I'm supposed to be studying for my finals next week.  I study better when I'm not distracted, in this case, by the EGR project.  I really didn't know what to expect, but today I completed the "deep cleaning".  I brought the shop vac with the most suction, and used 2 small brushes with my Dremel tool.  I know now that a cable would be more flexible and reach in deeper, but from what I saw, I am supposing that I was able to vacuum up the debris today -- going in deeper with a flexible "shaft" might have thrown debris where I couldn't suck it back out.  I wasn't willing to take that chance.  I am happy with today's results, will cap off the EGR with a new one, then I will rebuild that fuel pressure regulator.  The new diaphragm and o-ring kit was over $61, but I am positive the fuel economy numbers will climb back up and the car will run better once I rebuild the regulator.  I get the impression that opening up the EGR passage to clear air MIGHT have dried out the debris I dealt with today, as it didn't look greasy and wet like it did when I took the EGR off.  I am going to clean this area up a bit more -- it's already better looking and I can be a bit more thorough yet.

I applaud you for digging into things the way you have.  Your project work will be well worth it when you get the car out on the street...!!!

Jim Olson

   
"The Toys"...!!!  Save the Wave!