my EGR valve has gone on my Vauxhall Vectra 2.0 DI LS, 1998, 5 DOOR HATCHBACK, so i am getting a new one next week, what i want to know is, is it an easy job to replace them if so how do i do it? or is it better just to let a garage do the job?
Easy. Just google it and it will tell you how. It will take a minute to change.
it should be straight forward, buy a haynes manuel which will tell you step by step how to do it. i think you can also buy a service kit for the valve
The EGR on this model is indeed vacuum operated. The diaphragm rarely fails to be fair but that particular engine suffers with vacuum leaks. This is something that needs checking first. Also, before buying one, try sucking on the little vacuum connection going into the unit first. You should feel resistance as the plunger is sucked up against spring pressure. If no resistance is met, the diaphragm is gone and it needs replacing. If you can feel the plunger lifting, there is nothing wrong with it. You can remove it to make it easier. Push the plunger in by hand and put your finger over the vacuum connection; the plunger should stay where it is until you take your finger off. (It's hidden under the plastic cover on the top of the engine (3 Torx bolts) and is easy to access.) The EGR valve unfortunately comes with the inlet manifold (expensive) which would mean removing injector pipes etc. if you fit it all. It is, however, very easy to replace if you just remove the 2 bolts holding it into the inlet manifold. They are female Torx but an 8mm 6 point socket will work too. Any other questions on this job, just ask or email.
For the most part, you are wasting your money unless the diaphragm inside the EGR valve is broken. It should be easy to remove it, CLEAN IT, and return it to service. Many times the reason for this valve to get gummed up is either from lack of great lubrication (like Mobil One or ELF oil) or your engine is making TOO much carbon and it is sticking inside the valve. Clean your IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE, install Bosch Platinum or Iridium plugs (or Den so Twin Tip). This will burn gas more effectively and prevent the accumulation of carbon in the EGR and also inside the WHOLE engine. The EGR valve is easy to reach and remove on most engines using simple hand tools. Read your VECI map to determine it's exact location. It is vacuum operated. On most engines, I just cork up the vto prevent its from working at all. The inside of the engine remains cleaner, and the engine breathes better, too. EGR stands for exhaust gas reciculation. In other words, hot exhaust gas is allowed to re-enter the intake manifold to reduce emissions. By using the fore-mentioned plugs, emission are more reduced, anyway. Good Luck!!
