EGR or exhaust gas recirculation valve is among the most vital components of the engine of your vehicle and you can buy it in the Silux car parts online store. This valve is a unique type of emissions-control device that can be found at the center of the intake manifold and exhaust manifold.
It is usually closed when the engine is turned on. But, the moment the engine is under load and heats up, the valve is going to open up eventually. The process allows a specific amount of the burned exhaust gas to get into the intake manifold prior to it introducing fresh air again to the engine.
Even though this step may sound counterintuitive, this is the reason why it is possible for today’s modern car engines to run for longer in a more efficient manner. The combustion mix retains the lower temperature of combustion that also reduces the nitrogen oxides or NOx emissions. While the exhaust fumes can be very beneficial, these may end up clogging the valve after they collect over time. It can clog the valve and cause many other engine issues.
Car experts all agree that you need to clean the valve every several years. The 50,000-mile gauge can be used as your point of reference to let you know when it is time to do some cleaning.
Telltale Signs That It’s Time to Clean
By now, you already have some idea on how the EGR valve functions and why it requires cleaning every now and then. The next step is for you to learn when cleaning is necessary or when it should be done in the first place. It is an important step you should know since there are many people out there who simply throw away the valve without even realizing that they can still restore it to its original function with a little bit of cleaning.
Since the exhaust gas recirculation valve is related to emission, the symptoms are not really that obvious. However, as long as you know what you should watch out for, you will be able to easily tell when it is time for you to give the valve some cleaning.
Some of the telltale symptoms you should watch out for include the following:
- Reduced gas mileage
- Difficulty in starting the vehicle engine
- Engine vibration
- Engine ping if under load
- Engine runs hot easily
- Poor engine acceleration during drive
- Rough idle
- Unburned gas fumes odor
How to Clean the EGR Valve
Here are the steps you need to follow to clean the exhaust gas recirculation valve and optimize the overall performance of your car.
- Before you begin cleaning the valve, see to it that you place your vehicle on an even and flat surface. You also have to make sure that it is in the Park position, with all the brakes engaged. You also need to switch off the engine of your vehicle. Remove the cables on the negative terminal of the battery.