Cleaning 4.3L EGR Valve

[drumset5994]

I wanna clean my EGR Valve on my 4.3L V6, but there's an unknown hose running across in the way. Those with the 4.3 know what im talking about.

 

I dont know what it is. I have a pair of pliers that can remove that retaining clip to unbolt it and get it out of the way, but what is it?

 

If i disconnect it, do i need to bleed something again? Or can i just hook it back up again?

[Haulin' 8.1]

It's a coolant by-pass hose. Just drain enough coolant out of the radiator to drop the level down below the hose before you remove it then pour it back in when your done and it's back together.

 

Vernon

[drumset5994]

What if i just disconnected it, and let the fluid run out...then just put more back in when im done?

[Draenor]

Should be ok, just on the messy side.

[TonyMazz]

One would have to ask...why are you cleaning your EGR valve ? What symptons, situations are you going to remedy by "cleaning it" ?

 

Additionally, I'd suggest your get yourself a set of manuals, ...as you do not want to get any air into your cooling system.....?

 

Id' forgo cleaning your egr valve and help us understand your issues leading to the conclusion of EGR issues...

[drumset5994]

Ive had rough idling, sputtering, stuttering, associated with a hot engine attempting to restart.

 

I have had a Haynes manual. I was able to reach the bolts no problem with a special angle wrench i found in my garage.

 

I used to do this on my other vehicles, take it off and clean it with a wire brush, bang out the carbon crap. Lotsa junk came out, as usual. The lever inside was sticking closed, so after i cleaned it and worked it around, it worked quite smoothly

 

Slapped it back in, idles great...starts right up...runs amazing...especially at WOT where needed.

 

I dont do it often...probably only once the entire vehicle's lifetime until another 100,000 miles comes around, but its always a free and easy thing to just clean it out to make sure it wasnt sticking...in this case, like mine was.