Cleaning the clogged EGR valve

What is EGR system and how it works in car
Mechanic (Pneumatic) EGR valve EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valves recirculate a portion of the exhaust gas from the engine (5% to 15%) back into the combustion process. This ensures that the fuel gets completely burned while decreasing the production of harmful gases such as nitrous oxide. Simply put, it is a valve that opens and closes as needed. Some vehicles have an electric EGR valve while others are mechanical (pneumatic).

Clogged EGR valve
The EGR valve allows exhaust gases to flow back into the combustion chamber at the appropriate times and levels. This helps keep combustion temperatures lower, inhibiting the formation of NOx gases. NOx gases are bad for the environment and human health, and the deposits and high heat that create them can also seriously damage your engine. Left unchecked, a clogged EGR valve can cause engine knocking (untimed detonation), and this will eventually destroy the inner components of your engine, requiring overhaul or replacement. Imagine all that hassle over a small component that you can easily clean or replace.

What are the symptoms of an EGR failure?
Actually there are two kinds of bad EGR valves, with different symptoms. An EGR valve can fail in two ways: It can be open all the time, or it can be closed all the time. Basically, you might notice poor performance, rough idle and poor acceleration if the valve is stuck open, and the smell of gas, engine knock and poor fuel economy if the valve is stuck closed. In either case, the check engine light should let you know something is up. The valve should be cleaned at least every 30,000 km or so, and it’s a good candidate to add to your annual checkup list.

If the EGR Valve Sticks Open:
• Rough idle and possible stalling
• Increase in fuel consumption.
• Loss of power especially at full throttle
• Flat spots when accelerating
• Excessive smoke
• Poor MPG
• Engine management light on

Cleaning the EGR valve with TORALIN®

1.Cleaning the clogged EGR valve without disassembling

TORALIN® offers a special, innovative method for cleaning the clogged EGR valve without disassembling. Therefore disassembly of the EGR valve is not required. With the Professional TORALIN® EGR valve cleaner, you can clean EGR valve expertly.
The TORALIN EGR Cleaning Tool applies the powerful TORALIN EGR System Cleaner (Part: 92017/95857), into the circuit. This cleaner rapidly dissolves the deposits, eliminating the issues commonly associated with plugged EGRs. By adding our TORALIN Fuel Injector Cleaner you clean the pump and injectors completing the full diesel fuel service.
Cleaning the EGR valve is a simple bit of maintenance that pays off big time in extending the life of your engine. It’s also necessary to pass your annual vehicle inspection, so it’s critical to keep it in good condition. Just make sure that you clean it properly to avoid unintended damage if you’re not replacing it outright.

2.Cleaning the clogged EGR valve with disassembling

Use the EGR valve cleaner, ( items nr. ) and follow the instruction bellow.
Instructions: remove the valve from the system, place it in a collection container, protecting the electrical contacts by a material, and keep them out of a washing area.