Hi.....would really appreciate some advice on this. Had my 08 van for 2 years and in the last year she has been chucking out filthy black smoke and loses power when I mainly go up hills. I have replaced the egr valve earlier on this year but the problem is worse (smoke has got darker in colour). I have read that blanking off the egr or disconnecting the mas airflow might be worth a try? Any advice very much appreciated!

hello, when you replaced the egr valve was it all gummed up?
black smoke is incomplete combustion ie too much fuel not enuff air. sounds like it could be the inlet manifold full of **** mine was when i did the head gasket a while ago, check the obvious first like blocked air filter

Yeah the mechanic said that it was! He has replaced all of the filters as well. I will get him to check that for me. Thank you.