Had my car smogged today and I didn't pass because it had something to do with my EGR valve. Everything else was fine. Anyone familiar with this or know anything about it. I've read that it can be cleaned out. Dont wanna get ripped of by mechanics if I do have to change it.

 

https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-tl-1999-2003-98/diy-thermoblok-spacers-install-egr-cleaning-615644/

You don't have to buy the kit, but the instructions are pretty much the same. Leave on the Throttle Body so you don't have to buy a new gasket if all you want to do is clean the EGR port.

As 01 will tell you, use a coat hanger to really get deep down into the port.

 

And make sure to remove the EGR valve (2 bolts and a connector) and clean it as well. Lift up the pin underneath with a flat screwdriver and spray lots of carb cleaner in there. Make sure to clean the port on the block where it sits. You will need a new gasket for reinstalling the valve.

 

do it right--the car needs the TB fully cleaned and IACV cleaned by now--its 2 gaskets to replace- small ones at that, and an iacv cover gasket, in case it tears

the egr ports go from under the valve all the way thru the manifold to the other end--along the way it has ports for each cyl that must be cleaned too
soften-poke and rinse all the crud out,, dry fully

see diy link above for latest tips/ better pics of later years (99 single port shown) in last few pages

do lube the egr arm while its off

 

If planning to do the thermal gasket kit and all this cleaning would it be a good idea to seafoam like a week ahead of time to possibly loosen everything up or would that be considered a waste of the seafoam? Also kind of random side question but is changing the plugs gonna be any easier w intake off?? Think I may as well do those as well.

 

manifold vac port some seafoam before the plugs, so they have a clean home to work in
its never a waste of seafoam--there are parts inside of the manifold that dont get foam cleaned like most think,,its dealing with other areas

do the plugs at the same time as manifold job

If you are a good diy'r,,adjust the engine valves while the manifold is already off- then the valve covers are right there...
perfect valve settings help the cars mpg and power
book says -adjust `as needed` at the 105,,but the only way to tell if needed is to ck each valve with a feeler guage!!--and adjust the ones off spec
It should say- DO a valve adjust at 100

seafoam half can in oil-drive 30 minutes and change oil/filter before the adjust job so the area is clean = for better valve adjustments

 

seafoam is excellent for breaking down the crud in egr system too--
instead of 3 cans carb cleaner, 1 can foam!
(manifold on workbench--not on running engine)

 

thx everyone for your advice...I'm gonna try to trouble shoot it myself and if I can't then I pay someone but now I know what I should be expecting.....