I took off the EGR valve to clean. Instructions obtained from this site said to work the top part of it with your fingers until the valve on the bottom opens for better cleaning. I am assuming that this valve on the bottom is the actual bottom of the EGR? It looks like a disk slightly sunken in. It has a metal pin on the side that probably serves as a pivot. If this is a valve and it is supposed to open fairly easily and does not-would this cause my car to idle improperly (think I answered my own question)?

 

Yes the SR20DE sentra/200sx se-rs have problems with malfunctioning EGR valves also. 90% of the time they can be cleaned to fix the problem.

 

Thanks for that response, but my question still stands-is that recessed bottom disk on the bottom of the egr valve supposed to move when manipulated?

 

Yes. If you can move it with your fingers, it's "probably" okay. You should also be able to get to move by appling vaccuum.

real way is to use a vacuum hand tester and see if you can get to move.

ghetto way is to attach the rubber hose and suck on it to see if you can get to move.

Bot cases if you can't get to move, it's stuck and you have to clean it or the diaphragm is damaged(ie.. it moves when you use your fingers but not when you apply vacuum)

 

good luck again i hope you get to move let me know

 

I called a local Schucks and they dont test egrs... How much and where can I get one of those hand vacuum testers?

 

Not the greatest way but you can find out in about 10 seconds. If you really want a vacuum tester, go to Sears.

 

Autozone has a free 'rent a tool' hand vacuum pump.

I cleaned mine out by disconnecting the tube that feeds exhaust gasses to the egr (disconection both ends). Then with the engine on (and with an extra set of hands) I sprayed carburator cleaner inside the egr opening, while pulling up on the egr diaphram, and also raising the engine speed.

It will be a little noisy but not that bad, b/c of the hole that is left in the exhaust pipe during the procedure. Remember to add anti-seeze compound to both threads when reinstalling that exhaust gas feeder pipe.

The carbon deposits that are inside the egr can prevent the valve from fully closing. If exhaust gasses are able to enter the engine while its idling this will lead to rough idle or even stalling.