The trick is the coolant line is very hard to get off. Also getting to the bolts is very difficult. And it is basically a big box with two holes on each end. So the only way to really clean it is to soak it. then you would probably have to bake it to get the moisture out. And there is basically a coolant radiator on the inside of the chamber.

The valve is of course a nominal part. What would it take to just block it off the whole chamber not just the valve. What would it take to remove the whole chamber? And eleminate the whole EGR cooler and valve?

When you say hard to get to, and coolant line being difficult to get off, and a big box with holes, are you referring tot he thermostat, or the EGR Valve?

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1987 300SDL #1, 1987 300SDL #2, 1980 240D, 1982 300SD, 1994 S350, 1990 350SDL, 1991 350SD, 1985 300D, 2005 E320CDI

Gone, but not forgotten: 1981 300SD, 1982 300SD, 1987 300SDL, 1983 300TD, 1980 300CD, 1981 300SD #2, 1987 300D, 1987 300TDT, 1980 300D

The actual EGR switch is right on top. It comes out relatively easily. It is sealed in with a rubber gasket and just has to be wiggled out of its hole. But even before you do that just take the plastic cover off the end with a small screwdriver. And you will see the arm that pushes the valve up and down. Push on it with you finger to see if it goes up and down. It should. You can take the whole thing out if you like but that will never be the problem it is the EGR cooler that gets clogged up with soot. That is much harder to take off. Much harder to clean.

Sorry for the long response time.