Good read for anybody just getting into this stuff, from Kennedy. If somebody has a dumbed down version of how the EGR actually works that might help too.
Duramax EGR Blocker vs. EGR Disable vs. EGR Delete
Warning: Emissions tampering is unlawful on any motor vehicle used for on road purposes in the US.
This Tech Tip has been written in an attempt to educate and minimize time spent on the phone discussing something that shouldn’t be so complicated. If you are the type who likes to skip forward to the conclusion I’ll make my suggestion right here and now: EGR disable via Kennedy Programming
EGR Blocker
We offer the EGR Blocker packages as a cheap “band aid” approach to take care of these issues. That is not to say this is a bad option, it’s just the old way and requires a functioning EGR motor and position sensor in order to function properly. The Blocker package consists of 2 components. The Finger Stick (named after its creator Jon aka “Fingers”) and a stainless steel blocker plate to prevent flow of exhaust through the EGR cooler. Installation involves cutting and soldering of your engine’s wiring harness along with insertion of the blocker plate between the EGR cooler and the vehicle exhaust system. The EGR blockers have proven over time to be quite effective, but
we have seen plenty of the EGR motors fail requiring replacement or upgrade to programming to fix. This often makes this mod a pay me now or pay me later type of proposition.
EGR Disable
This is simplest and most permanently effective way of dealing with EGR related issues. The operation of the EGR is simply ceased within the ECM programming. With this mod even if the EGR motor or position sensor fails there are no resulting issues or codes set. It will never give you grief and there is no invasive wiring, blocking, or component removal. This is accomplished via ECM programming. Simply put, the system and diagnostics are disabled. Again this is for Off Road use only.
EGR Delete
This one has been growing in popularity as of late and is a key source of frustration on my part. People tend use the term EGR delete universally for any mod relating to the EGR. Then some unsuspecting “diesel newbie” hears this and goes out and orders an EGR delete kit not knowing what he/she is in for. EGR delete by my definition is complete removal of system components which is a highly invasive and unnecessary procedure. It also requires ECM programming to deal with the DTC’s associated with removal of the EGR motor. Essentially an EGR delete removes the EGR valve/motor assembly along with the EGR cooler etc. It requires serious plumbing changes to the exhaust and intake and in my opinion is only advisable for the hard core racer.