Tom

Tom,

Q I own a ‘98 Ford F-150 and the check engine light is on. AutoZone

informed me that the code says there is a problem with the EGR valve. What
does that mean? Do I need to replace the valve or can it be cleaned?

Steve—Los   Alamos, New Mexico

Steve,

A EGR stands for “exhaust gas recirculation” system. This system

recirculates exhaust gas to cool the catalytic converters and re-burn unburned
gases in the engine (thus lowering tailpipe emissions). Carbon buildup is
common in Ford EGR systems. If there is buildup on the valve, then I can
assure you that the EGR passages under the intake manifold and in the
cylinder heads are also clogged and must be cleaned in addition to replacing
the EGR valve, or the problem will continue to rear its ugly head.