So, where exactly does the EGR cooler plumbing tend to leak?

dgeist · **Posted:** Wed Oct 01, 2014 7:15 pm

I've had a consistent slow coolant leak for a while and have confirmed it's on the driver's side. I can see some moisture up above the started area if looking from underneath and it's well behind the intake collar (so it's not oil). I'm guessing (since I can't see it), that the EGR cooler is leaking....but where?

Does anyone who's had a coolant leak in this area have some sage advice for location exactly what's the culprit without tearing the whole side of the engine bay out to get to it? Do the hoses go? Is it the wye fittings that split the flow off to the solenoid? Is it likely a gasket leak in the egr assembly itself (or do those gaskets even SEAL a water chamber...I'm not sure)?

Thanks in advance for any constructive thoughts.

Dan

daytona701 · **Joined:** Sat Oct 20, 2012 11:32 pm **Posts:** 99

Hi, I just discovered tonight I have a leak in the same place as you. I posted a question to the forum and am looking for a answer. Good luck.

dgeist · **Posted:** Wed Oct 01, 2014 8:40 pm

daytona701 wrote:

Hi, I just discovered tonight I have a leak in the same place as you. I posted a question to the forum and am looking for a answer. Good luck.

Interestingly, I think I answered your question...

papaindigo · **Posted:** Thu Oct 02, 2014 3:20 pm

There have been some posts about leaks in this area. While it's possible the leak could be in a) the EGR cooler or b) the EGR valve body see pic 3 at viewtopic.php?f=98&t=74594 it's more likely the leak is in one of the 4 hoses in that area and if it's a small leak I'd bet on a bad OEM spring clamp as they do have a somewhat finite life as they tend to lose tension over time. However IIRC there have been a couple of reports that the smaller hoses have failed or are failing. Appropriate size heater hose is a suitable replacement.

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Fri Oct 03, 2014 12:06 am

The small hoses, there are two of them, get hard and crack. One of them is most likely your leak. You can use rubber fuel hose to replace them. I think they are 3/8 in size... They are not to bad to get at, unbolt the fuel head and move it over to gain access to the EGR cooler/hoses area... Have some new antifreeze available, cause you are going to loose some when you pull the hoses! :wink:

If you or anyone else needs a good EGR cooler, I got a good one that I removed last fall along with the EGR valve and FCV... Noting wrong with any of them, I just wanted to get rid of all the junk off the motor... :SOMBRERO:

dgeist · **Posted:** Sat Oct 04, 2014 9:50 am

I suspected as much (small hoses or bad spring clamps) but it's nice to have confirmation. Also nice to know there are few custom-formed parts at play.

I'm torn between stocking up on clamps and hose and replacing everything and just simply bypassing all of it. I've been sans-egr-function for 5 years and have no intention of going back any time soon, but I don't want to gut the whole thing (i.e. remove egr assembly) for fear of potential issues if I ever have someone do engine work (granted, that's pretty slim).

Thanks for the info.

Dan

So, where exactly does the EGR cooler plumbing tend to leak?

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