Cleaning EGR ports

Anyone here ever done this?

I’m getting ready to do this one my ‘96 Windstar. I have read some other forums that have been very helpful in the steps/procedures on EGR port cleaning but I'm just trying to get some more feedback from others.

I have a 3-day weekend coming up and this will be the perfect time to take on this task. I’ll be sure to post back here the results. The reason I’m doing this of course is due to misfire codes on CYL 4, had already had tune-up done, replaced catalytic converter, etc. but the CEL keeps coming back and it has been suggested to clean to EGR ports. I have my Chilton’s manual, the proper tools, and cleaning stuff so this should prove to be an interesting and enlightening experience. Once again any feedback would be appreciated and I’ll be sure to post results.

Just wanted to share with all that I just cleaned the EGR ports on my ‘96 Windstar. I had previously had the CEL being illuminated and having a P0304 code. I had at first changed the air filter and added some fuel injector cleaner, I also had a major tune-up and had to replace the catalytic converter. After all of this I was still having the CEL to illuminate and upon further reading on some of those other
forums I mentioned in my first post I was lead to believe that the EGR ports may be clogged.

With the help of those several post, a Haynes manual (I like it better than the Chilton's), the proper tools and some carburetor cleaner it took me about 2 1/2 hours to remove the upper intake manifold with the other few components associated with this task to be able to access the EGR ports and thoroughly clean them. #’s 3, 5, and 6 were completely clogged but I cleaned all of them. After getting everything back together and starting up the engine I could tell right away that it was running smoother and a quick trip down the road it was quite noticeable of the better acceleration and improved performance. My wife drove the van also and she immediately could tell a difference in the drivability. I am hoping that this has finally cleared up my issue and as of yet I have not had the CEL to come back on but I’ll give it a few more days just to make sure. At the very least I know by cleaning the EGR ports that I have helped make the engine run better.

My next task will be to check on that rear heat/air issue that seems to be common with this vehicle but now I’m having the same problem with the front heat/air. Could be the blend door, maybe a switch, or a vacuum leak issue but now at least I have some confidence to do some of the work myself and save a lot of money. Just what do you think it would have cost me to have a mechanic to perform the cleaning of the EGR ports as I did yesterday? How much did it cost me for doing it myself? About $6.00 for some carburetor cleaner and a small bag of rags...

[snuffysmith1978]

What all do you have to take off to get to the EGR valve, and what tools will I need? The shop here said it would be around 500.00 for them to do it.

[macknife]

because I believe I have a minor problem, and don't want to go thru the hassle of removing the EGR valve. I would like to squirt a little carburetor cleaner into the small port on the EGR valve that the vacuum hose slips over..i could then plug the hose with a sparkplug ,drive for a day or so, and let the "squirt" due its stuff by cleaning the slightly sticky valve inside..

My concern is, will I be risking damage to my car by doing this??? can that carburetor cleaner wreck something by my squirting it into that port??

jp