How to Replace Egr Valve
You can learn how to change anEGR valvein a few minutes. The procedure is simple and can help you lower your vehicle emissions after replacing a bad unit. The exhaust gas recirculation valve, commonly known as the EGR valve, allows a measured amount of exhaust gas into the combustion chambers to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. Working in your garage, this maintenance job can take you about an hour to complete.Locating the EGR valveIf you don't know where the EGR valve is located, it's a good idea to visit a local auto parts store and request to see the valve for your particular vehicle make and model. The EGR valve is located around the top and to one side of the cylinder head, close to the intake manifold. Depending on your particular model, you may have to disconnect a steel pipe from the valve. In either case, both types of valves are easy to remove.Removing the EGR valveFirst, remove the air cleaner duct, if necessary, to gain better access to theEGR valve. In most cases, all you need is to loosen the screw on the clamp that holds each end of the duct in place. Disconnect the vacuum hose from the top of the valve by hand, if you have a mechanical valve. Label the vacuum hose you disconnected, if necessary, so that you identify the hose and remember to reconnect it on the new valve. Unplug the electrical connector from the top of the valve, if you have an electronic valve type.Is your valve connected to a steel pipe? Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the pipe nut. Then loosen and remove the two or three mounting screws holding the valve in place. You can use a box-end wrench for this. If your valve is attached to a pipe, finish disconnecting the valve from the pipe now.Preparing to install the EGR valveAfter you have removed the valve, use a dull or plastic scraper to remove any traces of gasket material off the valve's mounting surface. If the orifice on the valve's mounting surface is covered with carbon deposits, put on your goggles and chemical resistant gloves. Spray the carbon with carburetor cleaner and remove the carbon using a scratch awl and a shop rag, being careful not to scratch the mounting surface.Installing the EGR valvePosition the new valve in place and start the pipe's nut by hand, if yours comes equipped with it. Position a new gasket and start the valve's mounting bolts by hand. Finish tightening the mounting bolts with the wrench and the pipe, if necessary, with the adjustable wrench. Plug in the valve electrical connector or vacuum hose and replace the air cleaner duct, if you had to remove it.When you learn how to change an EGR valve, you can also service the valve every year by removing carbon deposits from under the valve and intake manifold passages. These carbon deposits can cause the engine to stall, detonate and increase fuel consumption. In addition, check your vehicle service manual for maintenance intervals of theemission control system. Providing maintenance service to this system will also help you restore engine performance.
