Topic: EGR leaking on rebuilt 22RE

[Volcom]

I just noticed that I've got an EGR leak coming from the rear of the head on my 4Runner.  The firewall is starting to turn black.  Any ideas?  I used all new gaskets on the EGR stuff.  I made sure I tightened the EGR pipe. 

How tough is it to remove the EGR system from a 22RE?  I've got a buddy that has done it to his 85.  He ordered up the LC Engineering blockoff plates and removed quite a bit of the vacuum system.  We don't have smog testing here so that's not that big of a deal.

Is it worth the trouble of removing the EGR?  I can't believe how much black crap gets pumped back into the engine from the exhaust.  I just got done cleaning the head and TB during the rebuild and I bet there is a ton of crap back in there.   

[CTENG in KS]

Heck yes it is worth it...the lC kit is real nice, comes with new hardware and everything.  I was REALLY able to clean up all those vaccuum lines and crap with some little black plugs from autozone!   

[Volcom [OP]]

Heck yes it is worth it...the lC kit is real nice, comes with new hardware and everything.  I was REALLY able to clean up all those vaccuum lines and crap with some little black plugs from autozone!   

Thanks! 

[BUDDERS]

Ooh, that's a tight spot to work in.  Lets hope your head isn't cracked back there.  I hope it's just a pinched gasket or something easy.  

If I were you, I would definately use some block off plates.  I f you can't make your own, then get the ones from LC.  I live in California, so I have to keep my EGR here, but i decreased the amount of egr flow by making my own gasket where it bolts up to the intake.  I just made one out of a Coke can and made the hole in the center really small.  Its amazing how much black crap that little pipe blows in your engine.

[Volcom [OP]]

Are the 22RE's effected by removing the EGR systems?  How does yours run BUDDERS with the almost closed EGR?

[BUDDERS]

It runs great.  If you have a hot cam in it you should notice a difference.  Mine has a trd mid range cam and this egr mod helps with a slight stumble off idle.

[Volcom [OP]]

I got the LC blockoff plates in the mail!  Quick question, what do I do with the vacuum lines off of the EGR valve?  Do I need to find another vacuum source and splice them in??

Other than that, it looks like it's going to be tough to work back there.  Any tips or tricks on removing the EGR stuff without taking the engine out  ?
Thanks!

[Volcom [OP]]

Heck yes it is worth it...the lC kit is real nice, comes with new hardware and everything.  I was REALLY able to clean up all those vaccuum lines and crap with some little black plugs from autozone!   

Just reread your post after my last post asking about vacuum lines.  Can I just plug them with no ill effects?? 

[CTENG in KS]

As long as you do not have to smog the truck you can plug the egr stuff off and pull the associated vacuum line as well.  You can just plug the vacuum ports with little plugs from autozone, no ill effects at all.  It is just smog equipment, not necessary for engine operation.