Faulty EGR Valve Symptoms and EGR Valve Cleaning

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EGR Valve is important for a vehicle. Get to know what it is and know whether it is in good condition. If not, learn how to clean EGR valve in 7 steps.

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Richard

Age:26

On EnkiVeryWell over 10 years

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication

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ChuckJul.8 03:54

I left my EGR soaking in a bowl and the fumes from the carb cleaner destroyed the rubber parts above. I was careful not to get any cleaner on the rubber, but since I let it sit: THE FUMES DESTROYED THE RUBBER. New part cost me $160, so thanks for that.
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ChuckJul.8 17:44

@ Chuck : I'm sorry that I placed blame when I said, "so thanks for that," in my comment last night. I was not happy about my quick and inexpensive fix turning into an expensive, special ordered part that I won't have until the end of the week. The EGR that I was working with is 28 years old. It's discontinued and hard to find. It's not the same shape as the one pictured, so this problem could be specific to my EGR, for all I know. I'm driving a 1987 Dodge Raider (Mitsubishi Montero), by the way. With this reply I hope to make anyone using carb cleaner to soak their dirty EGR valve aware that the fumes alone can disintegrate any rubber parts that aren't soaking in the bowl. So if you're worried about the rubber parts, don't soak the EGR in carb cleaner. Either soak it in something else that will help clean the carbon buildup without harming rubber; or spray the carb cleaner, scrub, brush, wipe and repeat until it's clean.
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RonnieDec.24 03:08

My egr valve went bad. Instead of carb cleaner I used brake cleaner. No overnight soaking required. Small steel brush. Make sure to clean all small holes. Push down plunger and spray into it. Work fine for me. Took about 20 minutes from start to finish. Remember to dry cimpletely.
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jesseDec.27 05:53

As far as cleaning with carb cleaner this will help but soaking in carburator cleaner is the worst thing you can do. The carb cleaner will actually eat your rubber parts which is the diaphragm that opens and closes when their is a vacuum created when your car is started . Go to auto zone and buy yourself a metal dental pick kit which runs 8 dollars and a couple of cans of carb cleaner . Once your remove your erg sensor scrape all Carbon out of all holes and then spare with carb cleaner and let dry and repeat process until you see clear carb cleaner coming out of the erg sensor before trying it out again . Best way to check erg sensor is to hook up a hand held vaccum suction gun and make sure once you have vaccum suction in the erg sensor, make sure the diaphragm srays open with the suction and remains open after about 5 min if the diaphragm drops while their is suction from the hand held vaccum gun the sensor is no longer good. You can buy a hand held vaccum gun at auto zone for 35.00 bucks
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Keith Jan.13 13:39

I have a 2001 peugeot 206 gti. Is it possible to disassemble the EGR valve and re-tighten the 3 screws inside the mechanism
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Robert Jan.30 19:08

Robert I just follow the cleaning instructions on EGR valve and the car is not idleing properly and not reving out
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Steve ReynaFeb.10 20:35

My friend just recently replaced her EGR valve on her 1996 Ford Explorer and now it doesn't want to start. Any reasons why it won't start??? All info is greatly appreciated. TIA.
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ajayOct.25 14:32

@ Steve Reyna : still you have the concern or get rectified.
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David Feb.10 21:10

I have a 2005 dodge ram 1500. My truck had the symptoms of a bad EGR. THE Shop said the back 2 cylinders had no compression and could not tell the cause. Could a bad EGR be the reason?
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JonahMar.2 03:47

I have a Toyota Corolla 2C engine. After doing a top overhaul I can't start it. So I think it's the EGR valve because the engine has a installed EGR.
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EricMay.26 16:58

Best thing that you could use to soak your erg is SIMPLE GREEN or other degreasers they won't eat your rubber components hope this helps good luck to all
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Likes to WrenchJun.27 08:00

Dawn dishsoap , hot water and lil brass brush is all thats needed to clean a egr valve! Safe for rubber and( electrical. I do all the time no failed ones yet)parts that are integral to the egr's performance so soak overnight or for 1/2. For hot hot water 1hr for hot water overnight night for cold water ohh bout a 1/2. Sec squirt of dawn dish soap n just enuff water to cover part! Hot water dawn. Dishsoap and.1/2. Soak or sprayed on engine to rearend cleans better than most chemicals without the battle gear of gloves n goggles. If it gets in your eye wash it out with water! Good for your car the environment.
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