Cleaning EGR Ports

[CARRisma]

I've read a few online articles on cleaning out the EGR ports and have read that Honda sell replacement EGR port caps (17199-PT3-AHM), but I get the impression they are only available in the USA. Has anyone here managed to buy a set? Or has anyone else used an alternative such as a bolt? Has anyone here cleaned out thier car's EGR ports?

[mercutio]

I think buzz did also Nathan had some covers machined

[106pete]

I went abit over the top cleaning mine out

[NafemanNathan]

I made covers up for my ATR IM as it has a removable plate, but on a standard Prelude H22a manifold the ports are filled in with liquid metal on a 4th gen's and as you said, plugged on a 5th gens. There was someone how went through the whole ordeal of getting them on PUK years back (Not sure if it was STK maybe ???), but they're bound to be a standard thread, so if you can find out what it is, I'm sure you'll be able to get them else where in this country.

[NafemanNathan]

4th gen ports covered over...



5th gen ports...



Is this how they look on a 5th gen? Looks like they need to be drilled and tapped.

ATR with top plate removed...

[BlackShadow]

This was being discussed on TPC a while ago...

http://www.hondaprelude.to/forums/showt ... ost1696365

^I don't see why this wouldn't work. It would be a bit of a pain to set it up, but once the holes are tapped, you could clean your EGR ports every day if you wanted.

[CARRisma]

Went to a local Honda dealer today and gave them the part number (17199-PT3-AHM), along with two photos of the caps in their original Honda packaging, and as expected - computer says noooooo.

Looks like I'm gonna have to go down the route of sticking bolts in there. And as @BlackShadow has said, once it's done, it's easier to clean the ports in the future.

[CARRisma]

I did this job on 01/06/13. There's many write-ups on the internet, mainly from America, which recommend a slide hammer for pulling the plugs. I haven't got one so after drilling holes in the plugs then screwing in a self-tapping screw, I yanked the phuckers out with a claw hammer. Simples. After cleaning out the ports and the EGR valve with carb cleaner spray and a wire coat hanger, I plugged the ports using M10 BZP nuts. As they were 20mm long, they where trimmed down to about 7 mm ish as to not obstruct the ducts inside. They were sealed in place using Loctite 5910 Premium Black Silicone Gasket Maker/Sealant.

Also, I've seen write ups that recommend removing the IACV and fuel pressure regulator. I didn't find this necessary at all, but did disconnect the fuel pipe which connects to the fuel rail so I can get easier access to the last two ports.

I've seen many examples on the internet where the ports were completely clogged solid and that is what I expected mine to be like, but rather surprisingly, the weren't. My car had done 124,895 miles when I did this a week and a half ago and the EGR valve wasn't too bad either.

So here's the way I did it:

1 ) Centre punch plug.
2 ) Drill small hole in plug, While drilling, use a vacuum cleaner to clear away the tiny bits of metal.
3 ) Screw in self tapping screw.
4 ) Pull out with claw hammer.
5 ) Using the vacuum cleaner, suck out the tiny bits of metal from the port which came from the drilled plug.
6 ) Repeat steps 1-5 for other 5 ports.
7 ) Scrape out crap with wire coat hanger or something similar. You'll be able to feed it through the ducts if they're clear.
8 ) Blast out crap with compressed air (I bought an "air duster" from Staples for less than £5).
9 ) Clean out crap with carb cleaner spray.
10 ) Repeat steps 7-9 until you're satisfied.
11 ) Seal the ports using M10 nuts and high temperature sealant.

When I say "I did it", it was with help from my dad Obviously, the engine will be a little reluctant to start straight away after this but once it's running, it will be fine.

Work in progress:


Finished:

[wurlycorner]

Admire your patience!

Noticed any change since doing it?

[CARRisma]

Admire your patience!

Noticed any change since doing it?

I reckon yes. But at the same time as doing this, I used two cans of Sea Foam - 1 in the petrol tank, 1 in the intake manifold (1/3 through brake servo line, 1/3 through PCV line and 1/3 sprayed through throttle body). So I can't say if cleaning the EGR system made the most difference or if it was the Sea Foam. I reckon it does seem smoother and more punchy / responsive in the lower rev range. Also seems less prone to pinking - my car started pinking a year or so ago while cold and this is one of the things I'm trying to sort it. So, I reckon yes, but there's a chance this could be placebo. I'm glad I did it though.