EGR Valve Replacement (CXGB)

[F40Sirius]

After ‘managing’ the issue for a little while, I’m now in the process of replacing the EGR valve on my 2016 T6. Van has done coming up 120k so can’t really complain.
Anyway, it was an absolute pig of a job with much questioning of my life choices (I’m too old for this crap!), I finally got the thing off last night.
My plan was to clean out the cooler and replace the valve itself with the OEM item but I’d be grateful if anyone could take a look at the pictures I’ve attached of the internals of the valve. There are what appears to be copper coloured deposits amongst the soot; can anyone shed any light? I’m hoping this isn’t evidence of glycol deposits?
I’ve had no coolant loss in the van and no sign of it in exhaust pipe from the cooler but was wondering if this might be some indication of a small leak?
Given the ball ache it was to take it off I’m of a mind to bite the bullet and replace the cooler as well…
Thanks for reading, Adi

 

[Jan_B]

Generally I would replace the entire unit right away. You don't want to have to do the job twice! If the cooler starts leaking or the EGR unit sticks shortly after, you'll just have to start all over again.

Which coolant was used in your T6?
When I remember right, Vw changed G13 to G12 evo in 2018.

That came up in the german Tx Forum:
„G13 is sad to clog heat exchangers and, due to its aggressive chemical reaction, damage components—frequently the EGR cooler—which can then develop leaks.“

 

[DXX]

Agree on just replacing the whole EGR unit unless you love doing PITA jobs on vehicles.
The EGR cooler is made of acid resistant stainless steel, you could run sulphuric acid through it if you really wanted, the coolant is not going to de-grade the cooler.
Running the cooler dry risks overheating it and subsequent distortion so make sure the system is vacuum filled and thoroughly bled.

 

[Salty Spuds]

Just had mine done at the local indy. Changed the full monty with genuine VW parts. Whole job came to around £1300 inc VAT. The mechanic cursed me from here to next sunday and said he's not doing another

 

[F40Sirius]

Generally I would replace the entire unit right away. You don't want to have to do the job twice! If the cooler starts leaking or the EGR unit sticks shortly after, you'll just have to start all over again.

Which coolant was used in your T6?
When I remember right, Vw changed G13 to G12 evo in 2018.

That came up in the german Tx Forum:
„G13 is sad to clog heat exchangers and, due to its aggressive chemical reaction, damage components—frequently the EGR cooler—which can then develop leaks.“

Cheers, I’m going to replace the whole lot - I really don’t want to do the job again.
Regarding the coolant type, it’s had G12 evo since the last change (about 18 months ago).

Just had mine done at the local indy. Changed the full monty with genuine VW parts. Whole job came to around £1300 inc VAT. The mechanic cursed me from here to next sunday and said he's not doing another

To be fair, £1300 including OEM parts is a pretty good price! I’m betting that now he’s experienced it, he’ll up the labour charge the next one of these he does!