Has anyone replaced their EGR Valve? I am planning to do it next weekend and I'm a little confused by the options offered on rockauto.com One option says it has a gasket, another option doesn't say there's a gasket but it shows one in the picture, a third option justs says EGR 2 Doors. Feeling pretty unsure over here.

Can anyone shed some light on which one I need or supply a link to one that they bought, installed, and know works well?

Thanks,
--
Radagast

 

When in doubt about what Rock is listing, a phone call to their customer service would be best. I've dealt with their customer service and always got the help I needed.

The comment about "2 doors" I think is safe to ignore. That's in reference to the car and why it made it in the catalog, who knows. Amount of doors won't make a difference.

There is a gasket for the EGR. Most the time it's included. I've pulled the EGR, I've re-used the gasket (but you run the risk of leaks).

You can also buy the EGR gasket separate if need be.

 

Thanks for your quick reply. I gave their phone lines a call and they were super helpful. I love that website.

 

No problem. Glad they could help! RockAuto is a great source for name brand parts, reasonable/low prices! I've ordered from them a LOT over the years. It's great if you don't need the part right now.

 

I have a 97 3.1 and I had issues with the EGR. It threw the SES light (P0401) and said the valve was bad due to insufficient flow. I went to the boneyard and went through two EGRs that were guaranteed good. Turns out, the small hole in the upper intake that runs from the EGR into the main intake was full of carbon deposits. I had to run a coat hanger through it to clear the hole and chisel the carbon out. My original EGR was fine.

I would double check to make sure the EGR is truly bad. You can read resistance across the terminals as you move the plunger up and down. Part 1 -How to Test the GM EGR Valve (P0401, P0403, P0404, P0405, P1404, P1406).

 

I've seen that too. More with the '94-'95 3100's which had an analog EGR, but it still happens in the later 3100's and 3400's, even with a digital EGR. I actually listed that step as a maintenance item. Gunk collects in that passage right about where the throttle body is.

Radagast the White has an '02 Monte SS. That uses a 3800 and in regards to the EGR, the 3800 design is not prone to that blockage.
Not sure what issue Radagast the White has, so not sure if EGR replacement is required or not (he just requested assistance selecting a part from RockAuto).

 

My '00 SS has been throwing P0404/P1404 the last couple weeks. I saw on here somewhere about cleaning the EGR. What's the best way to do that? I'm assuming I need to take it off but what should I use to clean it?

 

Its totally worth trying to clean it first. Just soak it in throttle body cleaner. On the part counter I tell people all the time that EGR valve replacement is probably the most common misdiagnosed problem in automotive. The old diaphragm ones are easy to test by just opening the valve (while off the car) and plugging the vacuum nipple. if it stays open, the valve is fine. Its harder to check on newer electronic EGR valves. But its totally normal for them to foul and they seldom need replacement. Unfortunately, so many "mechanics" are just installers throwing parts at a car. It's the most profitable way to run a garage I guess...

 

Looking at the Haynes it doesn't look too difficult to remove. I'm no expert mechanic but I can usually figure out simple stuff. I will probably go ahead and replace the gasket since it's only a couple bucks. I don't really want to dump a lot more money into the car right now because I've had to fix several small issues that it had when I got it (biggest was the coolant elbows). Thanx for your advice.

 

Actually, his first question was:

I thought my experience could help him along with the link I provided that would allow him to check his 02 EGR valve.