Pontiac Repair: EGR valve disconnect, gas milage, smog test

Question
Thanks Steve, Can the EGR valve be cleaned? Does it effect gas milage? And I have heard that buying good after market electronic parts is difficut. Any recomendations or brand names?
Thank You again, Bill Miner
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Followup To

Question -
Hello Steve,

My car was running in a jerky manner ar consant speed. After alot of trouble, I disconnected the electronic EGR valve. I just unpluged it and know the car runs great. Here´s the rub, the car passed the smog test while the valve was connected. Question: Can I leave it disconnected without hurting the engine? And has this faulty valve hurt the engine? As I did remove and clean the cam & valve cover because of all the gunk built up in this 40,000 mile car.
Thank You, Bill

Answer -
running your engine with the egr unplugged should not harm your engine as the engine computer should take up the difference.however your car will not be emissions legal and may be against the law in some states.

Answer
you can clean the valve but it is usually the control motor that goes bad.there may be an effect on gas milage due to the computer not getting correct signals.i purchased mine from autozone as they have always stood behind there warranty.you can purchase one from the dealership but the price will probably be higher.good luck