Replacing EGR valve......

[wavinwayne]

I want to replace the EGR valve on my wife's '97 Expedition 4.6L, without removing & cleaning the upper intake manifold (intake plenum).cleaning this is a difficult process.

Will the new EGR valve be damaged if I dont clean the carbon deposits from the intake plenum?

 

[TheLoneRanger]

Wayne, it won't matter whether you clean the intake manifold or not, as to any effect on the EGR valve. The critical areas on the intake (as to cleanliness) are the throttle plate area and the IAC (idle air control). Both are easy to get to for cleaning.

 

[wavinwayne]

I replaced the EGR valve last night. I may have to replace it again before too long. When I removed the old one, I took a pistol bore brush & cleaned the EGR's passage into the intake. What came out is described as thick black "goo". It was not hard carbon deposits like I thought it would be.

I was hoping to get away with replacing the EGR valve only & leaving the intake alone, even though it's nasty. But, it looks like I will have to remove the intake & give it a good solvent bath. I just hope that "goo" doesn't coat the new EGR valve.

 

[TooSlick]

It may be worth treating your fuel regularly ....

A doze of 1-2 ounces of Redline SL-1 or Amsoil PI gas additive with every full tank of fuel will reduce these EGR valve deposits. You can find the Redline at Advance Auto Parts.

TS