Modern cars have an EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) system that helps to keep pollution and emissions down. It was first used in 1970 to make gasoline cars run cleaner. Later, the system was changed to make diesel engines run cleaner.
These systems are common today and play a big part in keeping the air clean. Like any other part of your car, EGR systems need to be looked after. Using an EGR valve cleaner can help you keep your system running well.
TYPES OF EGR SYSTEMS
EGR systems come in two types: internal and external. Internal EGRs are when the intake and exhaust valves open at the same time. External EGRs are when exhaust gases are sent back into the intake manifold through an external duct and an EGR valve.
Owners of cars may not know much about EGR systems until they have a problem with one. A slow engine or pinging sound can be signs that something is wrong. Sometimes, it’s just the oxygen sensor, but if the OBD-II code shows the EGR, then you need to fix your car. Most of the time, you can just clean the valve.
HOW TO USE EGR VALVE CLEANER
- When should you change the EGR valve? Check your owner’s manual. Most of the time, the replacement interval is 50,000 miles or more. You can extend the life of the valve by following these steps:
- Find the right cleaner. Choose an EGR valve cleaner, or use a carburetor cleaner to clean the valve.
- Dress in safety gear. You’ll be able to spray the cleaner on a single thing, but there’s always a chance that it will spread. So, you should wear gloves that are resistant to acid and safety glasses when you work. A mask that can filter out chemicals in the air would also be a good idea.
- You need to prepare your car. Find a flat surface, park the car, and use the emergency brake. When you find the battery, disconnect the negative terminal.
- Find the EGR valve. An EGR valve is often found near or next to the intake manifold. Notice the tube that connects the exhaust manifold to the pipe that goes to the exhaust pipe. Remove the vacuum hoses and electrical connections. To remove the EGR valve, you’ll need an adjustable wrench, a Torx driver, a ratchet or socket, and a tool like that. Then, pull the valve away from the engine block.
- Set the valve outside on paper or cloth. The next step is to point the cleaner nozzle at the carbon buildup, and then you can clean it off. Use a pipe cleaning brush to get rid of the now loose debris. When there is a lot of buildup, you may need to do this again to get it off. Consider leaving the valve open for a long time so that the solution can get inside, and then come back later to remove the carbon that hasn’t been washed away.
- Dry the valve before you put it back in. Steps 1 through 4 should be done in the opposite order to reconnect. Then, store your tools and any cleaner in a safe place.
EGR CAUTIONS
It can damage your engine if you don’t fix a problem with your EGR system right away. Another thing to keep in mind: If you don’t get your car fixed, it will fail its next Smog Check. As a responsible consumer, you want to make sure your car isn’t polluting the environment. If cleaning doesn’t help, you should just buy a new EGR valve.
