1 hour ago, Breezy_Pete said:

Blanking kits are more for people who want to 'buy (or maybe sell?) a solution' rather than think one through.

The blank does nothing that the EGR does not do itself basically? Thanks

11 minutes ago, bmbmdmb said:

The blank does nothing that the EGR does not do itself basically? Thanks

 

In terms of exhaust flow through the EGR valve, yes, exactly.

What some folk believe, mistakenly in my opinion, is that if the flow is blocked only at the EGR entry point - whether by permanent valve closure or blanking - the hose feeding gases to that point is more likely to rupture and leak. Thus they like to insist on blanking the manifold end.

 

The simple explanation for such cases of flexible exhaust hose damage is disturbance and possible unsympathetic handling of old flex-couple metal hoses during EGR removal for cleaning or blanking of top end type operations.

Edited 19 May, 20233 yr by Breezy_Pete

Pete is correct, the flexi hose generally suffers if the EGR is removed / refitted by exuberant hands (should we say). I blanked mine at manifold end and underneath the EGR while i was in there removing the EGR cooler as well. 

 

Do you need to remove the EGR cooler? Not really, it wont hurt anything by staying where it is. Sometimes you're better off leaving sleeping dogs lie!

 

Entirely your choice though and if the vacuum pipe blocking does the EGR delete /bypass trick then i'd stick with that route to save yourself some skinned knuckles.

I think leaving EML on and blocking vacuum pipe might work, but I can hear a tyre like drumming noise mid revs - sounds like the vacuum pump trying to open the EGR. Might damage something?

 

Also, I read this about testing for NOx

on future MOT s published Jan 2023

 

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/proposed-changes-to-make-mots-fit-for-the-future

 

Specifically,

"The consultation also seeks views on the frequency of MOTs and how to improve monitoring of emissions to tackle pollution to bolster the environmental efficiency of vehicles.

Potential new measures include introducing testing of pollutants such as particulate number (PN) and NOx to ensure diesel, petrol and hybrid cars always meet emissions requirements throughout their lifespan."

 

Food for thought...

 

 

 

 

34 minutes ago, bmbmdmb said:

I think leaving EML on and blocking vacuum pipe might work, but I can hear a tyre like drumming noise mid revs - sounds like the vacuum pump trying to open the EGR. Might damage something?

 

Also, I read this about testing for NOx

on future MOT s published Jan 2023

 

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/proposed-changes-to-make-mots-fit-for-the-future

 

Specifically,

"The consultation also seeks views on the frequency of MOTs and how to improve monitoring of emissions to tackle pollution to bolster the environmental efficiency of vehicles.

Potential new measures include introducing testing of pollutants such as particulate number (PN) and NOx to ensure diesel, petrol and hybrid cars always meet emissions requirements throughout their lifespan."

 

Food for thought...

 

There's absolutely no way they'll make stricter rules for modern cars applicable to vintage cars like the twenty year old Fabia!

I must admit that I hadn't considered that if the ECU doesn't see the anticipated MAF changes after demanding EGR flow that it might 'try harder' with the relevant proportional solenoid valve that is on t'other end of the vac hose that is blocked.

Might be that valve you're hearing in the vac box on suspension turret.

 

On the other hand, you'd think that max opening of that valve would just be a continuous energisation, which ought to be silent, just a dc 12V across valve coil. Maybe it's not that simple.

 

Agree with sep about the unlikeliness of NOx testing getting backdated anywhere near as far as Euro4 stuff. If it happens at all. Would represent a big kit spend for the testing stations, I'd guess. 

Edited 19 May, 20233 yr by Breezy_Pete

1 hour ago, Breezy_Pete said:

vac box on suspension turret.

The N75 vacuum box - it sounds like it's coming from there. Happens mid revs every so often, 5 to 10mins. I'm limiting the car's use as it can't be good. 

 

A replacement EGR complete with o-rings etc  for £60 sounds like the easy solution, really.

35 minutes ago, Breezy_Pete said:

A replacement EGR complete with o-rings etc  for £60 sounds like the easy solution, really.

I think you are probably correct Pete. I already bought one to fit in the meantime whilst I wrestled with my options. Interestingly, the ASZ EGR is double the price. 

I had a taste of the better mpg (unless trip computer is reading differently with EGR hose disconnected) and the hesitation has gone. 

 

New EGR valve - sucking the vacuum hose hole on top pulls the valve up. 

 

Old EGR off car - valve would not budge.

 

I couldn't move valve up from below with my finger, even with new EGR valve. 

 

Old EGR valve, despite being clean, the valve sleeve is probably coked up and not possible to get in there to clean. 

 

The Borg Warner EGR came with a gasket between the ASV and EGR I haven't had previously. I have the rubber o ring both sides of the EGR. The gasket is in addition to the o ring. Not there from new or in last EGR kit. 

 

No leaks.

 

Photo shows coking under EGR valve that connects to metal Flexi that carries exhaust gas up into EGR Vs new EGR aside it.

Edited 22 May, 20233 yr by bmbmdmb