Ford: 1988 ford f150 4.9, jumper wires, screw driver

Question
QUESTION: truck wont stay running at idle if i apply little pedal runs but very rough, runs better the more i press the pedal.replaced cap rotor plugs wires ignition coil module replaced fuel filters. started checking vacuum no leaks yet. i was told to check egr valve with vacuum pump. cant keep it runnin to do so. i was able to depress the egr valve with a screw driver and it ran so much better. faulty egr or no vacuum to it?

ANSWER: Can you tell if the egr valve is stuck open? if so than we need to figure out why... other than the egr valve trey the IAC... (Idle air controller) unpluf it and see if the truck runs any different... if it does not try replacing it first... (It should be cheaper and it is easier...) those are more prone to failure than the egr valve... good luck and let me know if i can be of any further assistance...

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QUESTION: i have tried a new iac from autozone still runs rough. someone told me you have to use one from ford, is that true? the egr is sittin where i have to push it with a screw driver for it to move so i dont know if thats considered open or closed

ANSWER: Not 100% true on the iac but remember just because it is new doesn't mean that it is good... as far as the egr... try removing the egr valve and blowing through it with comp\ressed air or just use your mouth... if it is leaking than you will need to replace it... (Or you can try removing it and blocking off the hole in the intake and starting the truck to see if there is a change... ) let me know what happens... Take care... :)

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QUESTION: i tried a new egr valve still no different. no vacuum to egr could it be the egr vacuum solenoid and can that be checked? if not can it be bypassed? i think we're gettin closer, thank you.

Answer
Yes.. .the solenouid can be checked... remove the electrical connector. using jumper wires go from the batt pos and neg and touch the 2 terminals on the solenoid... with no power vacume should not be able to flow... with power applied vacume should flow through the solenoid...   Let me know what happens... :)