EGR Delete Kit Introduction
Installing an EGR delete kit is one of the most common (and important) diesel engine upgrades. But it’s also one of the least understood. Many motorists do not know the benefits EGR delete, or even how it impacts the performance of their vehicles. This guide will help demystify the use of EGR delete kit. You will learn why people install it in their diesels, it’s advantages and disadvantages, when to use it, and more. Most importantly, we will be seeing how to go about installing an EGR delete kit and how to do it correctly. We recommend reading the guide to the end before considering obtaining the kit. Doing so will mean using it from an informed perspective.
Chapter 1: What is an EGR Delete Kit, EGR Delete Kit cost?
The EGR delete kit is one of the most popular parts when it comes to modifying diesel engines. However, many people looking to use the kit do not know much about it. This first section reveals everything concerning the diesel EGR delete kit, its importance in diesel vehicles, and what it contains. The EGR delete kit price too, so you know what you’re likely to spend on the part. The information will help you understand EGR delete better. Also, how car owners use it to improve the efficiency and performance of their diesel engines.
What is an EGR Delete kit?
As the name suggests, the EGR delete kit is an assembly of parts that motorists use to disable (or remove) the EGR system in diesel vehicles. Some people call it the EGR valve delete kit, others simply EGR delete. The kit is normally installed between the exhaust and engine intake (on the EGR valve and EGR cooler) where it prevents exhaust gases from going to the engine.
The components of an EGR kit depend on the particular engine and vary from one vehicle to another. The parts are also usually made from steel or aluminum although a lot depends on the manufacturer. Having said that, a full EGR delete kit often includes the following components; pipe assembly and O-rings, clips or clamps, blanking or block off plates, gaskets, plugs, and bolts.
Pipe assembly
The EGR delete pipe serves to re-direct exhaust gases and bypass the EGR system. The type of pipe assembly varies depending on your type of engine. It’s not uncommon to find an EGR delete kit with up pipe and another without.
O-Rings
An EGR delete kit often includes O-rings. These fit in grooves on the pipes that come with the kit. The O-rings are meant to seal the pipe connections. Some kits come with flat metal gaskets instead.
Clips/Clamps
The EGR delete kit clamp function is to secure the hoses to the pipes after installation. The clamps may be different types, depending on the manufacturer.
Blanking/Block off plates and Gaskets
The typical EGR delete kit consists of block off or blanking plates. The plates seal off the EGR system and prevent its functioning. An EGR block-off plate is usually supplied with a gasket supplied to provide a secure seal without leaks.
Bolts and Plugs
EGR delete plugs help to seal off parts of the EGR system such as coolant lines. The bolts, on the other hand, generally act as mounting components. These parts are also kit-specific and vary depending on the type of engine.
As already mentioned, EGR delete kits are different and one kit may have parts that differ from the other. It’s also good to note that the EGR delete kit is an aftermarket part that removes the EGR system. Because it interferes with the stock emission control system, its use is often restricted to off-road vehicles in some regions.
That said, many recent vehicles do not register any significant increase in NOx emissions even after deleting EGR valve functions. That’s because the EGR comes on at lower cruising speeds and does not stay on always. Additionally, a well-maintained, modern engine should run clean. Why, then, disable the EGR system?
What does EGR Delete Mean? EGR delete explained
There are many reasons why diesel engine owners remove the EGR system from their vehicles. The EGR valve, as it’s called, has been a standard component in automobile for a long time. In most parts of the world, it’s a mandatory part to help reduce emissions.
EGR stands for Exhaust Gas Recirculation and the EGR system consists of a valve and cooler assembly. These two components take a portion of exhaust gas, cool it, and direct it back into the engine. The exhaust gas takes up some space in the cylinders (up to 50%), reducing the amount of oxygen in the combustion chamber. As a result, less fuel is injected and the combustion temperature doesn’t reach high levels.
The EGR system, therefore, helps to keep combustion temperatures low. Nitrogen oxides, one of the most notorious emissions gases, form in the high combustion chamber temperatures. When the temperatures are low, the level of nitrogen oxides (NOx) reduces, and the engine runs cleaner.
But the cooler combustion temperatures bring more disadvantages than benefits, thus the need for EGR removal, or what’s generally called EGR valve delete. With lower temperature in the combustion chamber, the fuel doesn’t combust efficiently. That leads to the formation of soot- and problems over time.
Some of the carbon particles go around the pistons and into the lubricating oil, contaminating it. The particles also cause abrasion and wear the engine over time. Most annoyingly, the soot settles in the EGR valve itself and clogs it. The EGR cooler and intake manifold too.
With almost every part clogging up with carbon deposits, your engine’s performance drops and throttle response becomes affected to a considerable degree. Above all, you find yourself having to clean the EGR and intake too often or even replacing them together with the DPF filter. With the EGR on, you may also need to repair the engine more frequently than usual.
To avoid these performance and maintenance issues, many motorists choose to block the EGR valve and cooler- using the EGR valve delete kit. The kit, as we have already seen, comes with components to enable that such as block off plates and pipes to channel exhaust gases away. And although these parts vary, the basic function of disabling the EGR applies to all.
How Does an EGR Delete Kit Work?
The EGR removal kit basically consists of components to remove the EGR system. The idea is to prevent the sooty exhaust gases from clogging parts, causing engine wear, or reducing its performance and efficiency. During the EGR delete kit installation, pipes are connected to replace the EGR cooler or channel exhaust gases. Plates are also used to block the EGR pathways, thereby shutting off the system.
After installing the EGR valve delete kit, exhaust gases do not re-route to the engine anymore. This brings many benefits and the reason why the kit is popular among the owners of diesel powered vehicles. It’s important to point out that EGR valve delete is a reversible process. You can always revert back to stock exhaust gas recirculation parts if need be.
It’s also important to know that some vehicle require the engine computer reprogrammed after installing the delete kit or using a tuner to bypass the OBD system. That’s because the ECU controls the entire EGR. After its physical removal or blocking, the ECU may trigger error codes and a check engine light. Installing the EGR delete kit with tuner or new program helps to prevent these issues.
EGR delete remap or reprogramming is usually necessary in newer vehicles. When required, it means additional costs to use the delete kit on your car or truck. There are various EGR delete software or tuning options, but which often require an expert to carry out. There are also tuners that you can easily use yourself.
EGR Delete Kit Price
How much is an EGR delete kit? Just like any other car part, EGR delete kits costs different amounts. But being an aftermarket part, its price remains low even for the higher high-end cars and trucks. A majority of these kits go for between $40 and $200 or slightly higher. To give you a glimpse of the different prices, here are some of the kit and their estimated costs.
6.6 Duramax EGR delete kit $199
6.7 Cummings EGR delete kit $129
6.0 Powerstroke EGR delete kit $180
6.7 Dodge delete kit $179
The EGR delete kit cost is dependent on many factors, one of the most important being the type of engine. The type of vehicle too, since the kit is normally designed for installation on specific cars or trucks. You will also notice that the price varies across different manufacturers
It’s important that you choose the EGR delete kit manufacturer carefully. That’s because the kits come with different levels of quality. One Kit will have parts that are coated to prevent corrosion, for example, or pipes with high-quality welds. The block off plates, in particular, may be machined to different finish levels.
Always go for the best EGR delete kit in terms of quality and compatibility. You want it to fit your type and size of EGR system, so it installs correctly. You also want it to last a long time on your vehicle. Most importantly, compare prices and settle for the fairest of them.
Conclusion
The EGR delete kit is a common part today, and one of the most useful when it comes to upgrading your diesel engine. It’s also becoming more popular as motorists seek to improve the performance of their diesel engines while also lowering maintenance costs. But just as with any other engine modification, it has its advantages and disadvantages. The next chapter looks at the good and bad sides of installing an EGR delete kit.
Chapter 2: EGR Delete Kit Pros and Cons
As a motorist, understanding the EGR delete kit pro and cons will help you to make the right (and informed) decision. That’s because most engine upgrades come with both advantages and disadvantages and you want to know them when considering one. It’s also not always that you hear both sides of the story about EGR delete. This part of the guide will do exactly that. Get to know what happens when you remove the EGR, or the EGR delete benefits and downsides.
What are the Benefits of an EGR Delete Kit?
People install the EGR delete kit with different aims. However, the end results are always similar. Here we highlight the advantages of EGR delete, or the good things that you will see after removing the EGR system. The benefits include:
More Horsepower
One of the most important reasons for EGR valve delete is to improve the engine performance. The EGR system causes reduced oxygen in the engine cylinders. That directly leads to reduced horsepower. Additionally, the of EGR clogs up several systems such as intake and turbo with carbon buildup, resulting in reduced passage of air. That ultimately means less power. By deleting the EGR, these parts remain in good condition and your engine performs better. Your diesel engine may gain up to about 2 hp after the removing the EGR.
Improved Fuel Efficiency
Among the negative impacts of EGR is that it restricts the availability of oxygen in the combustion chambers. As a result, more fuel is required to produce power. Deleting the EGR removes this restriction and leads to a better performing engine that uses less fuel than before. Vehicle owners usually report an improvement, sometimes up to 2-3 mpg. However, other factors also come into play besides the EGR valve delete kit. The engine and other parts associated with its operation must be in top condition and well-maintained.
Better Throttle Response
As indicated earlier, EGR re-introduces exhaust gases into the engine. This reduces the amount of oxygen reaching the cylinders, thereby affecting acceleration. The EGR also causes buildup of soot in the air intake pipes. This, too, restricts airflow and affects throttle response when the clogged intake disrupts the flow of air into the engine. EGR delete results in more air, more oxygen, and improved throttle response.
Fewer Maintenance Costs
It’s a known fact that EGR increases maintenance costs. The exhaust gases circulating the system contain carbon particles or soot. These particles end up being deposited and clogging the EGR valve, EGR cooler, and the DPF filter. The soot will even clog the EGR sensors, gum up turbo vanes and accumulate in the intake manifold pipes. As a result, you need to clean these components more frequently and, at times, replace them. The EGR delete kit takes care of all that, and one of the main reasons why many people install it.
Extended Engine Lifespan
The soot in the exhaust gases does not only affect the EGR components or intake only. Some particles also deposit in the cylinders, somehow going down the walls, past the piston rings, and into the oil. Besides causing abrasion and wearing the delicate parts of the engine, these particles contaminate the engine oil. Removing the EGR or disabling it eliminates these problems and prolongs the engine life. EGR delete will also help prevent engine repairs related to the effects of recirculating sooty exhaust gases through the cylinders.
Other EGR Delete Kit Advantages
Other advantages of EGR delete but that are not associated with engine performance are; ease of installation, affordability, and reversibility. Most kits are easy to use, depending on your type of engine or vehicle. You will only need a few hours to install them. The EGR delete kit is also an aftermarket part. That means a price that you many car owners find pocket friendly. As we saw earlier, you can also easily restore a deleted EGR system to its former state.
EGR Delete Disadvantages
For a clear view of the RGR delete kit pros and cons, it’s important that we also look at the negative impacts the part has on your engine. That will help you weigh the effect of EGR delete, good or bad, and make the right decision regarding its use. There are a few things you will have to contend with, some minor and others serious. The downsides include the following.
Release of Nitrogen Oxides
The EGR system is supposed to reduce the formation of nitrogen oxides, which are known pollutants. The system does so by recirculating exhaust gases and lowering combustion temperatures. The EGR valve delete kit blocks this function, and the resulting rise of combustion temperature causes more nitrogen oxides to form. Despite that, an efficiently running engine will not be a cause of concern as it produces minimal emissions.
Hotter Exhaust Gases
The EGR works together with an assembly called EGR coolant to cool the exhaust gas before sending it back to the engine. That means cooler exhaust gas and an efficient engine cooling system. The EGR delete kit works by disabling both the valve and cooler. With the EGR cooler blocked, the exhaust gas is no longer cooled or re-circulated through the engine, which may affect the engine’s cooling system.
Emission Rules
Most EGR delete kits are meant for installation in off-road vehicles. That’s because emission control devices are mandatory in some regions, and removing them may be against emission rules based on your locality. However, the kit only blocks off the EGR valve and cooler, and can be removed to restore the EGR operation whenever needed.
Conclusion
EGR delete brings both benefits and disadvantages, but as we have seen, the advantages outweigh the downsides. Having looked at the EGR delete kit pro and cons, we believe you can now choose between whether to install the part or not. If you decide to go for the kit, you will need to know how to install it. Read about the steps to place the EGR dele kit on your vehicle in the next section.
Chapter 3: How to Install an EGR Delete Kit
Knowing how to install an EGR delete kit is one of the skills that you need to upgrade your diesel engine. As we saw in the previous chapters, the EGR delete kit contains several parts that need mounting in different places. These parts need to be installed correctly, or you may end up causing problems. Here in this chapter, you will learn how to install an EGR delete kit, correctly and in easy to understand steps. If looking to improve the performance of your diesel engine by removing the EGR function, read on to the end.
Before the procedure to install the EGR delete kit, let’s see situations that lead many motorists to consider using EGR delete. Among the reasons are:
- When considering engine modifications to improve the overall performance of your diesel car or truck
- When the EGR valve, cooler, sensors, and other parts related to the EGR system are dirty and needing cleaning or replacing
- When your diesel engine keeps experiencing throttle response problems that can be traced back to the EGR, such as clogged intake pipe
- When looking to reduce the costs associated with maintain the EGR system components such as EGR valve, EGR cooler, EGR sensors and others
- When the EGR system in your vehicle causes poor fuel economy and you want to improve that
The first step in the EGR delete process is obtaining the right kit for your vehicle. That’s usually simple enough when buying the part online. Online sellers or manufacturers will usually have in place options to narrow down your search based on your type of vehicle and engine.
After purchasing the kit, you can now proceed to its Installation. Here are the steps on how to install an EGR delete kit. The steps describe the installation of the kit on a Ram 3.0 EcoDiesel engine from 2014 onwards. However, the procedure is almost similar in all engines, save for a few differences.
Things you will need
- Wrench and socket set
- Pliers
- Screwdriver
EGR Delete Kit Installation Steps
Depending on the type of EGR delete kit, it will have these different parts: up pipe, block off plate, gasket, hose clamps, hose, nuts and bolts (with washers), O-rings, and sometimes an adapters or plugs for the coolant return line.
Step1 Disconnecting the Battery and Electrical Harnesses
- Begin by disconnecting the battery to avoid accidents. Remove the negative cable first, followed by the positive cable
- If the engine is hot, allow it to cool. The parts you will be working on can get quite hot and cause burns.
Step 1 Removing the MAP sensor, Air Filter, and Intake Tube
- Disconnect and remove the MAP sensor. Next, disconnect the intake pipe.
- Remove the air box cover and take it out.
- Remove the air intake filter.
- Locate the point where the intake pipe connects to the turbo and disconnect it by removing the clamps that hold it in place
Step 2 Removing the Vacuum Line and Actuator Solenoid
- Proceed to disconnect the vacuum line. The line is connected to the EGR solenoid or actuator
- Remove the solenoid clips and take it out by pulling
Step 3 Removing the Electrical Connections
- Disconnect the blue, red, and black connectors
Step 4 Removing the Coolant Lines
- Take out the coolant reservoir cap and drain some coolant (about a gallon or so) through the drain plug
- Locate and remove the coolant lines, both in the front and back side of the EGR
Step 5 Removing the EGR Pipe
- Remove the top EGR flange bolts
- Remove the EGR pipe
Step 6 Removing the EGR Cooler
- Find and remove the bolt located on the back of the EGR cooler assembly
- Next, remove the lower bracket by loosening and taking the bolts that fasten it
- Remove the cooler manifold and take out the entire cooler assembly
Step 7: Removing the Rear EGR Pipe and Lower Coolant Lines
- It’s now time to remove the rear EGR tube that you had earlier left in place
- Remove the lower coolant lines as well
Step 8 Installing the Turbo Block off Plate
- Place the EGR delete kit blanking plates and gasket on the turbo manifold
- Install it using the provided bolts
- Mount the block off bracket
Step 9 Replacing the Coolant Lines
- Connect the front coolant line to the block off bracket
- Insert the lower coolant line into the hose and clamp it with the provided clamp
- Do the same to the upper coolant line
- Attach the line to the block off bracket
Step 10 Replacing Everything
- Replace the electrical connections, intake box, intake tube, and every part that you had taken out
- Start the engine and observe the installation. There should be no leaking coolant
How Much does it Cost to Install EGR Delete Kit?
Knowing how to install an EGR kit as described about can save you mechanic costs. But what if you have to pay for the service, how much does it cost to have an EGR kit installed on your behalf? Firstly, the cost will depend on your type of car or truck and, secondly, the type of engine. Some engines require more work to have the kit mounted than others.
The EGR delete kit installation cost ranges from $200 up. The price includes the cost to buy the least priced kit, which goes for around $50 on average. Depending on the complexity of the process on your specific car, you may choose to install the assembly yourself or involve an expert.
There are also vehicles that require the ECU reprogrammed after the installation, or purchasing the EGR delete kit with tuner or a device to prevent the ECU from throwing error codes. In such instances, you will need to pay more for the entire process; installing the kit and removing the EGR from the ECU.
EGR Delete Kit Installation Tips
Besides learning how to install an EGR delete kit, there are several aspects about the whole process that you need to know as a DIY enthusiast. These are things that will help to make the installation safer, easier, and better. These are the tip to observe.
1. Ensure that you disconnect the battery before touching anything under the hood.
2. Wear protecting gear especially on your eyes to avoid accidents.
3. EGR delete kit installation involves touching components that get really hot when the engine is running. Allow the engine to cool before starting any work.
4. You will be loosening and removing many bolts, some of them seized. To allow them time to loosen, spray the bolts with penetrating fluid beforehand.
5. Ensure the right EGR delete kit for your vehicle. Nothing can be more frustrating than finding that you have an incompatible [parts during installation.
6. Installing an EGR delete kit without remap when it needs it can be a big mistake. The ECU will trigger error codes and dashboard light; sometimes even send the engine on a limp mode.
Conclusion
Installing your own EGR delete kit is something that you want to do. Some are so simple to place that you do not need the help of a mechanic or EGR delete professional. Knowing how to install an EGR delete kit also allows you to take full control of the performance of your engine and its lifespan. The process explained here concerns a specific engine. However, you can still use it on many other engines with only a few changes here and there.
EGR Delete Kit Ultimate Guide Conclusion
The EGR delete kit is an aftermarket part that helps car and truck owners restore the peak performance of their diesel engines. Installing it removes the functioning of the EGR system, eliminating its negative effects such as excessive clogging, poor mileage, and reduced horsepower. Although it has its downsides, EGR delete is one of the most popular upgrades within the diesel engine community. Having read this guide, you now understand both the EGR delete benefits and the drawbacks. How to install it too, on your diesel powered vehicle. With the knowledge, you will be able to decide if you need the kit including how to use it correctly.
