>  he
> said I needed to replace the ERG valve and that I should go ahead and order
> it, but Autozone says my van doesn't use that part.

Kendra:

The EGR valve and associated "filter" that connects to the exhaust
system have not been available for a long time.  It is very likely
that the filter is rusted, which could give you an exhaust leak
ahead of the cat.  The EGR valve is probably closed off with
deposits.  I'm assuming yours is a non-California '82 without
the O2 sensor.

A long time ago, my mechanic pinched the pipe where the EGR
filter leaves the exhaust manifold and removed the arm that
operates the EGR valve.  That means the design to lower NOx
gases is disabled, but my '81 can pass emissions without
a cat even.

To keep the air-cooled Vanagons on the road takes some adaptations.

Richard