When should I clean the EGR valve?

The NutsAboutBolts videos include one about cleaning the EGR pipe. This is very easy to do. It’s the pipe between the EGR valve and the intake manifold.

Try this procedure and take a look inside the pipe. Inspect the deposits — light gray, or black and sooty? If there are sooty black deposits or a lot of crud, it’s a good sign that you should clean the EGR cooler.

The related procedure is to replace the PCV and possibly install an oil catch can. The OCC can prevent the EGR problem from getting worse. At 70,000 miles, you might only need to replace the PCV, install an OCC, and that’s it.

 

I would clean it now, mine was clogged at 80k

 

PCV valve is more'n likely fine, but it's cheap to replace, and right there if you have the intake manifold off. But yeah put an OCC on it ASAP (think I used my acronym limit for today...).

FWIW, I cleaned my EGR at 70k km's, and the intake manifold (it has EGR passageways), don't regret it.

 

I agree with the others that you should go ahead and take care of it now. The EGR circuit is the EGR cooler, valve, pipe, and intake manifold, make sure to clean all of those out. And if you've never done so, might be a good time to run Techron or BG 44K through a tank of gas to clean your fuel system and injectors.

 

Now........................................................................