EGR valve cleaning

Good morning,

If you have an issue with this valve, you need to replace it. The valve cannot be cleaned due to the area that has the soot build up is not accessible for any service.

I attached the procedure below with a picture for you.

Roy

1. Remove the EGR valve.
1. Disconnect the vacuum line.
2. Disconnect the EGR tube.
3. Remove the EGR valve and discard the gasket.

NOTE: The EGR valve sealing surfaces are soft metals.

2. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
1. Carefully clean all sealing surfaces and install a new EGR valve gasket.

Howdy 49er.

I've got some concerns and possibilities for you. If the EGR itself is plugged and it's still gritty or sludgy (like grease mixed with sand) then it is possible to clean that with carb cleaner and some "minor" scraping to remove it. If the grit has been cooked to concrete - then no. You will cause irreparable damage to the EGR internal sealing and it will not operate properly, and will likely cause drivability issues. In the latter case, it will need replaced. (You will need the OEM stamped number on the EGR to get a proper match. And SAVE that number somewhere for future reference. Makes life so much easier if it needs replaced again.)

My concern is if the passages are plugged. The EGR may, or may not, be plugged itself. But if the passages to or out of the EGR are plugged, that is a whole new issue. Either way, it would fail an EGR function test. The only way to know what's going on is to remove it and inspect the EGR and the passages. I would make sure you have a new gasket available to reinstall it (if needed) for drivability after inspection.

I would love to hear back on what you find. Having been in the Smog Check business, I have run across this issue many times, and may have more pointers for you.

Dave