2003 HDi 90 bhp, cleaning the EGR, Wynns?

[Micky]

It would appear that I have purchased another car with an EGR. It's not been cleaned in at least 4 years, possibly not since 2003. Had a read through this forum, I'm going to try the Wynn's aerosol solution before dismantling. Has anyone had any problems using this stuff? Must be an aggressive spray if it can remove caked-on exhaust smoke deposits. EGR doesn't look very accessible for dismantling 

[The Wrinkly Ninja]

I've used the spray, but only on the inlet manifold not the EGR itself. The C5 isn't any more accessible than yours and anyway, I'd had a brand new one fitted only a year ago.

For the above usage, it appeared to work pretty well - lots of coughing and banging noises whilst doing the job - quite entertaining.
End result? Once it had had a chance to clear it's throat, it did seem there was a touch better throttle response. If nothing else, I'm just a little happier that the inlet's a bit clearer than it was.

[Micky]

Thanks. I can only see two radiators so I don't think there is an intercooler fitted(?). I intend to spray the cleaner into the inlet as marked with the yellow arrow on the attachment, your views please!
I also intend to stop the EGR working with the small ball bearing blocking the activation pipe as per several posts, is there a risk of an engine management light appearing? I have an OBD11 reader, are 2003 Diesel Xsaras OBD11 compliant? Appears to be borderline from one or two posts on this forum, 2004 will be OBD11 as I understand it (?). I don't want to run the risk of an EML and then have to visit a Cit dealer to clear it.

Edit: attachment didn't attach, server error apparently. Image:

[The Wrinkly Ninja]

The 90 doesn't have the intercooler - why not break in just after the MAF, right at the front, as it's better access?

There seem to be arguments about the BB in the pipe and a blanking plate in the EGR pipe is a favoured solution, however, access there is lousy. I'd suggest suck it and see, as long as the BB is removable.

No, the series wasn't EOBD compatible till '04. However a fault indicated by the EML will self-clear after a certain number of start/stop cycles if the cause is corrected.

[Micky]

Thanks for the replies. I'll aerosol this weekend and let you know if it improves. Next stage is probably a remap. Does the 2003 car have a cat converter?

[fonz]

Yep it'll have a cat. I removed mine though when I remapped. Makes no difference and legally not required on a diesel  They just do a smoke test, not emissions...

Regarding the EGR, best to blank it off. Plenty of info out there regarding how to do this. Hell, think there are even blank plates on ebay for this job ready to fit.

[Micky]

No need to clean the inlet and the EGR now, someone rear-ended the car yesterday, floor pan in the boot is rippled amongst other damage, so almost certain to be a write off.

[fonz]

jeez sorry to hear that chap