James, Shauna, and Kids

June 7, 2009, 11:39 pm - James Farrer

A little bit of history: Some time last year the check engine light came on in our truck. We got the error code read and it was the EGR valve. Quote to fix it: $600-800. Ouch! Good news was that it wasn't a rush to get it fixed and my father-in-law or brother-in-law could fix it...IF we could get them and the truck in the same state long enough to actually look at it.

To make a long story short, it hasn't happened.

So a few weeks ago I went out and tried my best to locate the part and see if I could get at it enough to replace it, only to come back in with a statement that I was completely and totally mechanically incompetent.

But, lest you think I would give up that easy, I finally found my repair manual and tried again last week. Success! With a few phone calls for clarification, a quick trip to the parts store for some gasket and filter material, a used mascara brush, and a few bumps and bruises I successfully pulled the EGR valve off, located the troublesome spot, cleaned it out (hence the mascara brush) and viola! We're back in business. Yes folks, factoring in the pro-rated cost of the mascara and other parts I saved myself $590-790. How's that for a pat on the back and proof that I am not completely incompetent when it come to motor vehicle maintenance.

Now if only I can figure that other doohicky thingy-mabob...