$1250 later the 2011 w/214k is back. New EGR valve and cooler/ intake cleaned -- new plugs and PVC. I had a new OE valve so he did not try and clean -- but the attempt to clean the cooler was not successful. It's completely clogged -- if you fill it with cleaner it will slowly drain. Very slowly. Reading up on this it seems most like to use carb cleaner -- I'm thinking of filling it up, plugging the ends and putting it in a bag for a while. Has anyone attempted doing a totally clogged one? Also -- should I even attempt to clean the EGR ? Reason: we have other Prius and out Lexus CT's have the same engine -- So having a clean cooler would be a benefit .. EGR as well
Oxiclean is highly rated. Soak in very hot cleaning solution overnight. Rinse with very hot water. Best to have a utility sink to force water into one end. Repeat multiple times. It took at least 13 soakings with the one I cleaned over a number of days. It can be done, just not quickly.
Mine took several soakings in about 3 or 4 days and I was well over 200,000 miles. What really clean it for me is I took a hanger and jammed it through all of the holes in the EGR cooler period that took me about 30 or 40 minutes and then you could see light through it. There's several people on here that will trade you there clean one for your used one if you just start asking around
I’ve done the plugged cooler job with carb cleaner. Seems to work ok, but I hit it with the pressure washer and it got it spic and span clean. $1250 though. Why not buy used from a salvage yard? Having a clean spare is worthwhile.
The parts -- even from online dealers -- are pushing $600. Many hours of labor to replace the valve/cooler and to RR and clean the intake. My hope was to clean this cooler and have it available to switch out in another car .. not sure how the EGR is cleaned or tested.
I have the EGR valve out, is there a way to physically check if it is stuck? It passed the electrical resistance test found in the repair manual, but I would like to make sure its not stuck. Thanks!
Try setting the cooler in or against something. I have an old metal lawn chair that I used and avoided any wetness or soiling. Worked well.
It's just water. And you MUST hold it, unless you tie it to something. Orrrrrr, have someone hold it for you!
So the metal chair had slots and you wedge it in. That holds it in place. Nothing fancy required and you hose the chair down afterwards . The wife was none the wiser.
