The Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks with engines from 2007.5 to 2018 were equipped with one of the strongest and most reliable diesel power plants available-a 6.7 Cummins engine. Although capable of hauling massive loads and producing higher overall horsepower in addition to towing capacities, this engine is equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system. While the EGR system allows the engine to pass emissions standards, it can also introduce a number of performance disadvantages that may negatively impact the efficiency of the engine, increase the need for maintenance, and even cause long-term damage. An EGR delete kit for the 6.7 Cummins is a solution for owners who want to make their engine stronger, longer, and more fuel-efficient.
What is an EGR Delete Kit?
An EGR delete kit is the set of parts that enables a truck owner to remove or bypass the EGR system from the diesel engine. The kit normally consists of block-off plates, gaskets, and hardware to seal off the exhaust and intake ports so that exhaust gases are not recirculated into the intake manifold. Tuning software and the kit itself are needed for the 6.7 Cummins EGR delete to reprogram the ECU to properly operate the engine without the EGR system. This modification eliminates carbon buildup, reduces the risk of EGR cooler failure, and significantly improves engine performance.
Why delete the EGR on a 6.7 Cummins?
Although the EGR system successfully reduces NOx emissions, most 6.7 Cummins owners delete this system for one of the several reasons:
Improved Engine Performance: The EGR system recirculation exhaust gases back into the intake, which can dilute the air/fuel mixture, reduce the oxygen available for combustion, and lower the efficiency of the engine. With the deletion of the EGR system, the clean, cool air brought into the engine ensures burn that is highly efficient, increased horses, and a sharp response in throttle.
Better Fuel Economy: With the more efficient combustion, the engine can burn fuel better, and thus, miles per gallon (MPG) will be improved. Many owners report a noticeable improvement in fuel economy after installing an EGR delete kit.
Reduced Carbon Build-up: Exhaust gases are injected into the intake manifold by the EGR system, which in turn causes the soot and carbon to be built up gradually. This would clog up the intake manifold, degrade turbocharger performance, and generally drop the overall efficiency of the engine. The EGR system can be removed entirely, reducing the carbon buildup drastically, which can help keep components of the engine cleaner and prevent damage to such vital parts as the turbocharger and intake valves.
Increased Reliability: EGR coolers of 6.7 Cummins fail frequently; their failure always brings coolant leakages and subsequently, overheating the engine. Such failures would damage the engines by warping the heads and crushing the pistons. Elimination of an EGR cooler, through its removal kit, stops such breakdowns and results in a very reliable engine.
Lower Operating Temperatures: Since the EGR system is removed, the engine will operate cooler. There will be no hot exhaust gases that have to be recirculated, so temperatures in the intake manifold and the turbo system may be lowered. This helps reduce the chances of overheating and increases turbocharger performance.
Installation of a 6.7 Cummins EGR Delete Kit
Installation of an EGR delete kit on a 6.7 Cummins is quite simple. Some key steps are:
Disconnect the Battery: Disconnect the battery first before starting work on the truck to avoid any electrical problems.
Remove the EGR Valve and Cooler: The EGR valve and cooler need to be unbolted and removed from the engine. This process may involve the disconnection of exhaust and intake connections, vacuum lines, and coolant hoses. Some models may also have additional components that need to be removed, such as the EGR cooler pipes.
Block-off plates will come along with an EGR delete kit, that are mounted in the place of the EGR cooler and valve. Plates seal the exhaust and intake ports and prevent exhaust gases from recirculating into the engine.
Reprogram the ECU: After physically removing the EGR system, the truck’s ECU needs to be reprogrammed so the EGR system’s functions cannot be activated and so can be used in normal operation. This is usually done with custom tuning software. It is critical that the best possible tuner, like the EFI Live or SCT Tuner, upload the proper tune to the ECU so check engine lights or error codes do not occur.
Reassemble and Test: When the block-off plates have been installed and the ECU repromed, re-assemble any remaining parts and recharge the battery. Start the truck up and test for correct operation. There should be no check engine lights or error codes and the truck should run smoothly.
Downsides and Considerations
While there are a lot of benefits to deleting the EGR system, there are also some important
considerations:
Legal Issues: In some areas, especially states like California that have very tough emission standards, removing the EGR system may be illegal. Removing the system could result in failing all emissions tests; consequently, that vehicle will be liable for fines and resulting registration issues. Research local laws regarding emissions prior to starting.
Warranty Concerns: Deleting the EGR system could void your manufacturer’s warranty, so it’s important to check with your dealer or manufacturer before making modifications.
Increased Emissions: By removing the EGR system, your truck will produce higher levels of NOx emissions, which could be a concern depending on local environmental regulations. Ensure that deleting the EGR system is in compliance with local laws.
Conclusion
Installing an EGR delete kit for the 6.7 Cummins will provide improved engine performance, better fuel economy, less carbon buildup, and greater reliability of the engine. But first, there is a legal and warranty issue that needs to be considered and the proper tuning of the ECU after the installation. A great add-on for people who would want to make the best of their 6.7 Cummins would be an EGR delete kit. But then again, one should not forget the law and have some care taken while making that change.
