EGR bolt stuck

Iam trying to take the lower intake off. The EGR bolts are really stuck, have any of you had this problem? The ford dealer said to take the lower intake off to be sure it is clean( part of the clogged egr port fix) but the egr needs to come off and the bolts are really tight. It on a 1999 windstar. I know the tsb doesn't say to do this but I think it might be a good idea, because all the egr ports were plugged.

Iam trying to take the lower intake off. The EGR bolts are really stuck, have any of you had this problem? The ford dealer said to take the lower intake off to be sure it is clean( part of the clogged egr port fix) but the egr needs to come off and the bolts are really tight. It on a 1999 windstar. I know the tsb doesn't say to do this but I think it might be a good idea, because all the egr ports were plugged.

The ports clog within the plenum (upper intake). They normally plug due to the oil in the plenmum mixing with the hot EGR flow. If you open the plenmum you should be able to clean the port openings. You may be trying to cover all bases via the EGR valve itself but it might not be necessary. You could always clean the ports and if the problem persists then try the EGR valve itself.

Just a thought.

Ya your right I might be overdoing it. I hate doing thing twice. So anyway I broke one cheap socket on the egr bolts but I got them out with a 1/2" rachet and a impact socket.

Now I need to know how to get the actuator off the lower intake so I can get it tanked.This 1999 has just a single one with small rods going to each side to run the baffles in the intake. The rod are held in by small plastic clips the the rods snap into, I suppose I need a spiecal tool unless someone knows how to get them out.

I hope I called these by the right parts. Hope you can help.

What is the purpose of taking the lower intake off, I clean the egr ports with a pick and slam it back together with no other concern, the rods I think you are talking about are call the intake manifold runner controls (IMRC), they are held with small white clips that will usually break after you pull the rodes out, buy some first if you see the need to remove the lower intake, a screw driver and some prying will pop them out. Take a picture or serious mental note as to the way they are attached, you can fuch them up and have other problems, heat is your friend, use heat to remove seized bolts, good luck.