What are some of the more common Volvo D13 EGR cooler problems?
Perhaps you are looking to prepare yourself for potential issues to come in the future. Or you are experiencing these issues now and need to get them fixed.
No matter what issue you may be going through with your EGR cooler problems, it’s good to understand what these are and why these happen.
Find out more about Volvo D13 EGR cooler problems and how to deal with these. Let’s go right ahead.
All About The EGR Cooler
The EGR or the Exhaust Gas Recirculating cooler helps to reduce emissions standards in the modern world. What it does is to eliminate heat off the spent gasses before it re-enters into the combustion chamber of your engine.
As with every component of your vehicle, this part can also fail. Once it fails, other related components get affected. This is why it is best to recognize and deal with these issues before things go downhill from there.
The cool air is needed to generate more power because of its higher density. So, the EGR cooler performs kind of the same thing as an intercooler. Yet, it works harder as the gasses coming into the cooler are at a higher temperature.
With this in mind, it is good to understand more about the issues that tend to happen with EGR coolers and what you can do about these.
Volvo D13 EGR Cooler Problems
Here are the different problems that your EGR cooler may be susceptible to:
1. Coolant Loss
Losing coolant is one of the most common signs of an EGR cooler problem. You will notice some coolant loss issues when you observe these signs:
- High engine temperature
- White smoke or steam emitted from the exhaust
- VGT turbo actuator is sticking
These are just some of the most typical symptoms but there are also other signs that you may notice.
2. Coolant Leaking
If you observe that the coolant is not only in the EGR cooler but also in other parts, then you should quickly check the reason behind this leak. When your EGR cooler is having problems, coolant leaks may happen.
Pipes that carry the coolant to all parts of the EGR cooler end up breaking because of several reasons such as extreme vibrations, temperature, and repetitive cold/hot cycling. No matter what the reason may be for the pipes breaking, you need to get this problem addressed and resolved immediately.
3. Constant Steam
Although it is normal to notice some steam or white smoke being emitted from the exhaust, if this happens constantly, then there is a problem that needs to be fixed. When you start the engine, it is normal to find a bit of condensation or steam until tailpipes have acclimated to outside temperatures.
But if you see this constantly, then this means that there are defects in your EGR cooler. You need to get this issue fixed straight away or the turbo can be affected badly, too.
4. Turbo Issues
The condition of your turbo can also give you an idea on whether the EGR cooler is still in a good condition or not. If there is damage to the turbo, you may want to check closely inside to determine how the EGR cooler is doing.
If the inner turbo components and impeller appear gummed up, a coolant leak may be happening, which means a bad EGR cooler, as well.
Additional Things To Keep In Mind
Do take note that poor soldering, bad welds, as well as worn-out or old nuts/ unions contribute to EGR cooler problems in a diesel engine. For instance, the gasket or O-ring may be damaged. This portion joins the other parts of the cooling system, so you need to get this addressed.
It may also be that these components are cracked and it is impossible to get them repaired easily. Hence, the only choice you have is to have the entire unit replaced.
Sometimes, just a simple visual inspection of your EGR cooler cannot give you a clearer picture of what’s really happening inside. So, you may also want to check the turbocharger to make sure everything is okay with your EGR cooler.
Read More: Volvo Maintenance Cost You Need To Know
Bottom Line
Your EGR cooler serves an important function in how your vehicle performs overall. So, it is good to inspect and check for certain problems that can depict any issue with it such as coolant loss, turbo problems, and overheating.
A replacement of the turbo may be needed if the damage is serious, which is why it is best to have EGR cooler problems addressed sooner rather than later to prevent more expensive repairs or replacement.