25 Pros and Cons of EGR Delete | What Does An EGR Delete Do?

Table of Contents

1 What is an EGR Delete?
2 What is the function of the EGR Delete Kit?
3 Pros and Cons of EGR Deletion
- 3.1 Pros of EGR Deletion
- 3.2 Cons of EGR Delete
4 How to Delete an EGR System
5 EGR Delete Kit Cost
6 Does an EGR system damage the Turbo?
7 Frequently Asked Questions

An EGR system is the most important part of your vehicle. It reduces the emissions of exhaust gases. It contains an EGR valve that recirculates the exhaust gases into the intake system. The EGR valve enhances the overall efficiency of your engine and reduces nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx). The EGR delete kit is usually used to improve engine performance.

The recirculation of exhaust gases sometimes causes various engine issues and repairs. Due to these frequent and long-lasting engine issues, many professional mechanics suggest deleting the EGR system from the engine. To prevent the engine from frequent issues and poor performance, an EGR delete kit is suggested to be installed to enhance the performance and efficiency of the vehicle eventually. This article mainly explains the EGR delete kit replacement cost and how to install it.

What is an EGR Delete?

EGR is the abbreviation for “exhaust gas recirculation.” The EGR delete is a process that is used to remove or disable an EGR system from diesel engines.

The EGR system may be disabled by fitting the EGR delete kit in the engine. This EGR delete kit overrides the EGR system of your engine with the help of an advanced programmer.

The main function of the EGR system is to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions from exhaust gases. For this purpose, it recirculates some of the exhaust gases back into the intake system of your engine to lower the combustion temperature and reduce the amount of NOx from the exhaust gases.

With the recirculation of the exhaust gases in the intake system, soot is also recirculated, which may sometimes clog the intake system of your engine. This clogged soot results in decreasing the engine’s efficiency and leads to some expensive repairs and fixes.

Many diesel engine users like to use the EGR delete kit just to enhance the efficiency and performance of the vehicle. But the removal of the EGR system will result in the production of the pollutant, and this will take your vehicle far from the emission standards. Due to this pollutant emission factor, the installation of an EGR delete kit is restricted in many countries, and if an owner is found with an EGR delete kit, he or she will have to pay a fine.

What is the function of the EGR Delete Kit?

The main function of the EGR delete kit is to remove or disable the EGR system from the engine. It improves engine performance, increases engine life, and lowers maintenance costs.

Deleting the EGR system may also have some bad effects on the environment. It can increase emissions, create potential illegal risks, and reduce fuel economy. So, always research the pros and cons of EGR delete or EGR delete kit before installing it.

Pros and Cons of EGR Deletion

Pros of EGR Deletion

1) Improved Fuel Efficiency

The burning of the clean fuel in the engine and the restricted recirculation of the dirty fuel increases the fuel efficiency of your engine. This clean fuel circulation restores the power levels of the engine and improves its fuel efficiency.

Blocking recirculation of the dirty exhaust gases and soot also prevents the fuel filters from blockage, avoids filter failures, and increases fuel efficiency by up to 20%.

2) Enhance Engine Power

One of the major advantages of the EGR delete is that this process enhances your engine power, efficiency, and performance. This enhanced performance and efficiency will make the engine even more powerful.

However, your EGR valve sacrifices the engine’s performance to achieve its goal.

3) Low Maintenance Cost

Usually, the EGR system results in frequent and long-lasting issues. Therefore, deleting the EGR system will result in less maintenance cost.

4) Improve Engine Life

The temperature and pressure of the engine may increase by removing the EGR system from your car. The carbon buildup in the engine will eventually decrease due to the removal of the EGR. The EGR delete also improves the service life of the engine.

5) Low Installation Cost

The EGR delete kit is one of the most reasonable kits that someone can buy to increase the performance and efficiency of the engine. For only a few hundred dollars, you can easily increase the power of your engine.

6) Low Carbon Accumulation

When the EGR valve lowers the combustion temperature and pressure in the engine, it leads to a higher accumulation of carbon on the engine parts. Therefore, deleting the EGR system helps reduce the carbon buildup.

7) Improve Vehicle Reliability

By using the EGR delete kit, the cars are set free from the clogged EGR valve and intake manifold issues. This eventually improves the reliability of your engine.

Cons of EGR Delete

The following are some disadvantages of EGR deletion:

1) Higher Emissions

Your EGR system helps in removing the NOx from the exhaust gases. But deleting the EGR system will result in higher emission of exhaust gases into the environment.

The higher emissions of NOx badly affect the environment and humans and may produce some serious harm to the surroundings. EGR deletion can result in illegal fines and penalties.

2) Illegal

As we discussed above, the EGR system reduces the emissions of NOx and makes your vehicle environmentally friendly. The EGR delete makes the surrounding air more poisonous. Therefore, it is illegal in many countries and can cause some legal fines and penalties to the owner.

3) Engine Damage

The pressure and temperature of the engine increase with the removal of the EGR system. This enhanced pressure and temperature may damage the valve, piston, and cylinder head of your engine.

4) Poor Fuel Economy

Usually, an EGR delete enhances the fuel economy, but it may reduce it. Removing the EGR valve may lead to poor fuel economy, which can lead to expensive repair and maintenance costs.

5) Voided Warranty

Your engine warranty will be canceled by installing the EGR delete kit or removing the EGR system. This void warranty then makes the owner responsible for any future cases of damage.

6) Failed Emission Test

The EGR system minimizes the emission of exhaust gases to the environment. The removal of the EGR system will lead to higher emissions and cause your car to fail emissions testing.

How to Delete an EGR System

Deleting an EGR system is a complex procedure consisting of several steps. These steps may vary with the engine model and the EGR system. Following are the basic steps needed to be followed in the EGR delete:

Check if the EGR delete is legal in your country: Before deleting the EGR system, make sure that it is legal in your area and properly research its consequences.
Gather the Necessary Tools: If EGR deletion is legal in your area, then gather the necessary tools to remove the EGR system.
Let the Engine Cool Down: If your engine is in running condition and hot, turn it off and wait for a few minutes until your engine cools down.
Locate your EGR System: The location of the EGR system depends on the vehicle model. Take help from the manufacturer manual to easily find the EGR system.
Remove Battery Connections: Remove all the battery terminals from the EGR system before starting your work.
Disconnect the EGR system components: It’s time to remove the various EGR system parts, including the EGR cooler, hoses, fittings, and EGR valves. In some EGRs, there may be a need to remove the exhaust system and intake manifold.
Installation of the EGR Delete Kit: After removing the EGR system components, install the EGR delete kit or the block-off plates to block the route of the exhaust gas recirculation.
Install necessary parts: Sometimes, with the EGR delete kit, you may need to install some other parts, such as a cooler delete kit or a programmer.
Reinstall the Engine Parts: Now, reinstall all the parts of the engine back to their original locations.
Testing: After connecting all the essentials, test the engine and check whether the EGR delete kit is working properly. Note down the engine performance, fuel economy, and emissions.

After removing the EGR system, it is important to check the engine performance and fuel economy because sometimes deleting the EGR system may cause some serious issues, which include poor engine performance and lower fuel economy. It may void the engine warranty and harm the engine.

EGR Delete Kit Cost

The installation cost of the EGR delete kit varies according to the vehicle model and make of the engine. In some cases, this can be very expensive, but mostly it is inexpensive. Usually, the EGR delete kit cost installation is between $200 and $400.

Does an EGR system damage the Turbo?

Yes, sometimes a bad EGR system produces excessive soot at the turbine end of the turbocharger. This excessive accumulation of the soot/carbon may clog the VNT mechanism. A clogged VNT mechanism may shift the vehicle into “limp mode”. The limp mode turns on the check engine light on the vehicle dashboard and reduces engine performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an EGR Delete Kit do?

The main function of the EGR delete kit is to remove or disable the EGR system from the engine. It improves engine performance, increases engine life, and lowers maintenance costs.

Why should you not delete your EGR system?

You shouldn’t delete an EGR system because of the following bad consequences:

An EGR delete increases the toxic emissions in the surrounding area.
It can lead to legal action and fines.
The removal of the EGR kit voids your engine’s warranty.
Some mechanics will not be ready to work on your engine.
It may lead to emission test failure.
It may lead to engine performance-related issues.

How much can additional power be expected after installing an EGR delete kit?

This power gain depends on your vehicle and the model of the engine. Usually, an EGR delete kit greatly enhances the power of the engine and fuel economy. This power is increased due to the improved airflow and the removal of restrictions in the exhaust and intake systems.

According to some diesel engine users, the power increase with an EGR delete kit is approximately 30 horsepower with 50 pound-feet of torque.

What are the Cons of EGR Delete?

It is illegal
It increases the emissions of the NOx
It may lead to poor fuel economy
It may cause poor engine performance.
You can’t drive your vehicle with an EGR delete in areas where emissions test is compulsory.

Does an EGR delete make black smoke?

No, removing the EGR will not cause black smoke. The back smoke is produced only when excessive fuel enters the engine and does not burn properly.

What happens after EGR is deleted?

After EGR delete, you will observe a clear improvement in your engine performance. Less fuel will be burned in the engine, which will restore its power and improve overall engine efficiency. This eventually increases the life of your engine and reduces the need for frequent engine maintenance.

Can an EGR delete be reversed?

Yes, the EGR valve can be reversed, unlike the DPF removal. This can be done simply by unblocking the vacuum hose or removing the blanking plate.

How Much Does An EGR Delete Cost?

The EGR delete cost depends on your vehicle model and the area where you live. The average cost for an EGR delete is from $80 to $1100.

Is an EGR delete illegal?

In most states, it is not legal to delete the EGR system. Throughout the United States, there are standardized regulations for roadworthy vehicles, and a fundamental requirement for the vehicles to be eligible for road registration is the presence and functionality of an EGR system.

Written By

Engineer Rahela

Rahela is the owner and main author of Mechanicalspecial. She is an automotive expert writer. She have over four years of experience in the automotive writing niche and have completed over 700 pieces of content from 40 projects. She have good knowledge and skill in vehicle repairing, all mechanical work, car upgrades and maintenance.