EGR stuck open

[The_big_dill]

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone knows how the EGR valve actuator is suppose to sit when its out of the car.

Currently that little valve that opens and closes the EGR can move back and forth (with effort) but does not have a default position.

Should the spring be able to pull that valve into a certain position?

 

[mtnbiker26]

It should be closed when you take it out of the car because you were idling before you shut the car off and lower RPM's require less spent exhaust gas being recirculated back into the intake.

The spring is only strong enough to pull the VALVE PLUNGER closed. It will not extend the ACTUATOR.

The actuator is both retracted and extended by it's internal electric motor. The actuator pulls the valve open when it retracts but the spring closes the valve when the actuator extends. The VALVE PLUNGER has the spring but the ACTUATOR should have that mechanical feel of the internal gears and motor moving when you force it either direction. It's possible for the actuator to extend but the valve sticks open which causes the common rough idle problem. About two months ago my car suddenly started stalling and sputtering at idle so badly that I thought a cylinder wasn't firing. I took the EGR valve out and observed that the actuator was extended to the closed position but the valve was stuck open which allows way too much exhaust gas back into the intake during idle. I removed the four phillips head screws to separate the actuator from the valve and then I cleaned the valve with carb cleaner and Q-tips until the plunger moved freely. Solved the problem.

 

[The_big_dill]

Thank you mtnbiker, that is what I was looking for.

Looks like the valve sticks... I cleaned it with a few rounds of acetone and the shaft moves a bit more freely.

The car idles well now and misfire is gone, however, when fully warmed up, it would just die on me without hesitation or warning. Restarting the car is fine but it dies again right away.