What to do? - EGR cooler leaking 06 Transit

[Curious wheels]

Hey guys,
Just 6 weeks after buying my 2006 Transit (2.4L diesel), I have a leaky EGR cooler. Engine overheated before I realised. It went into a low power mode, then I refilled coolant tank with water and managed to get it to my mechanic without it overheating again. Looking back, there were some signs eg the window demister not putting out hot air properly and some strange gurgling/creaking sounds coming from the dash shortly before overheating.

It's now with my mechanic (Auckland, NZ), and I'm trying to figure out the best option for getting it back on the road/if i should sell it now and avoid any issues that may have resulted from the overheating. Mechanic says engine seems to be running fine and no blown head gasket. I have to admit I'm a little concerned about any long-term damage the overheating may have caused but mechanic seems to think it's still running well.

Mechanic has said he can do the EGR delete process, including the ECU remapping. Will cost about 2.5k NZD (about 1.5k USD).
Or, he can replace the cooler for about 2k NZD. If I do this, he has recommended replacing the EGR valve as well (about another 700 NZD) although he has said there's no signs it needs replacing yet, just future proofing.
Hoping I can get some advice on the pros and cons of these two options.
I'm hoping to own the van for a good 10-15+ years. Thankfully I'm in a position where I can afford the repairs (for now!).

Van has done 220,000 kms.
H9FB engine
It's the T350 model. Face-lift with gear stick on the dashboard.

Any advice/experience would be greatly appreciated! Any questions, let me know. I'm not the most mechanically savvy person.
Thank you so much
Really value the support this group offers!

[knobby1]

Hey guys,
Just 6 weeks after buying my 2006 Transit (2.4L diesel), I have a leaky EGR cooler. Engine overheated before I realised. It went into a low power mode, then I refilled coolant tank with water and managed to get it to my mechanic without it overheating again. Looking back, there were some signs eg the window demister not putting out hot air properly and some strange gurgling/creaking sounds coming from the dash shortly before overheating.

It's now with my mechanic (Auckland, NZ), and I'm trying to figure out the best option for getting it back on the road/if i should sell it now and avoid any issues that may have resulted from the overheating. Mechanic says engine seems to be running fine and no blown head gasket. I have to admit I'm a little concerned about any long-term damage the overheating may have caused but mechanic seems to think it's still running well.

Mechanic has said he can do the EGR delete process, including the ECU remapping. Will cost about 2.5k NZD (about 1.5k USD).
Or, he can replace the cooler for about 2k NZD. If I do this, he has recommended replacing the EGR valve as well (about another 700 NZD) although he has said there's no signs it needs replacing yet, just future proofing.
Hoping I can get some advice on the pros and cons of these two options.
I'm hoping to own the van for a good 10-15+ years. Thankfully I'm in a position where I can afford the repairs (for now!).

Van has done 220,000 kms.
H9FB engine
It's the T350 model. Face-lift with gear stick on the dashboard.

Any advice/experience would be greatly appreciated! Any questions, let me know. I'm not the most mechanically savvy person.
Thank you so much
Really value the support this group offers!

The EGR cooler can be bypassed so coolant does go through it, they corrode from the inside out, start leaking and then the coolant goes out the exhaust if a good quality coolant isn't used. EGR cooler replacement, although possible, it is difficult, but is not totally necessary, EGR valve delete is a simple PCM mapping thing....why it would cost 2.5k NZD to do both is beyond me....methinks you're being bent over, that's well over $2300 AUD. New EGR coolers can be had for under $140 Aussie sheckles, (see the link below), not including shipping from the UK and would take maybe 2 hours to fit, they're in a pig of a place. I'd get a second opinion if I were yourself. These engines can run fine without EGR coolers.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/23330795352 ... l&edgeep=0

Bypass the EGR cooler yourself, will cost about $5 for a short piece of 15mm pipe and a couple of hose clamps. The EGR cooler itself can stay there and not cause any major dramas....and just replace the cooler later if you choose.

If your EGR valve is working fine, just leave it be or if you prefer, get it mapped out...still won't cost anything like $2500 NZD. The words "rip off" come to mind.

These engine's very rarely blow head gaskets...They're more likely to crack the head between the exhaust valves.

Lord Knobrot

[Curious wheels]

thanks heaps for the feedback!
I'll investigate bypassing the cooler. Is there any risk you can anticipate from doing that?
Also, how long do you think it would take to map out the EGR? just trying to estimate how much would be a fair price for that work.
thanks!

[Curious wheels]

just got a second opinion - EGR and remapping cost at 800 including the bypassing of EGR cooler! so yes much cheaper than otherwise quoted.
Glad I checked. Thanks again!