After looking around here, I've determined one problem I'm experiencing is related to the EGR valve possibly needing to be cleaned as this has never been done. On my '95 V6 4R with 146k I have an intermittent rough idle at start-up, kind of sluggish from stops, and poor gas mileage. I've had the rough idle for years, but its getting more frequent. I recently changed plugs, wires, and fuel filter, and that made no change in this condition. I got the two oem gaskets related to this, but am not even sure if I need them.

What exactly needs to be removed and cleaned? Is it only the top portion of the valve, and if so, does this need to be taken apart once removed to clean? Or do also the tubes/pipes going to it need to be removed and cleaned? I've also seen some information on here that there is a filter that needs to be cleaned. Where is that, inside the valve or somewhere else? Anything else that I should consider cleaning/replacing while I'm doing this?

I've obviously got no clue what I'm doing here, but this seems pretty straight forward, as soon as I figure out how to go about this. Any help, pics, whatever would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!!

 

take it apart soak it in some degreaser get ya a tooth brush and something to clean the inside with and after you get it all clean spray the inside withsome wd40 it will keep everything on the inside working smoothly worked good on mine like that good luck

 

Just cleaned mine...right off the truck.

 

OK let me rephrase. I know how to clean, just gotta figure out what parts need to be cleaned? Is it just the top round part or do the hard tubes and things need to be taken apart and cleaned as well. I'm not talking vac lines, but the hard tubes that go to it? Also, where is the filter for it that other posts recommend cleaning? Is this in the valve or somewhere else?
I've seen the posts and benefits about removing it, but in California, it wouldn't pass smog and I'm not about to remove it and put it back every couple of years.

 

If the EGR is leaking exhaust in when it's closed, you'll need to apply enough vacuum to the servo to open the valve then use a brass brush to clean the carbon off.

But you could probably eliminate the EGR valve as a problem if you disconnect and plug the vacuum hose to it thus rendering the EGR valve inoperative, when you don't have the idle problem and see if the problem comes back.