would you clean this EGR cooler (with pictures)?

One possibility is that this eBay cooler is not a factory original and made with different metal. Another could be the cleaning method. If what is showing in the pics is not corrosion, and others have cleaned it to shiny, then perhaps it isn't as clean as others got theirs. If others used Oxi-Clean, perhaps that removed whatever is hanging onto the metal. It's hard to tell from photos what's on there, and particularly from a photo of it while wet.

 

If you're not using pressure washer (tip of the hat to @Raytheeagle): cork one end of the cooler only, fill it with a near-saturated Oxi-Clean solution, using hot tap water, let it sit an hour, rinse and repeat. 4~5 sessions thus, it'll be like new. For the valve, clean with brushes and Brake-Clean or carb cleaner.

 

The EGR valve is mostly aluminum, so I'd avoid using oxi on it. Maybe just cosmetic, but pretty sure it'd turn the finish a dull grey.

Plus, the valve is quite easy to clean with brushes and carb cleaner. Even without taking the plastic cap off: just gently pry up the valve, apply a shot or two of carb cleaner, brush with something like brass bristle brush.

I was not able to break loose the plastic cap screws, just worked around it, let them be.

 

How many times can you say brass bristle brush?

 

Looks nice! Sometime you need a solvent to break up the crud. Now you're set to install it and cruise for the next 100K miles.

 

The pressure washer is only a neutral fluid where the others you used carry a more basic makeup.

That cuts really well once you bust up the buildup.

Glad it worked out.

 

Redex soaked overnight dissolves carbon build up.

 

Yeah I think @Raytheeagle means that literally, in the chemistry sense: Oxi-Clean is a fairly strong base. Oven cleaner solution a bit more so. And straight lye crystals mixed with water even more so.

Also known as "caustic". The opposite is "acidic".

 

A cleaned egr is a working egr but if you wanna spend more to buy a new one to get a better feeling go for it.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

Off-topic but anyway: was looking for lye crystals, couldn't find: it's apparently pulled from the shelves due to use in meth production.

 

You'll just have to buy meth now and break it down

 

I bought a new EGR tube from Toyota dealer (part no. 25610-37012) for $77.54 including tax and 10% discount. This way I can take my time cleaning the old one. By the way, after Oxiclean soak, pouring boiling water through tube helps clear out more of the deposits.

 

Great you found a better cheaper repair method. I normally run brake cleaner because it breaks down faster. My only complaint with toyota, they should have redesigned the pcv suction line to flow at atmospheric pressure in the intake not vacuum pressure because it chokes the egr and slowly ruins the cat converter by allowing oil to be introduced in the exhaust.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

Looks like you’re doing the right thing and addressing this.

Good luck on reassembly .

 

That's getting pretty groddy. Keep in mind too: besides flow restriction, carbon coated fins on the cooler are likely less effective at cooling.

 

Here’s what I do with the lower cooler nut:



Just increased my collection by one last weekend.

 

Make a necklace?