Whats the best way to clean the EGR? I have read someone soaking it in B-12, someone else spraying Carb Cleaner into it.

I'm still trying to solve my hard starting issue, so cleaning the EGR is my next point of action.

 

i have found the best way to clean an egr valve is to remove it and see is the spring loaded valve moves up and down freely, try this at diffrent speeds and while twisting the valve, if it gets stuck in any position then its dirty. wedge something like a small screwdriver between the valve and the seat, careful not to damage the seat and pour some seafoam (or carb cleaner) and let it sit for about an hour, the seafoam will break up the carbon, and push the valve in and out about 30 or 40 times to free up any more carbon, then use a blow gun to get rid of any left over moisture from the seafoam. make sure the valve now moves freely (if it doesnt then repeat the previous steps until its cleaned) and reinstll the valve with a new gasket with the screen built in http://www.sherco-auto.com/images/2-1357.gif this new style gasket withthe screen will prevent carbon from entering the egr vale making it last longer. you can fid this gasket and most major parts stores for under $10.

 

EGR doesnt open until the engine is hot, so I doubt its going to have anything to do with your starting problems.

 

Unless it has a piece of carbon stuck in it, holding it open. I had this problem w/ my 94 S10 Blazer W 4WD.It would not hold idle but was ok at part throttle.