EGR Valve on a TD4

[buddynz]

My TD4 had completed 113kms so decided to clean the EGR valve. The valve body itself and the entrance to the inlet manifold was very clogged with soft tar-like soot leaving a very small hole for the air to get through. I gave it a good clean and restored the airway. I have currently removed the vacuum hose and blocked it. My Freelander no longer smokes on acceleration and seems peppier. Engine temp on gauge seems to be down a small amount along with heater output temp. Anyone have any opinions on this in regard to the TD4. It seems crazy that the LR dealerships have not cleaned this valve at any service up to 113 km!

[Mockery]

I cleaned out and disconnected mine at around 85000 km, it was quite dirty but maybe not as blocked up as yours so I didn't notice a hugely dramatic change.

I noticed some oil in the air ducting when doing a service the other day, and I'm thinking I might need to swap the crankcase breather as per this thread: TD4 Crankcase Filter - LR4x4 - The Land Rover Forum (http://forums.lr4x4.com/index.php'showtopic=30982)

Also regarding the EGR mod (bypass pipe which eliminates the valve in the airflow), I was wondering if that whole heat exchanger assembly can be removed, or is it necessary for something else?

[buddynz]

Have seen the bypass mod kits, however I have a aftermarket warranty and so will not go down this track which may be used as an out on any engine claims. The vac pipe is easily replaced! I guess the exhaust is still heating the cooler water to a point, not as much as if it was flowing past to the egr. So removing the cooler could result in cooler engine temps in winter and I guess thats not desirable especially in regard to a slower warm up.