Repair 7

How to Improve EGR Performance

The exhaust gas recirculation, or EGR, valve is a device attached to your intake manifold that recirculates approximately 10 percent of exhaust emission gases back into the intake manifold. This is supposed to lower the amount of nitrous oxide gases that are produced and emitted by your vehicle, while also minimizing overall emissions. EGR valves are installed on both gasoline and diesel engines. By improving your EGR valves performance, you may also be able to improve your vehicles overall performance.

Instructions

1

Use high quality fuel. Exhaust gas recirculation valves are most commonly damaged by debris, particles and carbon build up that occurs when fuels do not burn cleanly in the engine. These particles are then sent back through the EGR valve and into the engine. The better quality fuel you use, the fewer of these particles there will be, and the more efficiently you can expect your vehicles EGR valve to work.

2

Turn off your vehicle instead of allowing it to idle for long periods of time, especially if it is a diesel. Idling wastes fuel, and creates particles that will build up and clog your EGR valve in the process, shortening its lifespan.

3

Clean your EGR valve periodically so it does not become clogged and affect performance. The EGR valve becomes clogged by the particles that are created when fuel is used by the engine. A clogged EGR valve will negatively affect your engine and may cause a rough idle or stalling problems. You can unbolt your EGR valve from the intake manifold and clean it periodically. If the build up and debris is severe or the EGR valve is more than 10 years old, you may want to replace it.