.

 

No, I have not pulled it off yet to try to clean it.

I do know a bit about wrenching but it is primarily on my 69 Camaro No emission stuff on that thing so I am a little inexperienced with EGRs. I will do some internet searching on how to clean one and give it is shot. I think/hope that will do it. The car is old but only has 83k miles. From the outside everything looks almost new under the hood.

 

69 Camaro worth a lot these days. keep that car as long as you can. what size engine does it have? also the 97 accord will last a long time, some I know of have over 200k miles, and still running good.

 

I have had the Camaro since 1985 so it's not going anywhere! lol. Small block 400 with a ProCharger and about 10 PSI boost. Est. 700 HP.

Regarding the EGR....I pulled it off and it looks brand new. The ports are not clogged. The diaphragm is not torn, is plenty flexible and holds vacuum.I went ahead and cleaned it with carb cleaner and put it back on but unfortunately the error code came back. So now I am a bit stuck because it must be the electronic side of the EGR system. There are electronics on the EGR valve itself but there is also a separate part. I think it is called the EGR control solenoid or something??? Where should I go from here? I can just replace the EGR valve and see how that does but that is sort of a $100 dart at the dartboard.

Is there a way to test the EGR control solenoid? Seems like one of the youtube videos a guy jumpered it but I watched some many and cant find it now.

 

here are the possibles for a p1491 code. faulty egr vlv, harness open or short, poor elec connection, vlv clogged, gas leak. you have eliminated vlv clogged, and I don't think you have a gas leak. only thing left is the electrical side as you stated. is there a salvage yard near by that you might be able to get a good used vlv to test or change out.