Although I'm giving consideration to deleting the EGR I'd still like to clean it. It's never been cleaned and the truck now has 78k miles. I did take the EGR off some time ago to inspect it and check that the spindle wasn't sticking but have held off on the cleaning until I can determine what cleaner to use.

My question: I know the dealer sells a cleaning solution but I already have a can of non-chlorinated brake cleaner that I use for cleaning the MAP sensor. Is there any reason why I can't use this for cleaning the EGR? Or, is it really necessary to use the stuff the dealer sells? The brake cleaner works super for dissolving soot.

 

I am using Simple Green. Just mix it 4 parts of water to one of simple green. Brake Cleaner is a harsh chemical cleaner.

 

Thanks. I'll do that. Still it seems to me that brake cleaner could be used since I use it for the MAP sensor and the same soot is in the EGR as the MAP sensor. So, I see no harm in it but will follow your advice anyway....

 

you should not be using brake cleaner on the map sensor either it is to harsh of a cleaner and it will melt some plastics that is why they make a special cleaner for the map sensor

 

That's interesting. Most of the guys on the Cummins Forum have been using non-chlorinated brake cleaner with success for years, and so have I. I'm not saying you're incorrect. Perhaps they're wrong and you're right. I'll take your advice anyway and use the MAP sensor cleaner (I'd rather be safe than sorry).

That being said, is there any reason why MAP sensor cleaner couldn't be used on the EGR. Same soot, right? (I'll probably use Simple Green anyway, as suggested by another respondent but I'd still like to know why MAP sensor cleaner couldn't be used for this application also).

 

Brake cleaner can melt some of the plastic and harden any small seals in the pressure sensors. For a few bucks more, buy some electronics or contact cleaner that is safer for circuit boards. Then you can clean any connectors too in the future without damaging the plugs.

 

I already have a can of electrical contact cleaner. Will that work as well in dissolving soot as brake cleaner? I don't know of any plastic parts in the EGR valve that can be damaged by brake cleaner. Everything is metal, as far as I know....

 

I would only be worried about sensors for the contact cleaner, after that it should be whatever you need to clean the tubes.

 

Well, I had the EGR valve off yesterday and took it apart as far as I could go. I used a very small amount of brake cleaner (non-chlorinated) sprayed on a cloth and managed to wipe those portions of the valve I could reach. Not a very thorough job, of course but I did manage to clean out some of the soot.

The reason I was very careful with the brake cleaner was I'm not absolutely sure the brake cleaner is completely safe for this operation and I'd really like to clean it the correct way, i.e. soaking the entire valve (minus the motor) in the recommended water-based cleaner. This cleaner was supposed to be available at the dealer (I've seen it at the parts department at some dealerships) but the local one doesn't stock it. The parts man said when they clean the EGR valve the tech uses a spray. I think he may be wrong about this so I'll wait until I can obtain the proper cleaner, remove the EGR valve again and finally give it a good cleaning.

NOTE: be very careful when removing the valve spring retainer. There are two tiny parts called spring keepers which are easy to lose and must re-installed in the proper position. They're also a bear if you have large fingers. A needle nose pliers may be helpful...

 

I use Mopar EGR valve cleaner mix with water let valve soak in cleaner solution for one hour and use a Natural-Bristle Toothbrush to clean.

 

That's the cleaner I wanted and the dealer didn't have. I've priced it before and it's about $20. Hopefully I'll come across it sometime during my travels.....

 

You should also replace crankcase breather filter, recomended at 68K miles.

 

A small block of wood or a screwdriver handle can be used to hold the valve in the closed position while you remove or install the keepers. Doesn't need to be a tight fit. Rumor has it that MOPAR cleaner smells just like Simple Green.

 

Good idea. That would certainly beat the awkwardness of using the fingers to remove those pesky keepers! Hey, does Simple Green work as well as the magic stuff the dealer sells? The last dealer I checked doesn't stock it.

Oh, I did replace the CCV filter a while back. That's an easy job...

 

I use a deep box end wrench I think its a 7/16. Easiest way to install keepers. Put the keepers in and just push down while you hold valve up with other hand.