Car went through the cold spell with no issues , it was also always parked outside over night. I think we may have resolved the problem. It's warming up again so we won't know until the next cold spell sets in. It also drives smoother, shifting is quicker and much easier to start.

One thing I have noticed though is fuel mileage has gone down (12-13L/100km 18mpg 90% highway).
I'm thinking O2 sensors? They've never been changed, cars at 278k km. Is there a recommended time to change the sensors and which ones (upstream/downstream)??

Thanks everyone for your sugesstions and help!

P.S. I'll get photos up soon.

 

I'd like to conclude that the problem has been fixed. We had our second blast of winter and I've had no problems what so ever. Gas mileage has gone back to normal (maybe a bit better than before). The engine is much quieter and reacts faster.

Here's some photos I took of the valve adjustment. I have a TL-S so it has the extra VSA module to deal with on the air intake pipe. I didn't disconnect the throttle wires so I just swung the intake manifold around to the side.
The exhaust valves on the back side were hard to get to, you need to fit in the tight space. You can also remove the strut tower bar to give you more room.

Intake Off:


Front Valves:



Center Intake Ports:


Rear Valves (engine wire harness covering exhaust valves):


Side View (showing both sets of valves):


If you plan on doing this and have questions feel free to let me know.

 

What was the actual solution to your problem....the EGR passageway cleaning or the valve adjustment?

 

The Valve Adjustment fixed the problems.

 

Re-posting with new photos, since the old one stopped working.


Here's some photos I took of the valve adjustment. I have a TL-S so it has the extra VSA module to deal with on the air intake pipe. I didn't disconnect the throttle wires so I just swung the intake manifold around to the side.
The exhaust valves on the back side were hard to get to, you need to fit in the tight space. You can also remove the strut tower bar to give you more room.

Intake Off:


Front Valves:


Center Intake Ports:


Rear Valves (engine wire harness covering exhaust valves):


Side View (showing both sets of valves):


If you plan on doing this and have questions feel free to let me know. [/QUOTE]