Another P0401 CEL code question

[tmanana]

I've read all the posts on the "EGR Flow Insufficient" code and was curious if you thought a carbon cleaner like Seafoam would be helpful? I had a friend suggest that.

Checked for pinched hoses and reset the ECU and got the code back so just figuring out my options short of buying a new EGR valve. Toyotapartscheap.com has it listed for the 2.2 for $124.56 btw.

For those who replaced it how involved a process was it?

Thanks for the heads up in advance!

[Midias]

just take it off and hit it with throttlebody cleaner.

On another note seafoam kicks ass too

[Strider327]

I agree with Midias, try seafoam before doing anything. Do two full treatments and you should see results, if its all bad after that....take it apart and hit it with TB cleaner, no need to buy another one.

Good Luck,
Calvin

[tmanana]

For those who have used this stuff....

"With engine warm pour SEA FOAM through direct manifold vacuum line that will feed all cylinders, possible sources are P.C.V. valve or brake booster line. This will pull SEA FOAM down on top of the pistons and to the back of the intake valves to dissolve carbon. Turn ignition off. Restart engine after 5 minutes.

Pour 1/3 to 1/2 pint into oil crank case to clean rings, lifters, dirty parts and remove moisture.

Pour 1/3 to 1 full pint into fuel tank to clean injectors, carburetor jets, fuel lines and remove moisture."

Curious about the vacuum line part. I assume the car won't be able to idle if the hose is detached? Will I need someone else to give some gas as I pour it in?

And otherwise just put some in where you add oil and some in the gas tank?

Also do I need to change my oil after I go through this process?

Thanks.

[Strider327]

I would say just search but I'll let you in on the whole procedure...

Vaccum line procedure:

Unhook the vaccum line and have someone inside the car ready to start up the car. Once the line is disconnected and you have the seafoam in a cup or something have the other person start the car....

Once the car is started let the vaccum line suck in the seafoam from the cup slowly and make sure the person in the driver seat holds up the idle around 2k or higher but not redline....basically do not let the engine cut off. (When the seafoam is being sucked in, it will try to cut off the engine) Once the seafoam is gone, tell the driver to cut off the engine, that's it. Wait for like 5 mins before driving off on FULL THROTTLE about 5 mins or until the white smoke is completely gone. During this whole thing, you will notice clouds of fat white smoke just coming out of the exhaust.

For a Full treatment:

1 bottle into the gas tank
1 bottle to be sucked through the vaccum line
1/2 a bottle into the oil crank case

Note: For V6's the check engine light will come on.....don't worry nothings wrong. Just disconnect the negative terminal for 10 mins and reconnect, it should go away.

Good Luck and have fun!
Calvin

[tmanana]

Boy the cup method makes a lot of sense

I should have thought about that. But thanks for the heads up! I'll get a friend to help me with that soon.