Should the EGR valve hold a vacuum?
 

This might sound like a dumb question, but should the EGR valve hold a vacuum? Mine will operate when I attach my mighty vac, but then it quickly leaks out the vacuum and the valve closes. Should I replace it? Will it make a difference that's worth the $140 cost of a new one? As a side note, the car did come close to failing emissions in January.

Forgot to mention, the car is a '91 190e 2.3

Speaking in " generic " terms, yes an EGR valve should hold vacuum
Does it hurt to have it not working ?
I have seen many vehicles suffer poor fuel economy, because the EGR was not working ( long story ).
Chances are, down the road you will fail an e-test. ;)

I *think* it's working, since when vacuum is applied it does open, but it's just that the vacuum leaks out. If there's an endless suppply of vacuum available, I guess it'd be ok, except for the slight vacuum leak, whick of course, is not ok.

The one in my 91 300SE holds a vacuum.

As far as emissions testing, you probably won't fail a sniffer test, but most California tests include applying a vacuum to the EGR valve and checking for a dip in RPM. You might fail that part of the test if they do it where you live.

Sixto
95 S420
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

Ah, interesting. It is a California model, however I'm currently residing in Arizona. heh Anyway, I think I'll go ahead and replace it sometime before my next emissions test.

Thanks for the info guys!