Why Should You Use an EGR Delete Kit?
An EGR delete kit is an aftermarket performance part that removes the EGR valve and prevents exhaust from being redirected back to the engine. Ultimately, this allows your vehicle to function as if it never had an EGR valve.
EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) is a process used in diesel engines to reduce emissions by recirculating a portion of the exhaust gases inside the engine. While this can be beneficial for the environment, it can also lead to reduced performance and efficiency. Recirculated exhaust gases can cause carbon buildup, leading to clogged intake ports, reduced fuel efficiency and even engine damage.
EGR Delete is the process of removing or disabling the EGR system to improve engine performance. This may involve removing and blocking the EGR valve, disabling the EGR function in the engine computer, or installing an EGR system replacement kit with a block plate or bypass.
EDR Delete Kit: Pros and Cons Explained
As a driver, understanding the pros and cons of EGR delete kit will help you make the right (and informed) decision. Indeed, most engine upgrades have both advantages and disadvantages. It's not often you hear both sides of the story regarding EGR removal.
Benefits of EGR Delete
Improved fuel economy:
One of the negative effects of EGR is that it limits the amount of oxygen available in the combustion chamber. As a result, more fuel is needed to produce electricity. Removing EGR removes this limitation and results in a more efficient engine that consumes less fuel than before. Vehicle owners often report improvements, sometimes as much as 1 to 3 mpg. However, other factors also come into play besides the EGR valve deleter. The engine and other parts involved in its operation must be in perfect condition and well maintained.
Reduced engine soot buildup:
EGR systems can contribute to soot buildup in the engine, which can negatively impact performance and efficiency. By removing the EGR system, you can prevent this buildup and keep your engine cleaner, helping to maintain peak performance levels.
By eliminating the EGR system, your engine can burn fuel more efficiently, increasing fuel economy. In the face of rising fuel costs, this benefit is especially attractive to owners of diesel pickup trucks because it can result in significant savings over time.
Extended engine life:
EGR Delete reduces stress on engine components and minimizes the risk of clogging or damage caused by exhaust gas recirculation. Soot in the exhaust doesn't just affect the EGR or intake components. Some particles also settle in the cylinder, somehow moving down the cylinder wall, past the piston rings and into the oil. In addition to causing wear and tear on delicate engine parts, these particles also contaminate engine oil. Eliminating or disabling EGR will eliminate these problems and prolong engine life. EGR delete will also help prevent engine repairs related to the effects of recirculating sooty exhaust gases through the cylinders.
EGR Delete Disadvantages
To get a clear look at the pros and cons of an RGR delete, it's important that we also consider the negative effects this part has on your engine. This will help you evaluate the effectiveness of EGR delete, good or bad, and make the right decision about its use.
Release of Nitrogen Oxides & Hotter Exhaust Gases
EGR systems are said to reduce the formation of nitrogen oxides, a known pollutant. To do this, the system will recirculate the exhaust gas and reduce the combustion temperature. The EGR valve delete blocks this function and increasing combustion temperatures causes more nitrogen oxides to form. An efficient engine won't be a concern though, as it produces minimal emissions.
EGR works with a component called an EGR coolant to cool the exhaust gases before returning them to the engine. This means cooler exhaust gases and an efficient engine cooling system. The EGR delete works by disabling both the valve and the cooler. When the EGR cooler is clogged, exhaust gases are no longer cooled or circulated through the engine, which can affect the engine cooling system.
Conclusion
There are both pros and cons to EGR delete, but as we've seen, the pros outweigh the cons. After looking at the pros and cons of an EGR delete kit, we believe you can now choose whether to install one or not. If you decide to use the kit, you will need to know how to install it. Learn the steps to place an EGR delete in the next section.
EGR Delete Kit Installation Guide
What you'll need: You'll need a new EGR delete, a set of metric sockets, a screwdriver or slotted pliers, a Torx screwdriver, and spray solvent. When installing, you must first park the car in neutral and activate the emergency brake. Next, open the hood and remove the battery's negative terminal. Before installation, make sure the engine is cool to protect yourself from injury.
Find the old EGR: Your engine must also be cold because the EGR valve retains heat and can burn your hands with its heat. The driver's side exhaust has a metal tube through which exhaust gases are directed to your EGR valve. Follow the position of the tube to find the location to install the EGR device. This is the easiest way to find unity. The location of the EGR depends on the size of your engine.
Remove Hose and Wiring: The EGR valve is located on the intake manifold and looks like a small diaphragm with vacuum hose fittings throughout the body. Loosen the nut securing the tube to the valve using an adjustable wrench. Next, remove the valve tube and remove the wire harness connected to the opposite side of the EGR valve.
Remove the Hose and Clamps: Vacuum the Hose and pull on the vacuum hoses above the EGR unit to loosen or loosen the clamp that holds them in place. Mark the order of removal then set them aside. Remove the clamp that secures the hot air supply hose to the bottom of the EGR unit. This is a collar that can be spring or tube. Use pliers for spring. Use a flat screwdriver for pipes. Rotate the host from side to side while pulling it down without pulling hard.
Remove and replace the EGR: Use a Torx screwdriver to remove the bolts connecting the EGR valve to the engine. Spray solvent on the mounting bolts and soak them if they are rusted. Use a suitable metric socket or hand wrench to remove the bolts from the EGR unit itself. Remove the EGR unit, install the new EGR, and proceed in reverse order to reinstall everything from clamps to hoses to metal pipes and everything in between.