Time spent to replace EGR valve.?

first time, maybe 8 hours

 

I "think" the valve-only can be replaced; dealerships were doing valve replacement for a while, then seem to have knocked off (because it wan't helping much, if any...). I suspect if it was possible they'd be the ones to do it. Maybe you don't need to remove wiper/cowl then?

I've only removed the valve/cooler as an assembly, then separated them on a workbench, suspect it's easier. If you're concerned about coolant spill, just drain a couple of quarts before you pull the hoses off the cooler; it'll leave it high and dry.

You're pretty sure your valve is defective?

 

The two Phillips-head screws that hold the stator onto the valve can be notoriously stubborn if you don't have a hand impact driver (the kind you just hold in one hand and apply a steady twisting force, and bop the end with a hammer).



With such a tool, they come out with no trouble at all; a couple light bops will do it.

 

I used a similar hammer-powered impact; with a hardwood shim to protect the studs:



I replaced the original screws with M5x16 socket head cap screws, to facilitate removal next time. They're readily available on Amazon, commonly used on bicycles for one. I did add washers, to more closely match the originals. They take an Allen-Key style driver:



Put a little anti-seize on the threads, and snug them firmly.

(If anyone local to me wants a few, I've still got 48 of them, lol.)