Egr delete

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toms89

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The question is why would you want to do so?

Many lightning owners have.

A question was posted on lightning rodder about what the benefits of doing so were. The number one answer... to clean up the engine bay. You have to understand most lightning engine bays are show pieces.. lol. None claimed any performance gains from doing so. Theoretically removing it could reduce intake temps but believe this is negligible due to the small amount that is actually recirculated.

EGR actually reduces combustion temps by introducing inert gas. This is by design to reduce emissions and it is only used under low throttle and load load conditions. So there would be no power to be gained by removing it. It is also turned off at idle so as it does not adversely effect idle quality.

If you do remove it you will likely have to have the pcm reprogrammed or you may get CEL.
 
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215Expedition

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Well i am getting the po401 and i took the intake off and cleaned the ports for the egr and i still have the problem so now i figure it could be the regulator the valve or the sensor so i was wondering it i just deleted it would i be messing up anything?
 

toms89

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Doubtful removing it will eliminate cel. May change it though.

P0401A_zps47eeb4cb.jpg
 

chad9f9

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Well i am getting the po401 and i took the intake off and cleaned the ports for the egr and i still have the problem so now i figure it could be the regulator the valve or the sensor so i was wondering it i just deleted it would i be messing up anything?
215Expedition,
Are you getting any other codes with the P0401? I have a 99 Expy and was getting P0401 (Insufficient Flow EGR) and P0402 (Excessive Flow EGR). I cleaned out the EGR ports on the throttle body side, they were almost completely clogged, and still had the same codes come up.

In my case the solution ended up being the DPFE (Differential Pressure Feedback Exhaust Gas Recirculation) sensor had failed. I had the stock Aluminum housing type. I replaced it and also replaced the rubber hoses that connect to it. Been on there over a year now and no EGR codes have come up since.

My EGR valve is the stock one and has never been replaced.

Here is a picture of the stock Aluminum type
http://www.aa1car.com/library/ford_dpfe_sensor_1.jpg

Here is the location of the sensor
http://www.f150online.com/galleries/images/3376-4889-92125.jpg
 
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215Expedition

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No that is the only code showing up. When i took the throttle body intake off i was shocked to see it was not that bad. But i cleaned it anyway and also checked the pipe going to the cat and it was clear also. But i noticed the pipe gets burning hot sometimes after a drive and then others its just warm so i figured it is a blockage somewhere.
 

jbanks

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I second the DPFE sensor. If you have the originally cast aluminum looking sensor. They were a more mechanical design and the replacements that are plastic are an upgraded design.

This link has some good troubleshooting info:OBD-II Trouble Code: P0401 Insufficient EGR Flow

I just remembered the video on Rockauto.com that talks about the new sensor design. It's on this page: https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=945397&cc=1305133

Or here's a link to the Youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTf6ut1j9t8&feature=player_embedded
 
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onlyexilove

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I did a full build on mine and did the EGR delete in the process just to save the cost of the $100+ egr tube. I was planning on doing a tune with the SCT tuner so it worked out well in the end. You will for sure pop the EGR code for faulty circulation. I didn't see a huge difference in the drivability with the code but I didn't push it past a day or 2 before I would use the scanner to reset before I got the SCT tuner. I completely agree with toms89 on the gains you will see from it. Like he said most do it to clean up the engine bay and also do it after installing many upgrades such as headers and top end build or intake. Unless you are finding a true need for doing this and plan on doing even a can tune with something like the SCT SF3 then I would look into troubleshooting the code and replacing the necessary parts.
 
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215Expedition

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Ok cool, i did not think there would be much if any power gains, it's just ******* me off with this code. And don't want to clog up the cats. But i did hear about the tuner to but i dont think i will be doing anything to the motor anytime soon.
 

FordandPolaris

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Why not replace the DPFE sensor as has been suggested? If you still have the original that could very well be your problem.

And you mentioned earlier that at some times it is super hot and others just warm. Like Tom said it does not run all the time, so it would largely depend on the type of drive you took. I would say that is normal.
 
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215Expedition

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I'm going to replace it, and i think it is the original sensor anyway and the y are cheap and easy to replace. I took the egr tube off yesterday to check to see if it was clogged and it was not but the thing was burning hot after a 40 min drive home but cooled down quick.
 
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215Expedition

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Ok today while looking under the hood to see all i have to do to remove that sensor i noticed the egr vacuum solenoid was making a spinning sound for about 5 seconds after i turned the engine off. Like is was powering down, is that normal?
 

chad9f9

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Not sure on the sounds you are getting from your EGR Vacuum Solenoid. I just checked mine after a 20min drive and it didn't make any noticeable sounds. I also had the wife start and stop the engine while I was listening under the hood and no sound from the Solenoid. From what I understand your DPFE sensor is failed if you are getting both low flow and excessive flow codes (P0401 and P0402) at the same time (I think there is also a DPFE code). If you are only getting low flow the EGR is not opening when it is supposed to. This could be a failed EGR Vacuum Solenoid not applying proper vacuum to operate the Solenoid or a cracked hose to the EGR valve or clogged EGR valve or failed EGR valve. Since you have already cleaned it the only remaining items it could be are a failed EGR or the failed EGR Vacuum Solenoid or crack hoses. Since I am still running the original EGR valve and your Solenoid is making abnormal noise I would check the hose to the EGR valve or swap out the EGR Vacuum Solenoid. Just my opinion but I hope it helps.
 
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215Expedition

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Changed the sensor and the vacuum solenoid reconnected the battery and test drove it and I still get a stumble when I go up hills and still feels like a misfire but so far no CEL. so now I'm back to the misfire, changed all the plugs except #4 and 8 cause their are a notch to get to.
 

Expyguru

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I deleted mine during my build. A SCT tuner has the option for this. I makes no gains but does clean up the area. I have also noticed it will keep the intake cleaner I think not sure since I have a oil separator installed as well. Caused no issues with the way it runs, you have to figure in Do you have a tuner? Are comfortable to redo the vacuum lines? Are you sure you can break the nut loose on the manifold is the biggest one? I could not so I cut it, but I replaced mine with headers. So probably cheaper to just replace it.
 

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