EGR Valve

[MrWest90]

Just wanted some advice really, the EGR valve on my car has gone (Part on order, awaiting for it to arrive). Doing some short journey's in the mean time till its sorted. I know it recirculates the exhaust gases back etc, but just wanted to know if this would account for poor fuel consumption, and excess smoke? Thank you Pistonheads!

[Dr Doofenshmirtz]

The EGR valve opens to let exhaust gasses back into the inlet to be re-burned (it's a really crazy idea when you think about it)
I doubt a non-functioning valve would cause smoke and high mpg though? The worst thing that could happen is the ECU throwing up an error?

[thinfourth2]

What car?

Some cars you can bin it forever

[MrWest90]

Yes I did do a little research on it to see what it was all about. It was ok before this, I have only owned the car for a couple of weeks so the dealer is sorting it for me. Those are the symptoms that are coming with the diagnosis anyway. Its a Skoda Fabia 1.4 16V 2000 (100BHP), the same engine from the Polo.

[IainZ]

Dr Doofenshmirtz said:

The EGR valve opens to let exhaust gasses back into the inlet to be re-burned (it's a really crazy idea when you think about it)
I doubt a non-functioning valve would cause smoke and high mpg though? The worst thing that could happen is the ECU throwing up an error?

I've got a Toyota Diesel thing where the EGR gets clogged up with soot and then does exactly that on the fuel consumption. I clean it out about once every 6 months.

Is the valve really not functioning or does it just need to be cleaned?

Its a messy job but not usually that difficult

Edited by IainZ on Wednesday 5th January 22:07

[Egg Chaser]

Dr Doofenshmirtz said:

The EGR valve opens to let exhaust gasses back into the inlet to be re-burned (it's a really crazy idea when you think about it)

It's not really a crazy idea. It's main purpose is to reduce emissions. Reusing some of the exhaust gases lowers the combustion temperatures, which in turn reduces the amount of NOx produces.

[jbi]

emissions sh!t... see if you can blank it off on your vehicle and be done with it

[MrWest90]

IainZ said:

Dr Doofenshmirtz said:

The EGR valve opens to let exhaust gasses back into the inlet to be re-burned (it's a really crazy idea when you think about it)
I doubt a non-functioning valve would cause smoke and high mpg though? The worst thing that could happen is the ECU throwing up an error?

I've got a Toyota Diesel thing where the EGR gets clogged up with soot and then does exactly that on the fuel consumption. I clean it out about once every 6 months.

Is the valve really not functioning or does it just need to be cleaned?

Its a messy job but not usually that difficult

Edited by IainZ on Wednesday 5th January 22:07

No I think its done its day because it was doing it when he had the vehicle in so its been cleaned and the engine management light appeared again I think its either jamming open or jamming closed one or the other. The new one is on order from Skoda now, so hopefully that will sort the issues out.

[Nickyboy]

The same went on my mums car, i told her to ignore it and its been fine 3 years later

[scarebus]

Removed mine on the Discovery 3, no worries now!