EGR Valve Noise

[autocutter]

Hi!

Need some info. My EGR valve makes a loud sucking noise at idle. This noise comes and goes, but seems to go away once the throttle is moved. The dealer states that this noise is normal and the EGR didn't need to be replaced. Since I have never heard(no pun) any other car's EGR make this noise before, I not too convinced; That said, the dealer could have just as easly made a few bucks off me. So I need some advice.

[Zoodled]

The EGR valve opens and closes.

You might have a carbon build up on the valve that is causing the noise when the valve is part way open.

Block it off and the noise will be gone if it is an EGR problem. (Don't if you can't get away with it.)

I've washed EGR valves on other types of cars with parts cleaner, but I'm not sure it would work for a 3/S.

I've only replaced EGR valve units when they are plugged and the car isn't passing emissions. It happens on GM 3.1L's.

[autocutter]

Thanks for the info and it pretty well matches what the dealer stated. Since my IQ about EGR functions is as long as my spousal attention span function, does really matter, from a drivable standpoint, whether the EGR is malfunctioning or not. I know some owners block it off(I have too) but it never made me any more/less power so I look at it as one of the many old wife's tale mods. However, and be that as it may, blocking off is not the same as malfunctioning.