How to Clean Your EGR Valve_ 12 Steps With Pictures

8/11/2019 How to Clean Your EGR Valve_ 12 Steps With Pictures

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How to Clean Your EGR ValveTwo Methods: To Clean A Mechanical EGR Valve To Clean An Electronic EGR Valve

Since the 1960s, vehicle manufacturers have installed Exhaust GasRecirculation (EGR) valves to reduce nitrous oxide (NOX) emissions. The

EGR valve recirculates a small amount of exhaustinto 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 wil l 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 mileageand the li fespan 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

to Clean Your EGR Valve: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow http://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Your-E

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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 mechanicrun 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 deGases do Escapamento) de seu Carro, Deutsch: Ein EGR Ventil reinigen

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7/14/2014

How to Clean Your EGR Valve_ 12 Steps With Pictures

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