LC Engineering Header - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Mascot · 02-19-2004, 06:14 PM

Hey...I'm wondering if anyone here has installed an LC Engineering header on their 22RE truck. I've had my truck for three years and no problems, but now I get a Check Engine light that reports back EGR system. I have replaced EVERY component, checked the vac hoses, even plugged in a new computer. This light showed up two days after installing the header...and there was nothing EGR related to do the install.

Has anyone else installed one of these headers...any ideas? The header is the only thing I can think of at this point...too coincidental.

thanks,
-Mascot

1993 2WD reg cab 22RE california model

jdougall · 02-26-2004, 11:42 PM

i used to get the egr valve cel once in a while when i would be driving at a constant speed. Since then I have replaced the egr valve and it did not fix a thing. Maybe you changed the something like the mixture by puting the headers on. I think mine started after I did the exhaust on my 22-re. Maybe something else, maybe too much gas or too little gas going through the valve.

Mascot · 02-27-2004, 12:12 AM

Yeah, I do a lot of highway driving and I've heard that the header can make it run rich. I have an extra AFM and I'm going to try to lean it out a little and see what happens.

Do you still have your header on the truck? It kind of bothers me that they advertise it as a 50 state header....there is NO WAY my truck will pass smog testing with the CEL on. I know for sure that I didn't damage anything on the truck - the header went in so easy...like melted butter. I've replaced just about everything too, including plugging in an extra ECM and nothing changed.

it's driving me crazy, and the final step will be putting the stock manifold back on to see if it goes away.

thanks for your input.

jdougall · 02-27-2004, 12:21 AM

i actually still have the stock manifold on but i think that doing the manifold back exhaust could have had the same effect as the headers would. I don't know that i would pay $80 to get it diagnosed but it couldn't hurt if you have not done so yet. Have them find out what else could do this. Also, my manual gives the possible things that could cause the CEL. have you looked in your manual to see what else could cause the code to be thrown up?

Mascot · 02-27-2004, 08:14 AM

Oh believe me when I say I've checked it out. I first replaced the EGR Temp Sensor, then the EGR Valve and EGR Modulator. After that, and after LC still insisting that their header couldn't cause this (even though it appeared two days after the install) I went to one dealer in Temecula who told the EGR VSV was bad (coincidentally the only part I hadn't yet replaced). So I replaced that and still have the CEL.

I plugged in another computer and Air Flow Meter and still have it. Yesterday I went to another Dealer where a friend is service manager and his tech says it's the header. He has no doubts because the primaries are too big and don't allow the EGR to function.

Now, the way I see it: LC advertises this as 50 State Legal, and if it causes a CEL then there is no way it can be "legal" in Ca because a CEL will automatically fail the emissions testing. The problem is that LC tells me that I'm the "only one" who has ever had this problem. It sucks to pay $300 for a header and not be able to use it. I'm contacting LC today and telling them I want to return it. If I have to get the Calif Referee involved I will, because the only reason I bought the header is because of their claim to be 50 state legal. They have a CARB #, but that doesn't mean squat if my truck won't pass smog with the header, but passes without it.

Basically, I think I've "exhausted" all possibilities and this weekend I'll put the stock manifold back on and if the light disappears I'll know for sure.

thanks again.
-Michael

jdougall · 02-27-2004, 12:41 PM

good luck with that man. let me know if the header is what caused the CEL

Mascot · 02-27-2004, 12:50 PM

will do...

what did you do with your header since your on the stock manifold now? Had you ever contacted them about it?

I had also ordered the exhaust, which didn't fit my truck at all...another waste of $300!

jdougall · 02-27-2004, 01:02 PM

I never had the header because i was always planning on getting the thing turboed so it would be a waste of money because i would have the down pipe instead. I am actually looking at the supercharger that LC is putting out. I would possibly end up buying the headers even if they throw up the CEL because i want to do a stand-alone engine managment system so i can ditch the airflow meter