EGR Cleaning

[js39]

I have a question regarding removal and cleaning EGR Valve for a 2000 Silhouette. What type of bolts is holding this EGR. Are they top or side mounted bolts facing the firewall. What is the easiest way to remove this and clean carbon buildup. What type of cleaners we can use.
Thanks

['97ventureowner]

They appear to be side mounted:http://info.rockauto.com/Airtex/Detail.html?4F1051.jpg
I took my EGR valve off my Venture a few years back and attempted to clean it,( my van is a '97 and the EGR is a different design.) It had set a code and I was trying to save some money. I used carb cleaner and a small pick-type tool to try and get as much carbon that I could see. After reinstalling it, it set the same code a short time later. I ended up replacing it (along with the cam position sensor as that had also set a code and it was time for my annual state emission inspection. ) I've seen some of the quick change oil places offer a service that is supposed to clean carbon from your engine including the EGR, but have heard of mixed results from people who have had the service performed. I'm not trying to deter you from attempting to do it yourself. I just want to let you know to not get discouraged if you can't get a lot of the carbon out and cleaning it doesn't solve your problem.

[businessjeff]

On my 99 the EGR is accesable from under the hood. The bolts are 13mm. There are 2 of them, they are on the top facing down towards the ground.

- To clean it carb cleaner would work good but you would prolly use about 3 bottels. Try rinsing them out with gas poor it in and shake it around dump it out. When cleaning out dirtbike pipes thats what I use to do and it worked best.

- When reinstalling the EGR be sure to use the high temp (oarnge) gasket sealer on all sides of the gasket.

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by businessjeff

On my 99 the EGR is accesable from under the hood. The bolts are 13mm. There are 2 of them, they are on the top facing down towards the ground.

It appears 1999 was the last year of the EGR design with the bolts facing downwards for these models, having gone to side mount in 2000.

1999 EGR:http://info.rockauto.com/Airtex/Detail.html?4F1050.jpg
2000 EGR:http://info.rockauto.com/Airtex/Detail.html?4F1051.jpg

[js39]

Thanks for the feedback. Yes, it looks like it is facing towards the firewall as I observed my 2k Olds EGR from the parts store website. My Set code are P1404 and the down stream (possibly caused by clogged EGR) codes are P1301 and P1307 for O2 sensors.

Parts store recommended me to use CRC Electra Cleaner on EGR. Most challenging step looks like to me is to access from under the harnesses and other hoses. Which side is the tab to push to disconnect the power connector.

[businessjeff]

Also, I just had to replace my motor from my 99 and put a 2004 in it. 04's do not even have an egr system. It wasnt that bad I just had to use the Upper intake manifold and the rear exhaust manifold from my 99 on it.

But I dont know why 04's do not have an egr system. Maybe emmsion standards changed or something. Not quite sure what and egr system does. I think it recycles unburnt gas vapors from the exhaust back into the intake.