So I have been trying to track down the ol P0171 code in the bonne. I have checked the vaccum lines and replaced all that were worn and dry rotted, checked for corosion at the negative battery cable, just had fuel filter and pump and sending unit replaced about a year ago, although I have not checked the pressure in the fuel rail. All sensors are good and tight, so I have done my research here on about the failing EGR tube that cracks. So I removed the 13mm nut and the 13mm bolt, but I cannot get the tube out. There really is not enough room to just slide the ends out. The metal is so thin I am affraid of breaking it. So any input or tricks to getting this thing out. I really would like to check for cracks b4 ordering a new one. Should I take the whole EGR and both tubes off? Any help would be awsome. Thanks again.

I've taken a rod and hammer and tapped down the exhaust heat shield this gives you more room. Do you have a replacement on hand? I'd practice and get couple to have on hand from the junk yard.

You can loosen the bolts holding the soleniod bracket to the head. This will allow you to move it and give you more room.

I will try to loosen the bracket that may provide me enough room. Junk yards are far away and really can be hit or miss when looking for parts. Although they do make for good practice for working on delicate parts. I really want to get to the bottom of this problem and getting this off will be critical to eliminating possiblities. Thanks for all the advice given. Merry X-Mas to all

If you need any parts just ask. I have several EGRs sitting around.

You can get all the room in the world by grabbing a couple cans of elbow grease and removing the crossover pipe. But try modding the heat shield first -- it'* much less work.