EGR Tube Removal

[cavediver]

Hi All,

I am removing my EGR tube for cleaning. Does anyone know the best way to remove the tube? Do I use a crow's foot? A "shorty" wrench? What size (mm) wrench fits the nut that screws into the top of the exhaust manifold? WHat is the best way to clean the EGR tube? If I use B-12 on the EGR valve itself, will it destroy or degrade the rubber diaphram?

A lot of questions I know, but the MOST IMPORTANT one is what size wrench fits the nut securing the EGR tube to the top of the exhaust manfold!!!!

Thanks,

Stephenaka cdiver, aka arges (I had to create a new idenity for the board since I couldn't login and I couldn't get tech support to respond to my emails)

[Q45tech]

Build a roto rooter for use with an electric drill after you remove the upper EGR valve. It is usually valve and plenum rather than the tube........the farther from the exhaust the cooler it gets and condenses into solid mass inside plenum vent.

Assuming you are dealing with a Q vs J30/m30/g20/i30-35.

[cavediver]

Thanks Q45 Tech!

The bottom line is that I am still getting an EGR code after replacing the EGR solenoid, replacing the vacuum lines and confirming that the EGR valve is getting a vacuum signal. I know that the EGR valve is working, because it stumbles/dies when I lift the diaphragm.

Since I just cleaned the plenum (including the connection b/tw the P and the EGR valve) my next step is to clear any possible blockage in the EGR tube. Should I also consider replacing the EGR valve?

- Q45 Tech are you saying that I can clean the EGR tube without disconnecting the lower connection by simply "roto-rooting" the tube with a electric drill? If so, will all of that crud thats in the tube go down into the exhaust and endup blocking my exhaust at some restriction?

Thanks

Stephen

[duck3986]

I just pulled the tube off my EGR ('98Q) and used an adjustable box wrench.

I may not be calling it by the right name. It's one of those open ended "plumber" type crescent wrenches.

I sprayed a bunch of WD-40 a half hour before trying and it came off with minimal persuasion.

[cavediver]

Thanks Duck,

I think you are describing a type of wrench that has a spring loaded arm that is used by plumbers in tight spaces like underneath counters and against walls. GOOD IDEA!

Stephen

[Q45tech]

What's in the egr tube is just a tiny portion of the 100,000 miles of what comes into the cats any way...............the cold tube [relatively] just let it get cold and condense...........it will burn up in front or in the cat during WOT exercise that is done dor 5-10 minutes after any induction cleaning.

[elwesso]

I removed my EGR tube when i did the plenum (I had to because I did the valve cover as well) and it was a waste... There wasnt really anything in there to speak of...

[cavediver]

THanks to everyone that responded - UR a great bunch of guys! When my wife gets home in a couple of weeks with my Q, I'll give the roto-rooter thing a shot.

Stephen

[DAEDALUS]

If the engine stumbles/dies when you lift the EGR, it seems unlikely there could be enough blockage to cause the CEL. The ECU thinks the EGR is not lifting under vacuum. Vacuum signal = ? Is this the solenoid signal or actual vacuum? Use a hand pump to apply vacuum to the EGR to verify it works, and use a gauge to verify good vacuum in the line.

[Q45tech]

EGR code usually means the egr thermistor [on those models equipt with one] is not changing resistance when warmer egr air is flowing into plenum.

Older models sensed the tiny drop in MAF voltage from the 5-8% recirculated air at cruise when solenoid engaged........not very accurate.

[cavediver]

I have replace the solenoid and changed the vac lines - The EGR valve is getting a vaccum.

Q45 Tech - What is the EGR thermistor? Do I have one on a 94q? Is it that small sensor that screws into the point where the EGR valve connects to the plenum? What are the chances that replacing the EGR valve will solve my MIL problem?

BTW, sometimes the light goes on and stays on, other times I have seen it go on and then fade out. It always goes off when I restart the Q, and it takes several miles of driving before I get another MIL.

Thanks,

Stephen