Question4.3/V6 with 180,00 miles on it. This came on all at once about 2 weeks ago. My problem is it idles real rough. When you take off (it acts like the older style cars that used to get carbon up) you have to floor it to get up some speed. Once up to 25 or 30 mph it runs a lot better. Check engine light is on. Rotten egg smell when you stop at times. Took into a repair shop and they said all they could find is one side only had 90 lbs of compression. Said it needs engine replaced. My question is, could the EGR valve be causing these problems? Thanks for you time.
AnswerHi Danny,
It could, and is an item that should be cleaned occasionally.
Low fuel pressure, a sticking valve, dirty injectors, and a dirty fuel filter could also cause it.
A broken valve spring is another possibility, and it could also cause a low compression reading on one cylinder.
A broken spring can be replaced without removing the engine, or even removing the head, but that shop you went to may not be where you want to have itt done. Sounds like they want to sell you a new engine.
If you really have low compression readings on one side, you may have a blown head gasket, but some further tests should be done before just condemning the engine.
Van
