How to Clean an EGR Valve on a Dodge Sprinter
by Johnathan Cronk
The EGR valve (exhaust gas recirculation) is a crucial part of your Dodge Sprinter's engine and air intake. The EGR valve’s job is to redirect some of the engine’s exhaust into the engine’s intake manifold, which cools down the air inside the engine. This helps to prevent the engine from overheating and also reduces nitrogen gas emissions. The valve may become dirty and need cleaning. You can tell when the EGR valve may need cleaning when your Dodge Sprinter does not perform well when accelerating, or fails a required emissions test during an inspection. It’s important to keep the EGR valve clean to ensure your engine works efficiently and has a long lifespan.
Step 1
Allow the Dodge Sprinter to cool down for at least 20 minutes before beginning any work under the hood.
Step 2
Locate the EGR valve under the hood. The valve will be located on top of the engine’s intake manifold. Refer to your owner’s manual for exact location and diagram.
Step 3
Remove the bolts that hold the EGR valve in place using a socket wrench. Once all the bolts are removed, pull the EGR valve off the manifold. It may require a little bit of force.
Step 4
Spray carburetor cleaner on the valve cover and inside the valve itself. Be careful not to spray any cleaner on any other parts of the valve housing. Clean away the loosened dirt with a rag and wire brush until the valve moves up and down smoothly and the buildup is gone.
Step 5
Locate the engine intake manifold where the EGR valve sits. You will see two holes under the valve mount; spray the cleaner into them and wipe the holes clean with a rag.
Step 6
Insert the EGR valve back into place on the manifold and replace each bolt, making sure to tighten each bolt with a socket wrench. Close the hood of your Dodge Sprinter.
References
Things You'll Need
- Socket wrench
- Carburetor cleaner
- Clean rag
- Wire brush
Writer Bio
Johnathan Cronk is a freelance writer and began writing at the age of 18. Throughout his career he has specialized in sports, how-to and advice articles. He has also written sales pitches in the corporate setting since 2001. He studied business at Hudson Valley Community College before transferring to the State University of New York, Albany.
