Since the 1960s, vehicle manufacturers have installed exhaust gas recirculation valves to reduce NOX emissions.A small amount of exhaust is recirculated into the combustion cycle by the EGR valve.When the engine is fully warmed up, the exhaust warmth lets the combustion chambers warm up quickly, while spent gases keep the chambers from getting too hot.The gas flow can be controlled by EGR valves.The excess vacuum will cause the engine to stall if left open.The lifespan of the engine and mileage will be affected if the valve remains closed.Clean your EGR valve if you want to smooth a rough idling or surging acceleration.
Step 1: Look at the vacuum hose.
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 a pipe cleaner if the deposits are hardened.
Step 2: You should inspect the valve for damage.
The bolts that hold the EGR valve to the engine should be loosened.The bottom plate of the valve has a gasket lining.You can reuse it if it's undamaged.
Step 3: Remove the return tube and gas entry port.
To clean off the carbon from the metal exhaust gas return tube and the gas entry port on the valve, use a smallbristled brush like a wire brush, toothbrush or pipe cleaner.If there is a lot of carbon build up around the valve, you may want to replace it with a new one.
Step 4: Take care of the entry port.
The entry port is where the valve tubes connect to the engine.
Step 5: The EGR valve needs to be re-installed.
Attach the exhaust return and vacuum hoses if you want the vacuum to move freely.
Step 6: The negative battery cable needs to be removed.
If you remove the negative battery cable from the battery, you can prevent short-circuiting of the electronic component that controls the valve.
Step 7: Remove any electrical connections along with any sensors.
Step 8: The bolts have to be loosened to remove the valve.
Step 9: To replace or reuse the hoses and gasket, check for wear.
Step 10: The valve and hoses should be sprayed with a brush to remove the carbon build up from the hoses and small hole.
The electrical connections should not be sprayed with the cleaner.You may want to buy a can of electronics cleaner and di-electric grease if the connection is bad.
Step 11: Attach the electrical connections and sensors to any hoses with the gasket and bolts.
Step 12: The negative battery terminal should be connected.