1997 e300 egr delete - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

joegolden · #1 10-12-2020, 10:56 AM

I had this car kinda fall in my lap. Runs and drives great 230k miles. CEL Is on due to egr delete. I am not familiar with this delete. Is this ok? Legit? Or is this backwoods mechaniching

rmasteller · #2 10-12-2020, 08:54 PM

What are you saying?
A) You have a CEL, you know it is because of a EGR delete, and you're asking if that's OK?
B) You have a CEL, and you're asking if it is because of an EGR delete?
C) You have a CEL, and you're asking if an EGR delete will fix it?
D) Other?

What are the OBD2 codes causing the CEL?

I have a 1997 E300D and I believe a EGR delete (block) will cause codes, but an EGR bypass that lets in fresh, filtered air will not cause codes. If I'm wrong, I'm sure to be corrected by this knowledgeable group. My EGR is intact and so far working as designed.

nelbur · #3 10-12-2020, 09:53 PM

As mentioned above, this year requires an air filter on the EGR valve. Remove the tube from the exhaust, plug the exhaust manifold, and install the air filter. When the valve activates it will get fresh air instead of exhaust. If you just plug the valve, there is a test procedure that it will fail which will light the check engine light.

tjts1 · #4 10-13-2020, 10:07 AM

Remove and clean the intake manifold first. It cloggs up with crankcase oil and soot.

tdoublenastywitit · #5 10-14-2020, 09:44 AM

he's saying that the guy who sold it to him did an egr delete and that he was told that is the reason why the CEL is on.

joegolden · #6 10-15-2020, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tdoublenastywitit

he's saying that the guy who sold it to him did an egr delete and that he was told that is the reason why the CEL is on.

Thanks yes. This is what I was trying to say. I had a few errors in my original questions.

It looks as if the EGR has been deleted. There is a pipe running down to what appears to be the exhaust manifold. One hose has been capped. I’m assuming it’s the hose that plugs into the little tit on the end of the tiny round canister?

Car seems to be running and driving really well. It is nowhere near as fast as my 95 E300 tho. Is it OK to run the car this way? I am not worried about the check engine warning. Thanks.

Could this also be the reason why this car does not feel as peppy as my 95?

rmasteller · #7 10-16-2020, 11:03 AM

Are you talking about the rubber vacuum line to the valve actuator? If the EGR valve plumbing is blocked, then I guess you don't need that line. It should be blocked as well, not left open.

Is it safe to run it this way? Probably. I think others have done it, and I don't see how it would damage anything. Others may disagree?

Would I run it this way? No. I'd put a filter on the pipe so fresh air is brought in, since the engine is expecting that valve to be open at times and exhaust gasses to be coming in. This would get rid of the CEL, so if other problems come up then you'd know the CEL is genuine for a new issue.

My 97 is running with a functioning EGR valve hooked up as designed. People block/bypass them because they don't want that dirty exhaust gas coming back into the intake manifold and engine, and it can be an expensive part to replace if it fails.

joegolden · #8 10-17-2020, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmasteller

Are you talking about the rubber vacuum line to the valve actuator? If the EGR valve plumbing is blocked, then I guess you don't need that line. It should be blocked as well, not left open.

Is it safe to run it this way? Probably. I think others have done it, and I don't see how it would damage anything. Others may disagree?

Would I run it this way? No. I'd put a filter on the pipe so fresh air is brought in, since the engine is expecting that valve to be open at times and exhaust gasses to be coming in. This would get rid of the CEL, so if other problems come up then you'd know the CEL is genuine for a new issue.

My 97 is running with a functioning EGR valve hooked up as designed. People block/bypass them because they don't want that dirty exhaust gas coming back into the intake manifold and engine, and it can be an expensive part to replace if it fails.

OK great thank you for a little clarity. The gentleman told me that he did not want to replace the part because he said it was like $1000. His brother is an import mechanic and has worked on the car for the past 10 years or so. He is the one that did the delete. I agree with you about the check engine light. It would be nice to know If there are any new engine issues. I I am curious if there is a used market on those EGR’s?

rmasteller · #9 10-17-2020, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joegolden

I am curious if there is a used market on those EGR’s?

Dont know. You may have to watch the pick-n-pulls.