What Is EGR on Diesel Engines (and Why we Chose an EGR Delete Kit)
As diesel truck owners, one of the first things we kept hearing about in forums and from other JS Speed Shop customers was EGR. Everyone seemed to have an opinion on it — but until we dug into it, we didn’t fully understand what it did or why so many people were running EGR delete kits. Here’s our breakdown, from a customer’s perspective. Did you know your truck’s own exhaust is choking it?
An EGR valve on a diesel engine is one of the most failure-prone parts of the emissions system. That’s why many truck owners turn to an EGR delete kit as a performance upgrade.
What Does the EGR Valve Do on Diesel Engines?
EGR stands for Exhaust Gas Recirculation.
It’s an emissions system that recirculates a portion of your engine’s exhaust gases back into the intake. The idea is to lower combustion temperatures and reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. Browse our full range of EGR delete kits designed for popular diesel trucks.
On paper, that sounds good. In reality, especially for diesel owners like me, EGR systems often come with problems:
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Clogging & carbon buildup → exhaust gases contain soot, which coats the intake and reduces airflow.
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Reduced performance → hotter, dirtier air means less efficient combustion.
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Higher maintenance costs → EGR valves, coolers, and sensors fail regularly.
Why Diesel Owners Experience Problems with EGR
After dealing with sluggish performance and an expensive repair bill, we decided to go with an EGR delete kit from JS Speed Shop. The difference was night and day.
Here’s what we personally experienced:
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More Power & Better Throttle Response
Our truck felt like it could finally breathe. No more choking on its own exhaust gases. -
Lower Operating Temps
Without the EGR sending hot gases back into the intake, my engine ran cooler and smoother. -
Improved Reliability
No more worrying about clogged EGR valves or coolant leaks from the EGR cooler. -
Fuel Economy Gains
Cleaner combustion equals better efficiency. I noticed a bump in mileage after the delete.
Things to Know Before You Delete EGR
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For Off-Road Use Only: EGR delete kits are designed for race and off-road applications. Check your local laws before installing.
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Pair With a Tune: To unlock the full benefits, most owners (like me) also add a tuner or programmer.
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DIY or Pro Install: If you’re handy, you can install it yourself. Otherwise, a trusted shop can handle it.
Top Benefits of an EGR Delete Kit
“The TRUTH about EGR DELETES… Actual Science!” — great overview, balanced, with data.
5 Things DESTROYING Your EGR System (Most Diesel Drivers Do #3)
This video shows exactly why so many diesel owners run into EGR failures. While good habits can extend the life of your system, the reality is that the EGR design itself introduces carbon buildup and expensive repair risks. That’s why JS Speed Shop customers often choose a professional EGR delete kit — not only to avoid these failures but also to unlock better performance, reliability, and efficiency.
5 Key Points Highlighted About EGR
- Short trips cause buildup – Frequent short journeys prevent the EGR from reaching proper operating temperature, leading to carbon clogging.
- Cheap fuel costs more – Low-quality diesel increases deposits and accelerates wear inside the EGR system.
- Extended oil intervals are harmful – Skipping or delaying oil changes spreads contamination throughout the emissions system.
- Engines need hard acceleration – Gentle driving alone increases soot buildup; diesels need occasional high-load operation to stay clean.
- Wrong oil spec = carbon disaster – Using non-approved oil leads to excessive deposits, damaging the EGR, turbo, and intake.
Ready to stop choking your diesel with its own exhaust? Shop high-quality EGR delete kits from JS Speed Shop and unlock more power, reliability, and efficiency today.