Another EGR thread, where the focus is NOT having to clean it, preventative care.

Guess you never saw a classic car show.....

 

Never one with Priuses - unless you count the ones in the parking lot.

I'm thinking that.....'perhaps' most ot the car show cars do not have EGR coolers.

 

ANY car will last if you take care of it. EVERY car will wear and need parts replaced.

 

3rd gen Prius needs a relentless, EGR clean-up crew. Just rite of ownership.

I’m surprised they don’t mention it in the owners manual, say together with the statement about oil consumption less than a quart every 600 miles being normal.

Owners manual oil consumption | PriusChat

 

Personally I think Ai is spot-on with using top tier gas. It's the only gas I ever use and when I went to clean my EGR at around 140k miles and it looked nothing like the images posted here. It was dirty, but not clogged in any way whatsoever.

 

Googled:

can 3rd gen prius EGR system be kept clean by using Top Tier gas

and got:

AI Overview
No, using Top Tier gasoline alone is unlikely to keep a 3rd gen Prius's EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system clean. While Top Tier gasoline can help keep fuel injectors and the combustion chamber cleaner, it won't prevent or remove the carbon buildup that typically clogs the EGR valve and passages.
Here's why:

• EGR system function:
  The EGR system recirculates exhaust gases back into the engine to reduce emissions. Over time, these gases deposit carbon and soot, leading to clogs.
• Top Tier gasoline benefits:
  Top Tier gasoline contains detergents that help keep fuel injectors and the combustion chamber cleaner by preventing the buildup of deposits.
• EGR system specific challenges:
  The EGR system is exposed to high temperatures and different types of combustion byproducts, making it more susceptible to carbon buildup than the fuel system.
• Manual cleaning required:
  Heavily caked EGR valves and passages typically require manual cleaning or the use of specialized EGR cleaning products.

In conclusion: While Top Tier gasoline is beneficial for overall engine health and fuel system cleanliness, it's not a substitute for regular cleaning of the EGR system. Some experts recommend manual cleaning of the EGR valve and related components every 100,000 miles to maintain optimal performance and prevent potential issues according to Tampa Hybrids Inc..

 

Never said its a substitute. I agree with what you posted Mendel, I was more specifically referring to the AI answer of:

• Better detergents → less carbon in combustion chamber → slightly less soot going into EGR.
• Won’t stop all buildup but helps

That I see in my car, so I agree with it.

 

I have always used top tier gas (shell) as well as something like a bottle of Techron or Gumout regane before an oil change, and my EGR system was almost completely clogged up at 140k and the Egr Valve was so stuck it had the classic mushed ski jump. I put a new valve and intake manifold, also cleaned the cooler. I’m approaching 210k but haven’t tore back into the egr, but plan to this winter. Side note: I did install an OCC that i clean out every 5k. I personally think it’s one of the best ways to lessen oil blow by, which in theory should keep the egr less gummed up with sticky oily residue.

 

this is an all time great thread

 

I agree to this, your 3rd gen head gasket will fail eventually. I think Toyota just use a poor made headgasket or something.

 

damn! That’s a nice guy lol, hopefully he’s still around when your headgasket starts leaking, make sure don’t blow the headgasket. Once you see you have a misfire and coolant leak, stop driving the car and start replacing the headgasket. Don’t risk blowing the engine since it’s still good, besides the headgasket.

 

Same inside my oil catch can, stainless steel
Scrubs. I laugh when I see everyone day use steel wool after they search the www. Another bad one of carista,
The marketing department for that company knocked it out of the ball park paying off search engine sites. I see it recommended all
The time for
Obd 2.