(2004 2.8CRD UK Chrysler Grand Voyager here, 120,000miles on clock)

So,
I'm thinking about blocking the EGR to gain that extra bit of mileage and run the engine a bit cleaner. Been reading up and all the YES and NO opinions on it, and to be honest all the NO opinions appear to be mis-guided opinions from garages who don't want the hassle/potential for engine management light being thrown up.

So, from 'real' people, what's the opinion. It looks a bit of a job to do because of where it's located (So wiper tray off, coolant drain, expansion bottle remove, remove coolant solid hose, remove rear heat shield to get to the EGR to fit the plate.

Also, anyone have a source for the plate, only found one on ebay from Ireland.

Just after thoughts really folks, thank you in advance as always :-)

(PS couple of projects on the radar, have ordered DRLs so going to fit inside and around the main light cluster, and ordered an android head unit so going to mod the facia and amp as needed, stay tuned for updates!)

 

Being that we do NOT have the diesel motor here in the "colonies"...Do you have an annual SMOG test or inspection to go thru over there across the "POND"? ENVIRONMENTALLY reasoning, the EGR Valve is there to "clean up" exhaust emissions. The ECM WILL pick up on low/no flow detected, and here in the "Colonies" would FAIL annual inspection in most of our states.

 

Andy, I believe the blanking plates that have a hole in the middle will overcome the engine management light issue. I know on my 2007 2.8 it's a hell of a job to fit because I had to have the EGR pipe replaced on mine earlier this year. While I was sourcing a replacement pipe I learnt that not all 2.8's have the pipe located at the back of the engine, so double check yours before you make a start.
Look forward to reading your updates on this and also on the android head installation.
Check out my posting in this thread: https://www.chryslerforum.com/forum/...e-blown-26681/

 

@AlanC...Your thread answers my question! And in theory should work the same for any EGR valve equipped motor. May try it on my 98 Avenger..it's not too hard to get to! But all the same, in effect with the hole you are reducing flow with a smaller hole yet increasing velocity of gases being sucked into the intake for "reburn". wonder what the "tradeoff" really is? Now if one had an egr valve hanging even partially open, YES a blank off would definitely make a BIG improvement. As the valve is calibrated to open and close at either predetermined specific electronic or vacuum signals(depending on type of valve).

 

Although I've never attempted this with the VM diesels, I've done it several times on Ford's Power Strokes with a great deal of success. To begin with EGT's dropped which is good for the engine and the turbo, not to mention you're able to push more boost and fuel timing. Also see a significant a decrease in soot build up around intercoolers etc. As for the check engine light, this can often be dealt with by having the function disabled. You can pick up scan tools to do this for less than £100, assuming its available in the ECM base code.

However, there is the only one real fly in the ointment. In 2018 the new proposed UK MOT emissions testing for diesels will include real world NOX testing! Now if they do follow some of the more stringent US states like has been suggested then an EGR delete will show up on this test.

So I'd personally be inclined to leave the system functional until we find out what the new test will entail and if they will apply at all to older vehicles.

 

Thanks for the input Vonhofinvule ! Things NEVER seem to go SIMPLE..ALWAYS a "TRADE OFF" somewhere! AND "BIG BROTHER"!

 

Thanks for the feedback everyone.
Yes, I saw and know about the blanking plate that has a slight hole to allow enough pressure to trick the ECU and avoid the warning light.
@Vonhofinvule Thanks for that, good point on it as everything is a bit confusing at the moment with the UK MOT rules on emissions, as I know at present the EGR isn't checked and it's only very basic checks, so yes if that was implement it would screw a lot of the bypass.

So for now, and the work involved (Haven't looked under the hood but I believe my EGR is at the rear so not one of the easy to get at, I think it was the 2.5CRD that were at the front/easier access) I'm going to leave it and progress on with my other more 'fun' jobs!

 

There is no test in the UK. Europe invented and invested in the idea along with straight bananas etc, legislation however was never implemented and it was never written into VOSA.

 

Was thinking about an EGR delete and a remap, had a quote of £200.
The guy thinks the EGR delete can be done via the OBD2 port, but can't guarantee it. If it can't be deleted, they would blank it.
Sure it's at the front of mines.

 

Rather than go to the hassle of a remap am going to do the EGR block first and see what I get, can always remove codes if it throws them up.

Have found a simple solution (Courtesy of FB group, so photo is stolen from there!)



Blocking the lower pipe with an old 1d penny is a tried and tested solution, and easy to try out (and remove if needed) so I'm going to give that a go.

If they introduce stricter emission testing next year then I can simply remove it, so nothing too tricky.