EGR/Cooler Cleaning

Sharing information that might be helpful. At 58k I started to get codes related to turbo problems. In addition to the codes, I also had what I'm going to call something sticking in the turbo. I would clear the codes and it didn't take long for them to return. I continued to have sticking turbo issues that I could "drive thru" and I would be good for a short while. I was late with the 62k EGR/cooler cleaning. I tried it at 82k, but aborted after only cleaning the EGR and replacing the filter. My instructions sent me to a fastener, that I couldn't get off. At 102k and some You Tube help, I cleaned both the EGR and cooler (I missed the crossover pipe). That fastener never needed to be removed! So with 1.5k on the clean EGR and cooler, not one code or sticking of the turbo. Apparently, a dirty EGR and cooler can make the turbo stick. With these results, and the actual ease of EGR and cooler cleaning, I'm probably going to do it again after a few more thousand miles (including the cross over pipe). Just thought I'd share.

 

Was the ECM updated so that VGT vanes do the cleaning routine at startup? This feature was later added.

 

Is an EMC update the same thing as a flash? I remember when the truck was young, it had a few flash updates. Is there somehow I can know what version of flash the truck has or should have?

 

Another thing I changed. I would always turn on the exhaust brake just after start up and always keep it on. Recently, I decided to wait until I put a small load on the engine then turn on the brake. I did that because some of the sticking would occur just after start up.

 

Still not a bad to clean the cooler at least every other CCV filter change. Not sure that it would need every time the filter is changed. All depends on the use of the truck. I turn on the EB all the time, no matter the load. Just had my cooler back of do to exhaust manifold gaskets, and it's been not quite 50K and wasn't near as dirty as the first time it was off at 132K! I used Purple Power as cleaning fluid with an overnight soak on cooler with great results! Just need to plan to be down a couple days for good soak. The kit with plugs from Genos was worth it.