EGRs work by cooling and recycling some of your vehicle’s exhaust back into your engine. Because this gas has already been through the combustion cycle, it’s inert — meaning it can’t participate in the next chemical reaction.
Recycling this gas lowers the temperature of the next combustion cycle, reducing the amount of NOx that’s created and released into the environment. Here’s how reusing exhaust gas reduces temperatures in your engine:
- It takes up space, so less active gas is involved.
- It absorbs some of the heat from the combustion process.
Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks to using an EGR to reuse exhaust. The most notable is that soot can build up as carbon in your engine, eventually impacting its performance. Another downside is reduced fuel efficiency because hotter temperatures mean a better fuel-to-oxygen ratio.
What Is EGR Delete, and What Does It Do?
Because of these drawbacks, some people prefer to remove this recirculation system. You can order many types of EGR delete kits online to help you complete this vehicle modification. However, removing your EGR for any reason is illegal because of the emissions’ negative environmental impact.
Despite this fact, people tend to use EGR delete kits on commercial diesel trucks or personal Ford trucks with 6.4 powerstroke engines. If your only use of the vehicle is for offroading, removing the EGR system may not technically be considered illegal.
Instead of removing their EGRs completely, some people opt for blocking theirs. This process involves installing a plate that blocks exhaust from re-entering the engine. Because it also impacts emission levels, EGR blocks don’t meet EPA standards and are also illegal.
EGR Delete vs. EGR Disable vs. EGR Bypass
What happens if you remove the EGR valve? Although this may seem like a simple way to work around your EGR system, newer cars will flag this with an engine light. Drivers who are serious about turning off their EGR systems have found other ways to do so.
There are a few options for people who want to change their EGR system. However, it’s important to note that all these options are illegal since they all interfere with emissions control. Each method appeals to different goals and vehicle models:
- EGR delete: Some drivers who do not want to use their EGR systems remove them to lose the extra weight and create more space inside the engine. An EGR delete kit helps users completely remove EGR systems without damaging their vehicles.
- EGR disable: You can also disable your EGR system by reprogramming the engine control module (ECM) that digitally controls your vehicle. This option is less work than manually removing the EGR system and can help prevent trouble codes from lighting up in your vehicle.
- EGR bypass: An EGR bypass is similar to the delete kit but doesn’t fully remove the system. To prevent the EGR system from impacting your engine, you would install a blocker plate and a bypass tube.
Although EGR delete kits aren’t expensive, they can take a bit of work. Many people choose the disable or bypass route because it’s easier to complete. You can also revert these changes later fairly easily compared to putting the entire EGR system back in.
Benefits of EGR Delete
Some people determine the risk is worth removing their truck’s EGR system due to its potential advantages. You can find plenty of advice online that discusses the benefits of blocking or removing your EGR system.
Here’s what people are saying:
- Soot reduction: The most notable benefit of completing an EGR delete is less soot in your engine. Over time, soot buildup can reduce engine performance by contaminating oil, clogging filters and affecting other components of your system. Unfortunately, sending exhaust back through the engine using an EGR system increases soot buildup.
- Higher fuel efficiency: When the exhaust isn’t funneled back into the combustion chamber, there’s more oxygen available for the chemical reaction. Higher amounts of oxygen mean a higher temperature explosion and better fuel efficiency — which can help you save on diesel.
- Engine power: Using all-new air for each reaction means your vehicle may have more power. There’s nothing tempering each combustion, giving you the maximum amount of heat energy and the highest amount of mechanical energy per combustion cycle.
While these benefits sound great, they don’t give the full picture. Many people who work in the industry acknowledge that leaving your EGR system alone and investing in maintenance is best for high performance and longevity.
Drawbacks and Risks
The EGR has been figured into the engine design, particularly in newer cars. Increasing the temperature in your combustion chambers could cause complications with your vehicle.
Here are some disadvantages of tampering with your EGR system:
- Engine damage: Removing the EGR system will reduce soot buildup in your engine. However, if your vehicle was designed to use this system, it may not be built to handle more oxygen and heat in each combustion cycle. Overheating your engine repeatedly could cause damage and lead to problems over time.
- Fuel performance: Taking the EGR system out of your vehicle doesn’t always improve fuel efficiency. If your engine’s sensors show that the air and fuel ratio in your combustion chamber is off, your vehicle might adjust the amount of fuel it’s supplying per combustion cycle — negatively affecting your fuel performance.
- Warranty and insurance concerns: Most insurance companies and warranties are only legally binding when the equipment is running as intended, without illegal modifications. If you tamper with your EGR system, you may void your warranty or run into insurance issues later.
- Environmental pollution: Of course, another drawback is the negative impact on the environment. Although the NOx molecules in exhaust from one vehicle cause a limited amount of harm, a whole fleet of trucks emitting these chemicals can create smog that significantly affects the environment and human health.
Some people find that taking the EGR system out of their vehicle significantly affects their fuel economy and engine power. However, for most people, this modification isn’t worth the drawbacks and risks. In most cases, leaving the EGR system in place actually ensures your vehicle will run best.
How Can Hot Shot’s Secret Help You Improve Your Diesel Performance?
Hot Shot’s Secret can help you improve diesel performance legally. Rather than tamper with your EGR system, why not check out our fuel additives to enhance your engine’s health and increase fuel efficiency.
Hot Shot’s Secret products are formulated to improve engine performance and efficiency, and many of their products specifically target soot reduction and engine cleanliness, which in turn enhance performance. Many of our diesel additives include a cetane booster to improve combustion:
1. Certain additives, like Everyday Diesel Treatment (EDT) and Diesel Extreme boost cetane levels which improve combustion efficiency. Better combustion reduces the amount of soot produced by the engine.
2. Cleaning Detergents: Products like Diesel Extreme contain powerful cleaning agents that clean the fuel system, including injectors and combustion chamber areas. By removing existing deposits and preventing new ones, these detergents ensure more complete fuel burning, thus reducing soot buildup.
3. Lubrication: Additives such as the FR3 Friction Reducer include lubricants that enhance oil’s ability to protect engine components. Better lubrication reduces friction, wear, and tear in the engine, leading to improved performance and potentially less soot production due to less metal-to-metal contact.
4. Restoring Injector Spray Patterns: Clean injectors are crucial for optimal spray patterns and fuel atomization. When injectors are clogged, the spray pattern gets distorted, leading to poor combustion and increased soot. Products like Stiction Eliminator restore proper function to injectors.
5. Reduced Exhaust Emissions: With improved combustion and cleaner engines, exhaust emissions are often reduced, which not only decreases soot but also other harmful pollutants.
Browse our products or contact us today to learn more!