How to Clean Your EGR Valve

Two Methods: To Clean A Mechanical EGR Valve To Clean An Electronic EGR Valve
Since the 1960s, vehicle manufacturers have installed Exhaust Gas
Recirculation (EGR) valves to reduce nitrous oxide (NOX) emissions. The
EGR valve recirculates a small amount of exhaust into the combustion cycle.
The warmth of the exhaust lets the combustion chambers warm up quickly,
while the spent, inert gases keep the chambers from getting too hot when the
engine fully warms up. Whether mechanical or electronic, EGR valves open
and close to control the gas flow. If left open, the excess vacuum will cause
the engine to act like it wants to stall, idling roughly or surging. If the valve
stays closed, detonation could occur in the combustion chambers; this
knocking or pinging will lower mileage and the lifespan of the engine. To
smooth a rough idle or hesitant or surging acceleration, and reduce knocking,
clean your EGR valve.
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Remove the vacuum hose and inspect closely for wear (cracks or weak
spots), then clean out the carbon deposits either with a spray can of
carburetor cleaner or with a pipe cleaner if the deposits are hardened or
compacted.
Loosen any bolts fastening the EGR valve to the engine. Inspect the gasket
lining the bottom plate of the valve. If it's not frayed or cracked, you can reuse it.
Use carburetor cleaner and a small-bristled brush like a wire brush,
toothbrush or pipe cleaner to clean off the carbon from the metal exhaust
gas return tube and the gas entry port on the valve (usually the smaller hole with
a spring-loaded pin, or pintle).
Clean out the entry port where the valve tubes connect to the engine (usually
the intake manifold) while the EGR valve is off.
Check to ensure the vacuum diaphragm moves freely, reinstall the EGR valve
and reattach the exhaust return and vacuum hoses.
Method 1 of 2: To Clean A Mechanical EGR Valve
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Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery to ensure no current
is flowing through the system to avoid short-circuiting the electronic
component that controls the valve.
Disengage and remove any sensors and electrical connections along with
any hoses.
Loosen the bolts to remove the EGR valve and gasket.
Check the hoses and gasket for wear, to replace or reuse.
Spray the valve and hoses with carburetor cleaner, using a brush to clean off
the carbon buildup out of any hoses and small hole with the pintle. Do NOT
spray the electrical connections or sensors with the cleaner. However, you may want to
purchase a can of electronics cleaner and di-electric grease if the connectors appear to
be corroded.
Reinstall the EGR valve using the gasket and bolts, and reconnect the
electrical connections and sensors with any hoses.
Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
Method 2 of 2: To Clean An Electronic EGR Valve
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Read your owners' manual for specific maintenance schedules, but
you can generally inspect your EGR valve every 12,000 to 15,000
miles. If you clean your EGR valve and it seems to get clogged sooner,
have your mechanic run a diagnostic. Your engine may need a more
thorough tune-up to be creating so much carbon so quickly.
Whether spraying or soaking the valve, if you intend to reuse the
gasket, keep it clean and dry, as the cleaner may damage the gasket.
If you can separate the EGR valve from all other assembly pieces
(hoses or electronic connections), you may opt to soak the valve in
carburetor cleaner rather than spraying it to ensure any carbon buildup
is loosened and washed out inside and out.
Inspect and replace the EGR valve while outdoors, or in a
well-ventilated area, to reduce exposure to fumes from the carburetor
cleaner or exhaust.
Service manual for your particular vehicle make and model
Hand vacuum pump (for mechanical EGR valves)
Inspection mirror (for mechanical EGR valves)
Pipe cleaner, toothbrush, or other small-bristled brush
Carburetor cleaner
Hand tools- Wrenches, Sockets, a Ratchet and a screwdriver
Replacement mounting gasket (some models, not all)
http://www.wisegeek.com/how-can-i-tell-if-my-egr-valve-needs-to-be-
cleaned-or-replaced.htm
http://www.automotiveforums.com/t324086.html
http://www.hondaprelude.to/forums/showthread.php?t=59722
Tips
Warnings
Things You'll Need
Sources and Citations
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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 196,466 times.
Categories: Engine Parts
Recent edits by: Souradeep Nanda, Maluniu
In other languages:
Espaol: Cmo limpiar la vlvula de recirculacin de gases de escape, Italiano: Come
Pulire la Valvola EGR, Portugus: Como Limpar a Vlvula EGR (Recirculao de
Gases do Escapamento) de seu Carro, Deutsch: Ein EGR Ventil reinigen
Article Info
How to Clean Your EGR Valve: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow http://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Your-EGR-Valve
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