The EGR cooler keeps the temperature of exhaust gases in the EGR system low. These gases then get recirculated into the engine to decrease the temperatures of the cylinders. The gas circulated in the system can get extremely hot, which is what makes the EGR coolers so important.

But how do you know if this EGR cooler needs to be replaced? Here’s some information from a diesel performance shop in Corpus Christi, TX:

  • Overheating engine: Perhaps the first symptom that manifests itself when you’re having EGR cooler issues is an overheating engine. Any issues that could cause the EGR cooler to have a restricted flow of exhaust gases could result in the engine overheating. For example, carbon deposits could build up on the inside of the cooler, which prevents gases from freely flowing through. If the gases don’t flow through the cooler, they don’t get cooled down, meaning the engine is more susceptible to overheating.
  • Exhaust leaks: Exhaust leaks are often a result of failing EGR cooler gaskets, or other types of damage to the cooler. You might notice an exhaust leak by hearing a hissing or tapping sound coming out of the vehicle. Such a leak will reduce the efficiency of your EGR system and potentially impact the performance of the engine.
  • Increased emissions: EGR cooler problems often result in increased emissions, which is both a problem for you driving the vehicle and having to smell those emissions, as well as for your ability to pass an emissions test with your car. You might not be able to maintain a vehicle registration if you fail emissions tests, so it’s important to have the issue addressed immediately.
  • Check engine light: Check engine lights coming on are another common symptom of an EGR cooler that needs to be serviced or replaced. If the computer inside your vehicle detects an issue with the EGR system, such as poor exhaust or airflow, it will turn the check engine light on to alert you, the driver, that there is an issue. Of course, the check engine light could come on for many other types of vehicle issues, so its appearance does not automatically mean you have a problem for an EGR cooler. You’ll be able to zero in on the issue being the EGR cooler, though, if the check engine light comes on in addition to the other problems mentioned above.

Not every vehicle has an EGR cooler built into it, but the ones that do need those coolers to keep the engine working and to keep the vehicle drivable.

Therefore, if you have any reason to believe your EGR cooler is having issues that need to be addressed by a mechanic, we encourage you to contact Coastal Diesel Injection to learn more about diesel engine repair in Corpus Christi, TX. We’ll be able to look at your EGR system, uncover the cause of the problems and quickly produce a solution for you. We look forward to assisting you soon!