Cleaning EGR Ports...All Parts Are Re-usable?

[Off_Timing]

2000 Windstar, w/ a 3.8L, and 140,000 KM on the odometer. Isolator bolts replaced with the green sleeves couple years ago.

I'm chasing a slight miss (no CEL) and before I start buying parts, I want to clean the EGR ports.

I know, it's been asked. And yes I did find prior posts, but I'm a firm believer in having all my necessary replacement/spare parts before I tackle something, in this case, removing the upper intake manifold to get to the EGR ports.

The prior posts that I found say the gaskets in the upper intake manifold can be re-used.

What about the isolator bolts? Do I need to do anything extra (care) when removing/re-installing (re-torquing) them back on?

When I did the P171/P174 fix, the 6 port seals were replaced as per instructions. I don't have to replace them when I remove the upper intake manifold, do I?

Also, when cleaning the EGR ports, the prior posts said to use a metal pick....won't that scratch the port? or should I use some other tool?

Thanks for bearing with me.

[12Ounce]

I've reused the green bolts, but I did thoroughly clean each seal and smeared on some grey RTV ... making sure to get some down around the sleeve and bolt. Note that overtorqueing the bolts does absolutely nothing for making the seal better ... so stick with the recommended torque (10 Nw's ..??). I reused the long "o-rings" also, here I smeared on some Vaseline.

I also changed out all the 14, or so, bolts that hold the upper in place .... for some home-made studs. This has worked out well for me. If you ever have one of the existing nuts "turn" ... you will know the value of this upgrade.

The orifice jets are made of hard steel, so it is unlikely that they will be damaged unless you are using a power tool of some sort.

[wiswind]

The EGR ports clog only at the very end, where it enters the intake.
You don't need to be concerned about anything beyond what you can see at the port.

Another thing that you might try is some fuel system cleaner.....I like Berryman's B-12 Chemtool for an occassional clean-up or when I think that I may have a problem.
This is a solvent based cleaner that is stronger than the detergent based cleaners.
Use enough to treat the size of your fuel tank........might take 2 cans.

After that......if the fuel filter has not been changed in a while, you might change it.

[Off_Timing]

Thanks Guys. Looks like my Sunday afternoon is all set. I'll take working on the Winnie over mowing the lawn any day.