how to clean an egr?

i just bought a 1998 Camry 4 cylinder and i thought i needed to clean the egr but my dad said it is the resonator. so im unsure on what it is exactly. it is kind of sluggish at idle and cant pass emmissions. i was thinking of cleaning the egr since that is simple then if that doesnt work then ill look into the resonator. what are you thoughts?

hope you guys can help me thanks

Use carb cleaner, the spray, and q-tips. Just don't get the spray in the diaphragm (stay away from the rubber vacuum lines). The two ports going into the intake from the EGR valve can be completely clogged. Take a small screw driver or probe and pick the carbon out of these. Use some spray between picking. If you can take the EGR off and the car doesn't run any different those ports are clogged. Clean all of the little pipes that might be sticking out from the EGR.

thank you ill post up the results of the project

Let us know Northport

What is the "egr" please? Where is it situated?

Apologies for the basic question.

It's a little flying-saucer shaped part that sits between the throttle body and the firewall and has a metal pipe that runs down behind the TB to the head. There are a couple of vacuum lines running to it. It can get clogged or stuck with deposits. It is much cheaper to clean it out than to replace it if possible.

I've looked at the service manual diagrams and other diagrams online, but cannot find the EGR valve on my 93 model 5SFE 2.2 ltr. Camry engine.
Sounds a bit feeble I know, but I'm beginning to wonder if mine has one.
I have a 94 model one too sitting in the yard and cannot find the valve on it as well.
Can someone help please?

It is at the top rear of the engine, just behind the throttle body. Sort of by the driver's side windshield wiper shaft.

Thanks for the reply Brian.
However, I still cannot find anything that is at all like an EGR valve at the back of the intake manifold. I wonder if it is hidden down underneath the intake manifold?
I will have to take it to one of my mechanic friends in town to show me where it is. If it has one that is. Australian version; anything is possible.

That's right. The Australian cars are different.

That's right. The Australian cars are different.

I've just been advised online on the Toyota Owners Club (Australia), that Australian released 5SFE engines did not have a EGR valve! Question satisfied! Thanks again Brian.

I wish they made only two versions of each car. Left and right-hand drive only.

As this engine has no EGR valve, (that is fairly conclusive), does this mean that I should still clean out the throttle body periodically as with the EGR valve fitted models?

As may already be evident; I'm going through this vehicle checking all periodic service items as I have just recently acquired it.
The PCV valve is next - I will check it and replace if it looks old.

As long as your engine is running smoothly, I would not clean the throttle body.