Cummins ISX Engine FAQs

Steps for Cleaning the EGR Cooler: 1. Gather the necessary tools and supplies:  To clean the EGR cooler, you'll need a few tools, including a wrench set, a screwdriver set, a coolant draining container (capable of holding up to 14 gallons), and a heavy duty degreaser (1-2 gallons). 2. Disconnect the battery: Before starting any work on the engine, it's important to disconnect the battery to prevent any electrical accidents. 3. Drain the coolant: The first step in cleaning the EGR cooler is to drain the coolant from the engine. Locate the coolant drain valve and use a wrench to open it. Allow the coolant to drain completely into the coolant draining container. 4. Remove the EGR cooler: First, remove the mounting bolts that hold the EGR cooler in place. Next, remove the clamps connecting the EGR cooler to the EGR valve or elbow. Carefully remove the EGR cooler from the engine, being sure to also remove the outlet EGR hose and the inlet and outlet coolant lines. 5. Clean the EGR cooler: Seal the outlet exhaust end of the EGR cooler with a cap, or a DIY plug, or wrap the end with heavy duty plastic wrap and seal it with a clamp. Fill the inlet exhaust end (EGR valve side) of the EGR cooler with the degreaser to the brim. Let it sit for 8-12 hours. Note: This step is a matter of personal preference and depends on the strength of the degreaser. If the degreaser is very strong, it may be safer to simply rinse the EGR cooler instead of letting it soak. Drain the used degreaser into a proper container and dispose of it properly. Rinse the degreaser out of the EGR cooler so there is no residue left. This is important because any residue can cause the soot to build up even more. Make sure the EGR cooler is thoroughly dry before reassembly to prevent water from entering the exhaust system. 6. Test the EGR cooler: Once the EGR cooler is clean, you can test it to make sure it is functioning properly. One way to do this is to perform a backpressure test. This involves using a pressure gauge to measure the amount of pressure being exerted on the EGR cooler (if you have access to such tools). 7. Reinstall the EGR cooler: Once the EGR cooler has been cleaned and tested, you can reinstall it on the engine. Be sure to replace any necessary gaskets, seals, hoses, or clamps that are worn or damaged. Tighten the mounting bolts securely and refill the engine with coolant. 7. Test the engine: After the EGR cooler has been reinstalled, start the engine and test it to make sure it is running smoothly. If the engine is running correctly, you can consider the cleaning process a success.