Check engine light on 22RE

[NCSU]

I recently had my check engine light come on in my truck. I ran the self diagnostic check like I saw posted by 4xfred in another thread and got a code 71 (EGR system). The light was unexpected so I just pulled the fuse for the EFI, to reset the system and to see what what happen. The light went off for about 2 weeks, but just came back on today, so I ran the self test again and got the same code, 71. So, any suggestions on what to check in the EGR system to try to narrow down this problem? Would the Airbox mod (hole in airbox) have anything to do with this? I have never had a check engine light come on, so I don't know how to narrow this problem down. I'd appreciate any inputs...

[NCSU]

I have another question relating to the EGR system:

If I were to take the EGR valve off my truck, would it be possible to clean it?

I don't know if this is a cleanable valve or if it is one that just craps out and that is that.

[WALT]

The EGR valve as you may know are vaccum operated, so it could be a bad vaccum hose. But it's weird that you triped the light and it came back on after 2 weeks, so that may not be it, wouldn't hurt to give it a look over.

As far as cleaning it, I don't know, but I do know there is a filter in a modulator next to, and connected with the EGR valve, this can be cleaned.

After you reset the check engine light, how far did you drive it on your trips? It may trip the light after it warms up quite a bit. Good Luck..

[NCSU]

I guess that I probably drove it about 500 miles or so maybe a little more. I didn't really pay attention, I just thought the problem corrected itself. As far as vacuum hoses, I am in the process of replacing all of my vacuum lines, just as a precautionary maintenance, since I do have about 169k on the ol' engine now. What would you use to clean that valve next to the EGR or even to clean the EGR? would air intake cleaner work or carbureator cleaner? I don't really know.

[WALT]

You clean this filter with high pressure air, this filter is located next to your EGR valve itself. It is a small, about a 2" dia with vacuum hoses. It is on top and to the right of the EGR valve if looking at the engine.

Cleaning the EGR valve itself, i have know idea. Have you priced how much a new one is? Might be just worth it to replace it.

Also, is the truck running bad or does it seem to be normal?

[NCSU]

The truck runs well for the most part, though I have noticed a little bit worse gas mileage which may be due to the EGR problem. I did price a new EGR valve and found that yet again, they are outrageous.

Advance Auto: $227
Toyota: $200
eBay: $8-used

I may just order the one off of eBay, depending on what I find on here and if nobody outbids me like always. If I learn from someone on here that they can be cleaned, then I will probably just do that. Or, I may order the one off of eBay and play with it/try to clean it, since I'll have a backup that isn't ridiculously expensive. Thanks for the description of the modulator, I am going to give that a shot tomorrow, see how it works.

[NCSU]

Anyone on here a mechanic? I need help with this problem

I don't know much about the EGR system