Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)

Lowers Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) emissions caused by high combustion temps Reduces engine knock (ping) EGR decreases combustion temperatures EGR valve = main element of EGR system Feeds small amounts of exhaust back to the combustion chamber This dilutes the air/fuel mixture, combustion temperatures are reduced Valve is open during engine cruise periods

EGR activation:

Warm engine operation Above idle speed EGR flow calculation PCM looks at readings from: ECT TPS VSS MAP or MAF IGN REF

Spring
Pintle

Passages

EGR opens and closes a passage between exhaust and intake. EGR valves are opened using: Vacuum (usually ported, may use vacuum control solenoid) Electronic (EGR valve uses solenoid)

Types of EGR:
1. Single Diaphragm Used with or without PCM controls

When the engine is idling, opening valve should stall the engine Opens fully with about 8 Hg. Used with a thermal vacuum switch and a possible vacuum delay valve. Single diaphragm may be used in an electronically controlled systems Basic standard since 1973

Types of EGR:
2. Integral Backpressure With or without PCM Internal Modulator controls EGR flow based on positive or negative exhaust pulses

Types of EGR:
3. External Modulator With or without PCM External Modulator controls EGR flow based exhaust pressure

Vacuum modulation is vital for good driveability and precise NOx control.

Types of EGR:
4. External sensor PCM commands solenoid (VSV) Sensor reports EGR valve position to PCM

May use 2 solenoids (vacuum and vent)

EGR SOLENOID

Types of EGR:
6. Linear Solenoid EGR No vacuum control PCM PWM Improved accuracy Faster response (10X) Improved diagnostics

Types of EGR:
Linear EGR schematic

5 wire: 2 for solenoid 3 for sensor

Types of EGR:
7. GM digital No vacuum 3 solenoids, 3 different exhaust ports. Valves may be operated separately or together to control EGR.

Types of EGR:
GM Digital Schematic

Types of EGR:
8. GM Integrated Electronic

Combines vacuum and electronic operation

PCM controlled vacuum regulator is built into the top of the EGR valve.
PWM signals operate regulator solenoid and control vacuum. Ported vacuum is supplied to the EGR valve assembly. EGR pintle sensor provides feedback to the PCM to verify desired action has occurred.

Types of EGR:
GM EGR solenoid details.

PCM controlled PWM PCM regulates the time the EGR is open by regulating solenoid on time (more EGR). Percentage of solenoid on time is the duty cycle: 0% equals no EGR; 100% equals maximum EGR. EGR vacuum switch signals PCM -vacuum present

High backpressure

Low backpressure 9. External Modulator with PCM controlled vacuum solenoid

PCM command opens or closes vacuum solenoid Modulator controls EGR flow based on vacuum & exhaust backpressure Vacuum signal varies through throttle opening

Various EGR controls