How to Locate an EGR Valve on a Ford Truck

Locate and service your Ford truck EGR valve.

The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve on Ford trucks are normally mounted on the front and upper side of the engine. On some particular models, you may find it on one side of the engine and close to the throttle body as well. In this case, you may have to remove the engine cover and even part of the air intake system for access. The valve passages require cleaning from time to time to keep emissions low and fuel economy adequate. Once you locate the EGR unit on your particular model, follow these steps to service the valve.

Things You'll Need

• Wrench set
• Ratchet and socket set
• Tube wrench
• Phillips screwdriver
• Plastic scraper
• Scratch awl

Instructions

1. Park your car in a safe place, open the hood and locate the EGR valve. Some valves have the appearance of a wide - 2 to 3 inches - and flattened aluminum mushroom; other models resemble a plastic cube with a rounded hat and an electrical connector on top.

2. Remove the engine cover or air intake duct if necessary. Use a wrench or ratchet and socket.

3. Disconnect the vacuum hose from the top of the valve or electrical connector, depending on the model installed in your particular vehicle.

4. Disconnect the valve line fitting connecting the exhaust tube to the bottom of the valve. Use a tube wrench to avoid damage to the pipe and nut. Some models do not have this tube connected.

5. Remove the two mounting bolts using a wrench or ratchet and socket.

6. Lift the valve off the engine and discard the gasket located between the valve and the mounting surface. Some models are equipped with an aluminum gasket that you may be able to reuse if it is in good condition.

7. If the valve in your truck has the electrical connector on top and you are replacing the valve, remove the electric solenoid from the top of the valve by removing the four screws using a Phillips screwdriver and mount the solenoid on the new valve.

8. Set the valve in a flat surface and remove carbon deposits from the valve mounting base using a plastic scraper and a scratch awl. Clean the valve mounting surface at the engine as well. If you decide to use solvent as a cleaner, make sure it does not get to the valve diaphragm; otherwise, you will have to replace the valve if the diaphragm is damaged.

9. Set the valve in place, using a new gasket if necessary, and install the mounting bolts and bottom nut connecting the pipe to the valve. Do not overtighten the bolts or nut to avoid damage to the threads and valve body.

10. Connect the vacuum hose or electrical connector. Install the engine cover or air intake duct if necessary.