Technical EGR Replacement - are they particularly unreliable?

[radiocode]

Hi all,

Just had the multi fixed - It was refusing to rev past 2000 rpm, started happening over the course of a few days. The garage tried a new air mass sensor (no change/charge - they keep a known good one on the shelf) and then changed the EGR valve.

We had the service/MOT done at the same time. Everything seemed to happen all at the same time - two new tyres, new brake pads, flush the brake fluid, service, EGR and MOT, so going to be living on baked beans for the next six months.... I have bought cars for less than I paid for the all the work to be done!

I've read a few threads about the EGR valve - is it a particular problem on 1.9JTD engines? The multi has 33k miles on the clock and is a newer nose-job one (so half of you won't speak to me now ).

Cheers,

Lee

 

[multieddie]

The EGR valve is prone to sooting up and seizing open or shut. They can be cleaned out with carb cleaner, which is a lot cheaper than buying a new unit. I did mine a few months ago and it made a huge difference. Had exactly the same symptoms as you describe - feels like the car is being suffocated.

Here are my experiences of cleaning out the EGR for future reference - don't let it put you off!!

https://www.fiatforum.com/multipla/199325-egr-heaven-hell.html

 

[multieddie]

Forgot to say before - looking at other diesel car forums - the EGR seems to be a problematic device on most turbodiesels - after all, it recirculates exhaust gas, so it's bound to end up sooted up after a while...

 

[Peat]

Having had the trouble shortly after taking possesion of my Mutipla every week or so I rev the engine to max revs in second gear for about 10-15 seconds looking in the rear view mirror. That's about the time it takes for the exhaust gas to change from black to clear! A treatment of 10K Boost will also help.

As long as the cambelt is within spec no harm will come. When being MoT'ed the inspector gives it this treatment 3 times before the emission test

Keep smiling

Peat

 

[radiocode]

Forgot to say before - looking at other diesel car forums - the EGR seems to be a problematic device on most turbodiesels - after all, it recirculates exhaust gas, so it's bound to end up sooted up after a while...

Multieddie and Peat,

Thanks for the tips. I think I'll give it a try for myself next time... didn't have time to do it this time, hence taking it to the garage.

Interesting to see that it is a general modern diesel problem. Guess 'll have to wait for my Qubo to do it in the future....

Cheers guys!

Lee

 

[Zundapp]

EGR valves are an issue on most turbodiesels, but particularly those used mainly for short journeys or stop-start work.

Vehicles regularly used for longer runs don't have anything like the egr issues reported in this forum.

 

[radiocode]

EGR valves are an issue on most turbodiesels, but particularly those used mainly for short journeys or stop-start work.

Vehicles regularly used for longer runs don't have anything like the egr issues reported in this forum.

:devil:Think I will tell my wife to make the children walk to school.

It is interesting though - the multi has been honking back and forth on the motorway/A34 between Chippenham and Oxford for the last 5 weeks, which I would have thought would have cleared some of the rubbish out...

Last diesel we had before the Multi was an UNO 60DS which had a tractor engine with no turbo... That did 100k miles in 6 years and was fantastic!

Cheers,

Lee

 

[Zundapp]

I had one of the first Uno 60 diesels - thought it was a fantastic wee car. The world's moved on a wee bit since then and got more complicated!

 

[pondweed]

does the Mulipla raise an engine light if the EGR electrovalve is disabled? If it doesn't, do many people run with it disabled. My HDI and previous CDTi Rovers did far more to the gallon with it gone!

 

[umberto]

does the Mulipla raise an engine light if the EGR electrovalve is disabled? If it doesn't, do many people run with it disabled. My HDI and previous CDTi Rovers did far more to the gallon with it gone!

Ultimately i think you're going to have to do what most of us Multi owners are thinking of, taking it out and giving it a right good clean. I'm not sure how much they are to buy new but it's at least 2 hours work from start to finish if you do it yourself.
Worth a try.

 

[pondweed]

but that still ends up with one effectively depowering the engine through the recycling of inert exhaust gases which is the EU route for "environmental benefit". All the de-egr'd Rover 75 diesel cars are far more responsive... ditto my 2.0 HDi Berlingo.
There is a massive debate on the environmental benefits, but its currently not MOT tested as its the invisible NOx gases rather than the particulate matter which is affected. The particulates may actually decrease with the egr disconnected.

 

[BikeDoc]

Hi.
I've just got an '02 ELX 115JTD Multipla, replacing my expired '92 Toyota Lucida.
It's a common mod on the Lucida to disable/blank off the EGR valve.
I did it on mine and it improved the running nicely, less smoking too.
I might try the same on the Multipla sometime...

 

[pondweed]

mine is now blanked, and freer running. No yellow lights...
2 bolt, 20 minute job once you've made up a 'blind' gasket.

 

[umberto]

mine is now blanked, and freer running. No yellow lights...
2 bolt, 20 minute job once you've made up a 'blind' gasket.

I'd love to do mine any chance of posting some pics of how you did it please? It would be greatfully appreciated by a lot of people i'm sure.

Umberto

 

[pondweed]

if you read the EGR heaven and hell thread there may be more info from Peat too. I didnt take pics, but had a look at the EGR system on the EPER to work out how it works - i.. where the inlet manifold connection and exhaust connection exist. Its not very clear I must say, on Eper.

Take the engine cover off. The EGR is at the back - have a look on ebay for Vauxhall 1.9 8v diesel EGRs -same engine - there are loads on there - will help you identify.The only obvious place to blank the pipework is via the gasket that comes off the EGR to the inlet manifold - its quite obvious when you see it.

You can also look at pics on the stilo forum who are far more exploratory than us as they seem to kev their cars up more. I think I've posted a link on the other thread.
I made up a new gasket with old tin from a biscuit tin. Peat used something thicker.

 

[BikeDoc]

I'd like to see a pic or two as well, please.
Is there any reason not to remove it completely?
On the Lucidas, it can be, which is what I did on mine.

I modified the inlet side flange to give me an offtake stub for a Turbo Boost Gauge.

 

[Peat]

Sorry folks I didn't take photos either.

I was going to blank at the exhaust end but, being an old git and now not as supple as I once was, found that to be more awkward than I first thought so then went the the EGR outlet to inlet manifold and couldn't manage that very easily either. Finally uncoupled it at the inlet manfold junction with the lost of one allen key, never found where it went, and inserted a 2mm plate.

To answer the question about removing the whole caboodle, I would think it entirely feasible but not sure it's worth the effort.

Car certainly runs better and appears to be more economical. Should have done it years ago!

Regards
Peat

 

[BikeDoc]

...To answer the question about removing the whole caboodle, I would think it entirely feasible but not sure it's worth the effort...

Fair enough!
It is the lump on the left of the intake manifold, with the metal concertina duct on it isn't it?

Edit;
I'll take some pics when I do mine.

 

[Peat]

Yes that's it and I found it easier to insert the blank at the inlet manifold end although I think Pondweed blanked the EGR end of the convoluted pipe.
Yer pays yer money . . . . .

Peat

 

[BikeDoc]

Having read a bit more about it, here; https://www.fiatforum.com/stilo/163320-egr-valve-remove-clean-modify.html
I've decided to try just cleaning it and making a 'restrictor' gasket/blanking plate.

I'll probably make up a few different ones and see if there's any improvement.