Y33 EGR Port Cleaning

[xhristimatt]

2000 Q45 - 88kmiles: CEL is on and I've got a P0400 code. EGR temp sensor is operating per specification so it is not the problem. No leaks detected in any of the hoses running to/from the EGR valve. I suspect the EGR port is clogged. I have the following questions:

1. Can someone tell me whether it is possible to clean the EGR port without removing the plenum?
2. Can I remove the EGR valve then run a drill bit into the port?
3. Is the EGR port straight or does it have a bend in it at some point before it gets to the plenum like the early Q?

If possible I'd like to avoid removal of the plenum as it looks pretty involved; moreso than my old '91Q The car runs perfectly, no other codes and hoses look fine, no knock sensor issues etc.

Thanks

[Mopar]

Hello,

I cleaned my EGR port when I was doing my Knock Sensors. I believe there is no way to clean it without taking the plenum off, simply because there is not enough room in between the back of the engine and the firewall to pull out the EGR tube.

Edit: *The EGR tube is a straight metal tube that won't come out unless you remove the plenum. I highly doubt you can clean it while it is on the car...

If you have never cleaned that tube, expect it to be about 97% clogged. You can see a picture of my EGR tube in my KS thread. It was absolutely horrible!

Good luck!

[maxnix]

Edit: *The EGR tube is a straight metal tube that won't come out unless you remove the plenum. I highly doubt you can clean it while it is on the car...

This is true and this part is not found anywhere in the FSM. Plenum must be removed. But once you remove the plenum, you will see plenty else that needs to be cleaned.

[BadQ45t]

I fear this type of thing myself. I think you should make a decision if your going to keep the car, then do new plugs, KS's, coil packs and the EGR while cleaning everything. I have 95k and one CEL that makes me have to pull the plenum and I'm dropping a big order in to IOS for all the stuff and getting my mechanic to do it. I figure that will set you to go another 50-100k with few things to worry about.

[Q451999]

Is there a way you can tell if the coil packs have already been changed? Who was the original mfg. of them? I guess if I have coil packs other than the original mfg. I could be certain they were changed.

Thanks.

[xhristimatt]

OK so in order to clean the EGR port, can I just pull the intake manifold and leave the lower plenum in place?

At this time I am not interested in doing the whole under the plenum refurb (knock sensors, harness, new hoses etc.)

Thanks

[maxnix]

Yes, but you still might have to replace some hoses, and you will be able to clean everything with the lower runners in place.