Cadillac Repair: 4.5 EGR tubes, throttlebody, oxygen sensor

Question
One of the egr tubes is loose in the intake of my 90 seville. It wont come out, but is loose. will this affect anything? How are they held in place?

Answer
Hi Jeff, You are going to have to desribe what exactly this tube is and where it is in the intake because your question has me confused. I.E. egr valve-hose-tube-hose-egr solinoid-hose-tube-hose-fitting/tube on the throttlebody. If you mean on the throttlebody then they are pressed in and tapping it in just alittle bit to snug it up would be ok. If the check engine/service light is off then being loose still allows it to function then I wouldn't worry about it. If you ment the 2 tubes that are seen under the throttlebody for the egr then they are pressed into the intake manifold. Make sure they are the same height and that they are open. Useing a punch or chisel to stake them tighter in the manifold would be ok but I wouldn't suggest any epoxy because it could dislodge and get into the engine or damage the oxygen sensor with its vapors. Staking is where you put the punch or chisel beside the hole and then tap on it to move metal towards the hole to hold the tube in place. Be careful not to tap too hard or strait down or you could damage the manifold. If the tube moves alittle bit and doesn't slide up and down and the engine light doen't come on I might try staking or just leave it alone its your call. Most cases they can't go anywhere and if the light turns on then deal with it. Other times what happens is the A.I.R. tube in the front exhaust manifold loosens up and you can spray some rust penetrant to loosen the connections and then retighten them or leave them alone because they might break if siezed up and if they aren't making noise from that joint then I wouldn't bother it eithor. Let me know if I can be more help. Bill