To get familiar, you might just start by removing the EGR Valve and inspecting it.
CLEANING THE EGR VALVE AND PORT FOR DUMMIES (LIKE ME)!!!
Special thanks and credit to 2eyefishclaw, amigo-2k, rodeo02, and many others for which this knowledge would not have been possible!
This will likely get revised over time, so you may want to review if for updates.
The information here should be considered a supplement to the great insructions for cleaning the EGR valve and plumbing that already exist on the forum. I made it to help those like myself that need extra detail to help make sense of the process.
You should begin by looking at amigo-2k's faq page and particularly at the EGR section on that page (bookmark that page for other important topics)
Another great idea is to search the forum for egr, you should also search for fuel cleaner, chevron techron, BG44K, intake cleaner, carb cleaner, and pcv. This will let you gain a better understanding of the process.
So, where to start: locate the EGR valve, disconnect as shown
To get familiar, you might just start by removing the EGR Valve and
inspecting it.
Here's a pic (base pic courtesy of amigo-2k) of what the valve looks
like from it's base.
Here's a rendition of what the mount from which the EGR valve came
from
This is about all you need to know to do a basic EGR cleaning. There
are some more advanced topics below, but let's first concentrate on cleaning
the EGR Valve and EGR Port
From 2eyefishclaw (a very helpful Isuzu technician)
| 1 : remove the EGR valve there are 2 holes the larger one is the one that supplies exhaust flow dont worry about it. the other is a vacuum port this is where exhaut gases are directed when the EGR valve opens carbon carbon deposits srick to the walls of the vacuum port and in time wil restrict flow normally about 30,000 miles 2: Check your local dealer for Intake cleaner ask about BG products all you will need is the intake cleaner (spray can) find something to plug the larger hole make sure it will not vibrate and fall out there wil be slight exhaust pressure on it but not much just be sure it is plugged real well because if not you may be suprisied by a flame. Once plugged start the vehicle, spray intake cleaner into the vacuum port you may have to raise the idle to do or just open the throttle by hand spray untill the can is empty. 3 : check your EGR valve push the pintle on the bottom be sure it moves in and out freely if not clean it dont replace the valve once the pintle moves as it should reinstall the EGR valve disconnect battery for a few minutes or have code cleared SOURCE: http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=85576&highlight=egr |
In place of intake cleaner, many suggest using o2 sensor safe carb cleaner, but BG produts come well recommended.
How to plug the "large hole" that supplies exhaut flow:
This one puzzled me, and I wanted to be safe. I finally found a highlighter
marker that was narower at it's base, and wider at it's center, than the large
hole, I was able to stick it in there and plug the hole nicely, about 1/4 of
the pen went into the hole and snugly plugged the hole.
Use your better judgement, but this worked very nicely for me! Be sure the is
no hole in the base which could allow exhaust flow to pass.
BE SURE YOU CAN GET WHATEVER YOU USE OUT. Some just plug it with their finger
as they spray down the smaller hole. I felt safer this way.
More advanced concepts
2eyefishclaw suggests the above procedure is enough (at least that's what I get from his write-up), others have suggested more.
There are those that feel it a good idea to clean the large hole that supplies exhaust flow, especially for reducing the oil consumption problem, I've yet to do this, search the forum, and use your best judgement.
How about the 22mm bolt under the EGR that has confused some, a reference link is here. I believe this is something that can come loose, and should be monitored as it's a PITA to get threaded if it comes undone, and causes a diesel noise if it does. IT does not have anything to do with the EGR cleaning.
Do you need to open the throttle body and clean the EGR port that sits just within the TB? 2eyefishclaw does not mention it. Amigo-2k does it, I did it by loosening the deposits with screwdriver and test tube brush. Is it necessary? Maybe not if you do a regular cleaning with carb cleaner or BG intake cleaner. Note, 2eyefc suggests BG intake cleaner, maybe the stuf is so good, you never need to open the throtle body to inspect the EGR port, wouldn't that be nice. I think it's probably not necessary, but couldn't hurt, especially if you haven't maintained the EGR plumbing. You might just try the approach 2eyefc wrote-up, and see if that solves the problem.
Remember to clean or replace you PCV, run fuel cleaner regularly, and search the forum regularly, there is a lot to gain from the other members wisdom.
Jeaz, I'm sure I missed a few things, so read this over once in a while as i may get updated!
Hope this helps, and again, thanks to those members that made me capable of understanding this to begin with.