What is an EGR Valve?
Author: SPELAB Mechanical Engineer (focusing on car modification for 10 years)
Reducing Tailpipe Emissions
In recent years, the UK has been very concerned about climate change. According to the UK Environmental Accounts from the Office for National Statistics, 21% of the UK's 2017 greenhouse gas emissions (GHG emissions) were attributable to exhaust emissions from motor vehicles.
To reduce the amount of GHG emissions from vehicle transportation, regulations are growing stricter. To comply with the strict requirements, automakers must modify the designs of their automobiles.
Utilizing after-treatment equipment is one way to lower exhaust pollutants. Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) systems are incorporated into the majority of modern vehicles. But what exactly is an EGR?
What is an EGR valve?
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) is used in modern internal combustion engines to regulate Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions, which are created as a byproduct during combustion.
When fuel and air from the environment, primarily an oxygen and nitrogen mixture, combine inside the combustion chamber and ignite, temperatures rise, and NOx emissions are produced.
By returning a tiny amount of exhaust gas to the engine's combustion chambers through the intake manifold, the EGR system lowers combustion temperatures and thereby lowers NOx emissions.
The EGR system's key element is the valve, which is typically shut. It joins the intake and exhaust manifolds and is operated either by a vacuum or an internal electric step motor. Depending on the engine load, the EGR valve's job is to regulate the flow of recirculated exhaust gas.
What are an EGR valve and EGR delete?
A vehicle's EGR valve is removed with the aid of an aftermarket performance kit during an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system delete to stop exhaust gases from being directed into the engine. When this occurs, it has an impact on the engine's performance in a number of ways.
Nitrogen Oxide (NOx)
In the course of combustion, nitrogen and oxygen gases in the air react, especially at high temperatures, producing emissions known as nitrogen oxides as a byproduct.
Major smog contributor NOx can be harmful to human health, ecosystems, and agricultural crops in addition to other pollutants.
In order to reduce hazardous emissions, protect the environment, and improve human health, EGR systems must be incorporated into automotive designs.
How does an EGR valve work?
EGR valves are a common feature of modern cars because they help them comply with strict emissions laws by reducing NOx emissions. EGR systems return a part of the combustion chamber's exhaust gas for re-combustion with brand-new intake air.
This decreases the amount of oxygen in the combustion mixture and raises the water vapor content, lowering the peak combustion temperature. The EGR valve successfully lowers the quantity of NOx produced by the engine since more NOx is produced as peak combustion temperature increases.
After starting, reaching the proper operating temperature, and increasing speed, the EGR valve starts to function. The EGR valve gradually controls the exhaust gas flow.
The EGR valve will return to its closed position after the car slows down and the engine shuts off, stopping the flow of exhaust gases.
Problems with an EGR valve
The EGR valve frequently sticks due to the accumulation of carbon deposits. In the worst scenarios, the EGR valve and passageways may be entirely closed, stopping the exhaust gas recirculation operation.
Along with increased fuel consumption or decreased performance, clogged EGRs frequently cause black smoke from the exhaust. The engine warning light will turn on on the dashboard if the EGR valve doesn't open or close.
A failed EGR valve can also be identified by a strong fuel odor coming from inside the car, as the increased fuel use will cause more hydrocarbons to be released through the exhaust. Due to its overpowering character, which can potentially be hazardous to human health, the stench is very recognizable.
EGR valve and a MOT test
EGR valves and Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) were once removed from cars by their owners in an effort to save money on repairs.
The Department of Transportation has recently announced that removing the EGR valve or DPF from vehicles that comply with the Euro 6 Emissions Standards is prohibited since doing so renders the vehicle ineligible for use on public roads.
Due to pollution levels, vehicles will also fail their MOT test, and owners who remove the EGR valve or diesel particulate filter risk a staggering £1,000 punishment.
Concerned about your vehicle's EGR valve?
Despite its high replacement costs, an EGR valve is unquestionably a useful addition to automobiles in terms of lowering hazardous NOx emissions.
You can schedule a free vehicle health check at your local Evans Halshaw retailer if you believe you have a faulty EGR valve.
Do EGR valve cleaners work?
If your EGR valve is functioning, doing so won't harm it and can even make you feel good about how much cleaner it is now. Of course, anything won't be passing through your EGR valve if it is clogged; thus, it won't make a difference until the fluid teleportation fairies of Wynn's come to your aid.
What does an EGR delete kit do for a 6.0 Powerstroke?
Your 6.0L Power Stroke engine's exhaust gas temperature will rise if you disable the EGR system. This is because the exhaust fumes from a normal 6.0L Power Stroke engine are circulated back through the system to increase the car's overall efficiency.