Cleaning out the EGR mess
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Cleaning out the EGR mess
Andy wondered what chemicals were recommended with cleaning the nasty mess out of inlet manifolds caused by EGR valves.
Apart from a stiff brush (a toilet brush (new!) works well) however to loosen initially it seems difficult.
I've tried a few things including just red hot water and with some washing powder in too. That did work quite well to a point.
Tried usual aersol brake cleaner, OK for loose stuff and general marks but not for the crusted bits.
I've also tried engine flush, that did a reasonable job when left for a few hours but there's always some left and it would be too expensive to have enough to fill a bowl with the stuff.
Thought about petrol but apart from the volatility and fire hazard its likely to evaporate too quickly. I don't fancy an open bowl of fuel sat on my shed floor somehow. Currently manifold is having a rest in a bowl of hot water with some washing up liquid in it. Bearing in mind you cannot easily reach all the internal passages with brush although you can see them.
Considered bits falling off later ( ! ) although I've got about 95% of it off anyway.
Apart from a stiff brush (a toilet brush (new!) works well) however to loosen initially it seems difficult.
I've tried a few things including just red hot water and with some washing powder in too. That did work quite well to a point.
Tried usual aersol brake cleaner, OK for loose stuff and general marks but not for the crusted bits.
I've also tried engine flush, that did a reasonable job when left for a few hours but there's always some left and it would be too expensive to have enough to fill a bowl with the stuff.
Thought about petrol but apart from the volatility and fire hazard its likely to evaporate too quickly. I don't fancy an open bowl of fuel sat on my shed floor somehow. Currently manifold is having a rest in a bowl of hot water with some washing up liquid in it. Bearing in mind you cannot easily reach all the internal passages with brush although you can see them.
Considered bits falling off later ( ! ) although I've got about 95% of it off anyway.
Andy.
91 205D-Turbo, gone but still missed
02 106D, TUD5B, gone but not really missed apart from the MPG
91 205D-Turbo, gone but still missed
02 106D, TUD5B, gone but not really missed apart from the MPG
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Re: Cleaning out the EGR mess
Someone did mention a dedicated EGR cleaning spray that seemed to do the trick. Wynns, IIRC.
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Re: Cleaning out the EGR mess
Mr Muscle oven cleaner works well, the stuff that you spray on and it foams up. Don't leave it on too long and make sure it is well washed off as it can attack aluminium components.
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Re: Cleaning out the EGR mess
Oxyacetylene....
You think I'm joking don't you...
Used to use that method with a rosebud for decoking racing kart exhausts years ago....
You think I'm joking don't you...
Used to use that method with a rosebud for decoking racing kart exhausts years ago....
Jim
Runner, cyclist, duathlete, Citroen AX fan and the CCC Citroenian 'From A to Z' Columnist...
Runner, cyclist, duathlete, Citroen AX fan and the CCC Citroenian 'From A to Z' Columnist...
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Re: Cleaning out the EGR mess
used to be Caustic Soda for me on the 'fizzy' expansion chamber, spud in end, stand upright and fill.......and stand well back
Can you even still get Caustic Soda nowadays?
Can you even still get Caustic Soda nowadays?
currently '06 C5 2.0 HDi auto estate Tip run and France trekker - well should be!! occupied currently by '10 Superb DSG 170 elegance- whistles and bells that work
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Re: Cleaning out the EGR mess
Tried a few more things including bleach. To be honest a "no cost" option washing powder does work reasonably well although you have to change it a few times.
I think caustic soda can be obtained from a good chemist if you ask nicely, although it must be about 10 years the last time I wanted some.
I think caustic soda can be obtained from a good chemist if you ask nicely, although it must be about 10 years the last time I wanted some.
Andy.
91 205D-Turbo, gone but still missed
02 106D, TUD5B, gone but not really missed apart from the MPG
91 205D-Turbo, gone but still missed
02 106D, TUD5B, gone but not really missed apart from the MPG
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Re: Cleaning out the EGR mess
Who would have thought Jim was a red neck at heart?CitroJim wrote:Oxyacetylene....
You think I'm joking don't you...
Used to use that method with a rosebud for decoking racing kart exhausts years ago....
1.9TD+ SX Xantia Estate (Cassy) running on 100% veg
1.9TD SX Xantia Hatchback (Jenny) running on 100% veg for sale
Laguna II 2.0dCi Privilege (Monty)
DIY sphere tool
1.9TD SX Xantia Hatchback (Jenny) running on 100% veg for sale
Laguna II 2.0dCi Privilege (Monty)
DIY sphere tool
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Re: Cleaning out the EGR mess
Regarding Oxyacetylene, I do remember with two stroke bike exhausts years ago taking the 'end fitting' out and soaking it a small metal tub of petrol (probably half a pint) then burning it. After that knocking it with a hammer would remove most of the gunk.
The 'washing powder' does seem to be working well, although I'm aware of its content causing corrosion (I think it may be salt not sure) a good wash in water after may suffice though.
Perhaps on my scrapyard visit next week (if I can) I'll be able to find an earlier non-EGR inlet which would save this trouble. We'll see. TUD5's without EGR are quite rare, only some AX's and M plate 106's it seems are devoid of them. Already have a 1500 non EGR exhaust manifold although I may just blank my existing one depending on other factors as there's a slight blow from it. May be prudent (have new gasket) to change it anyway if I need to change the manifold gasket.
The 'washing powder' does seem to be working well, although I'm aware of its content causing corrosion (I think it may be salt not sure) a good wash in water after may suffice though.
Perhaps on my scrapyard visit next week (if I can) I'll be able to find an earlier non-EGR inlet which would save this trouble. We'll see. TUD5's without EGR are quite rare, only some AX's and M plate 106's it seems are devoid of them. Already have a 1500 non EGR exhaust manifold although I may just blank my existing one depending on other factors as there's a slight blow from it. May be prudent (have new gasket) to change it anyway if I need to change the manifold gasket.
Andy.
91 205D-Turbo, gone but still missed
02 106D, TUD5B, gone but not really missed apart from the MPG
91 205D-Turbo, gone but still missed
02 106D, TUD5B, gone but not really missed apart from the MPG
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Re: Cleaning out the EGR mess
Mines going to get blanked off shortly on the doblo .
Mark
Mark
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Re: Cleaning out the EGR mess
That old boy in the video is just being a girl using propane... Real men use oxy...Xac wrote: Who would have thought Jim was a red neck at heart?
Yep, easily. Boots still flog it for cleaning drains and also ironmongers and some pound shops stock it - again as drain cleaner...old'uns wrote: Can you even still get Caustic Soda nowadays?
It does indeed work for decoking but be careful as it can also eat metal. It needs to be very well rinsed afterwards.
I don't like it because of it's dangerous old stuff. I feel much safer with fire personally...
Jim
Runner, cyclist, duathlete, Citroen AX fan and the CCC Citroenian 'From A to Z' Columnist...
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Re: Cleaning out the EGR mess
Just a closet pyromaniac then Jim?
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Re: Cleaning out the EGR mess
Oh yesmyglaren wrote:Just a closet pyromaniac then Jim?
I love explosions too
Jim
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Re: Cleaning out the EGR mess
Well Jim, if you like explosions then this should be fun;
" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
James
ex BX 1.9
ex Xantia 2.0HDi SX
ex Xantia 2.0HDi LX
ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
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Yes, I am paranoid, but am I paranoid ENOUGH?
Out amongst the stars, looking for a world of my own!
ex BX 1.9
ex Xantia 2.0HDi SX
ex Xantia 2.0HDi LX
ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
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Yes, I am paranoid, but am I paranoid ENOUGH?
Out amongst the stars, looking for a world of my own!
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Re: Cleaning out the EGR mess
Ahh, Thermite Lovely stuff!
That's a jolly interesting video James, thanks for posting it up!
That's a jolly interesting video James, thanks for posting it up!
Jim
Runner, cyclist, duathlete, Citroen AX fan and the CCC Citroenian 'From A to Z' Columnist...
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Re: Cleaning out the EGR mess
Somewhere on YouTube is a fairly spectacular video of someone burning a NEXT computer case made of magnesium.