Cummins ISX EGR Error

I have a CM871 ISX with DPF on an 2008 Pete 387.
I replaced the EGR valve at a Peterbilt dealer in CA 3 years ago.

Twice this week while driving I lost power for a few minutes. I couldn't get over 30 miles an hour. Engine light on. Kept driving with my flashers since I was in the middle of nowhere. After about 10 min, she cleared herself up and the engine opened up and roared like a lion as she took off.

Got to a dealer to have codes pulled. "EGR valve out of calibration".

So I went home and took it apart since he quoted me $1100 just for the valve, I figured I should at least look at it first.
I couldn't believe the crude I took out of there. The valve was apparently staying open because a chunk of hardened soot was caught in the valve. This explains an increase in Regens I was having.
I checked the valve itself- the plunger and the actuator are good. Anyway here are some pics to show how it can get in there.

There are 4 bolts holding the heat shield 10mm. Remove the fuel line and push off to the side.
Another 4 holding the actuator itself. I think 3 were 1/2 inch and 1 was a 16mm.
Then just rock the EGR valve around until it comes loose, don't drop it on the starter.

Its actually not that hard. No coolant lines to it or anything at least not this engine. I scraped it all out then sprayed and cleaned with carb and choke cleaner.


P.S. Thanks to Heavy D and Rawze for their knowledge.

 

Hello. Thank you for this write up. I am having same issue and want to pull the EGR off to see if it needs cleaning. I got all screws off but can't for the life of me get the egr to release from the engine. Is there a magic to break it away? I tried using a rubber hammer to see if I can get it to move but no luck..Even spray pb blaster.

Thanks in advance.