I heard the sad prognosis. I was in dire need of a new EGR cooler and EGR valve. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) serves to channel exhaust gases back to the combustion chAkriya to reduce the amount of NOx (Nitrous Oxide). But the exhaust gases are steamy hot and has to be cooled before getting recirculated – that’s why we need a valve and cooler.
International is notorious for these emissions issues. That’s because they elected not to use Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) to meet the 2010 NOx emissions standard. Without the use of urea, the EGR and DPF are not enough to reduce emissions and the DPF would clog up requiring many bothersome parked regens.
“Whoa, I’m putting soot into my combustion chamber? How does that affect my engine?” I asked incredulously.
“Yes the EGR reduces Nitrous Oxide through lowering the oxygen concentration in the combustion chamber, as well as through heat absorption,” answered Luke, my tech, who rattled off parts like they were names of his nieces and nephews.
The problem with recirculating emissions back into the combustion chamber is that soot is an abrasive and could cause catastrophic engine failure by damaging the camshaft and bearings.
“Do you idle your engine at night?” A eavesdropping trucker asked.
“Heck no! Not only does it hurt the engine, it’s harmful to the environment, and it’s noisy as a herd of elephants.