EGR Delete - De-smog - Land Cruiser 3FE

Let's get rid of that old, clogged, and inhibiting piece of equipment that is no longer needed on my 1991 Land Cruiser. I'm expecting this to help gain some HP and throttle response, and maybe even better fuel economy!
To be clear, deleting any emissions equipment is considered against federal regulations. I think that if you did an emissions test after removing any of this equipment you would probably not pass. This is considered for "offroad" use only.

[@NordicDan]

I was the first to fully desmog a 3FE (EGR delete, air injection system removal, and cat removal), back in 2004/2005 on my FJ62. That guide you reference is the one I wrote and posted to IH8Mud back in 2005. 19 years later and I have zero regrets. It's still a great way to free up power otherwise robbed from the engine, remove unreliable components (due to excessive age and wear at this point), simplify the engine layout, further increase its longevity, and free up real estate in the engine bay. Something to add that's not really desmog related but will help immensely with keeping your air intake clean is to plumb in a PCV catch can in line between your PCV valve and the intake manifold. Doing that along with eliminating the introduction of carbon from the EGR system by doing the EGR delete will allow your intake manifold to stay completely clean inside for the life of the engine. If you really want to "do it right" you could take off the manifold and get it hot tanked so you're starting with a pristine intake and no more buildup of EGR carbon or PCV sludge in it. As far as kits, Vintage TEQ Parts (no business affiliation; we do help each other often on Cruiser related tech issues though) is putting together a full 3FE desmog kit that'll have all the OEM Toyota parts necessary to do the job (save for a PCV catch can, since that's not part of the overall desmog process). It'll have a few different parts from what I originally used to streamline the process a little, based on small refinements I've made since first doing my desmog.

[@ldooffroad1823]

I’m honored that you saw my video. Thanks for your hard work.

[@danielcrete6205]

Hi Nordic Dan Help g my son with his 3FE eye delete. He lost spark once he removed everything I have heard we may need to put a 10k ohm resistor in to get the ecm to think see egr. Where might this be installed if so.

[@michaela26015]

Just did this to my 91 and I can definitely tell there is more pep in its step!

[@jakep8964]

Did you get a check engine light after? My light is on now with a EGR code and was thinking of just deleting all that trash. Mine is also a 91

[@ldooffroad1823]

@@jakep8964 did you already do the EGR delete?

[@michaela26015]

@@jakep8964 No check engine light for the last couple weeks. I have new O2 sensors as well. Have you checked the code?

[@micktaylorwolfcreekmechanical]

@@ldooffroad1823 I want to keep the air manifold rail in place and cap of the end as I may need to pass a smog test when I change my 80 to classic rego when I get another 4wd do you know if that is possible and what size nut/bolt will work. I'm about to remove the blower motor and smog pump when i do the belts in the next couple of weeks but i dont need to do the rocker arm adjustment yet so i dont want to remove the valve cover until i need to do that plus my 80 runs on lpg and petrol so removing the the air intake is alot more work.

[@backcountryauto1273]

Thank you! Been a Ford tec for 20 years but now run my own shop. I’ve got this job sitting in my bay. This saved me bunch of time!!! = more money Great job

[@micktaylorwolfcreekmechanical]

for the exhaust manifold plug a Oil Drain Plug M26 x 1.50 will fit (vw audi plugs have a bolt head not a hex) and cost about $10 a lot easier to remove if you ever have to remove it. the 7 orange Vacuum Block Off Caps are 3.5mm or 1/8" ID ( i prefer rubber to silicone, if there hard to slide on use some hair spray slide on easy and its grips like glue when dry) for the block off plate use the old gasket and trace it onto some stainless steel (same thickness as the egr mount) and cut to fit and reuse the bolts, use Permatex High Temp Thread Sealer on all bolts and manifold plug. I haven't removed that blower pump yet as here in Australia we got hot summers and I always hear it turn on when I turn the car off on hot days fsm says it turns on when exhaust temp sensor reads over a certain temp which I cant remember (i would like to remove it all one day to fit a 2nd battery under the bonnet) If I were to pull the valve cover off I would do it when the engine is warmed up and check and adjust valve clearance. this is a great vid of showing and explaining how to do the EGR Delete liked and subbed so can see some more 3fe love.

[@Bru946]

Thank you for making this video, I don't even own a 3FE but I'm glad theres good tutorials on how to do this on one.

[@73SDR]

The "valve nipple thing" that you replaced in the valve cover is your Positive Crankcase Ventilation Valve (PCV Valve).

[@jimwelch3287]

Very informative video! PO of my 91 LC desmogged it with cat delete. Engine can breathe now

[@harrisonhigh4603]

Very helpful video, thank you for posting! The 3FE doesn't get enough love on KZbin imo, so thanks for all the videos! On a side not, the supplier you got your EGR kit from has been having issues with getting orders out in a timely manner lately. Any recommendations for other shops that stock a similar kit?

[@ldooffroad1823]

I have no idea. I can't even remember how I ran across that kit, haha. There is a write up on the Mud forum with instructions and a parts list if you want to put it together yourself. Probably search "Desmog 3FE" or something.

[@rescue1512]

I ordered the kit and it came in a few packages, like he just dropped shipped from other people. took about 4-6 weeks I believe? I also have a 91m with the 3FE!

[@NigelNaughton]

Those are some seriously mucked up rockers!!! All that work sure saves a ton of space and any increase in power for a 3FE is a win.

[@ldooffroad1823]

I know right! I ran a special mixture of oil and tranny fluid the next couple oil changes to help clean that up.

[@hh65flyer]

PCV valve Zac. Positive Crankcase Ventilation. The check valve in there should rattle freely like the new one you got. They can be cleaned with brake/carb clean. Well done on the project and video!

[@Gorealawarfare]

Thank you for this video and the updates!

[@trackcalledquest]

Loving the channel! Keep’em coming.

[@bma7978]

Really nice job on the video!

[@RideShootDrink]

Awesome video, thank you! It'd be great if you could post a link to the kit you've purchased. Thank you!

[@deepbludude4697]

Hell yea I picked up last year an 88 FJ62 3fe I wanna do this delete for sure no inspection here in Arkansas and im just using the thing around town and on trails', and on my property.

[@marshalldodson8948]

Thank you so much for your quality videos and the recommendation on the KIT from Lerm's. I just completed my delete on my 91 FJ 80 and your video totally helped! Keep them coming. have you ever done a coolant flush replacement?

[@ldooffroad1823]

Well, I changed the water pump. In the process I drained the coolant and refilled it - kind of a flush… kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYbRdHZ8fp2cr8Usi=A0BWWTotjZBfoU9I

[@cherokeelaketennessee7895]

Could I get a link to the kit and the write-up on MUD? I have a 1989 FFJ62 and I want to get rid of the smog junk. I live in east Tennessee and my 62 won't be sold until I'm gone so I don't ever have to worry about needing it to pass inspections. Thanks for a great video!

[@ldooffroad1823]

I don't think the kit is available anymore. It's been a few years. @NordicDan did the original write-up. You should search for it on MUD. See his comment below (or above).

[@mperalta13]

Do not buy the desmog kit from Lerms. It's been several months and no update as to when I will receive parts. Money down drain and months waiting for parts

[@cruiserdesignmanufacturing]

I had to text him about a dozen times before I finally got mine.

[@Williams-world69]

1 year later, any thoughts/regrets? Thinking about pulling the trigger on this very soon.

[@slimdusty8718]

+1

[@catrachomelgar8629]

Good job .!!!!! Thank you for sharing.!! I will do on my!! Did you have the link we’re the you buy the kit

[@ldooffroad1823]

Yeah, here you go: lermscustoms.com/products/egr-smog-pump-delete-kit-toyota-landcruiser-tacoma-4-runner-t100-fj80-fj62-3fe

[@catrachomelgar8629]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@427vot]

Excellent share. Thank you....

[@gomutha]

Nice video, good job on showing everything. I have this exact motor in my 92. Do you have a link for the delete kit?

[@gomutha]

Found the kit from lerms. They mention Having the cat converter straight pipes installed. Did you do that as well?

[@ldooffroad1823]

@@gomutha Sure did! Here's a video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/in3Ymp2saa6cr8k

[@gomutha]

@@ldooffroad1823 thank you appreciate the response.

[@teelerito6007]

Do you have the link?

[@kurtbair6645]

@@teelerito6007 lermscustoms.com/products/egr-smog-pump-delete-kit-toyota-landcruiser-tacoma-4-runner-t100-fj80-fj62-3fe

[@TheKoreanMarksman]

At 3:13, are there any downsides to removing that duct?

[@ldooffroad1823]

I'm not sure what it would affect to remove it all together... You would definitely want to cap it so you don't screw up the vacuum in the intake though. However, I think replacing the hose is probably best.

[@NKPGarage]

Nice work on removing the EGR system and replacing some key components to get that motor breathing well again. Have you noticed a substantial difference since the EGR removal?

[@ldooffroad1823]

Yeah, I felt like there was a little more power. Really, the 3FE needs all the help it can get.

[@NKPGarage]

@@ldooffroad1823 Absolutely, that big ol' tractor motor needs every assist it can get.

[@Finksta951]

You can just do a double nut if you ever need to get that threaded plug out. How would you rate the difference between before the kit and after. I am going to swap my landcruiser but in the mean time while I wait for this motor to die I want to try and get a little more performance and gas mileage. The way it sits now it just seems tired but I still have no problems going up anything. I don't know about you but if I had 100,000 miles or less I wouldn't change the motor but as I approach up 300,000 I am torn between the good ole LS swap or a diesel swap like a duramax 6.6 or a cummins 5.9

[@ldooffroad1823]

I felt like the kit made a noticable difference on throttle response, but not like it suddenly became a V8 or anything. Just a little more pep. Also my fuel economy improved 2-3 mpg at highway speeds. My opinion on the engine swap: go with a LS. Spoiler alert: that's what did a year after this video. In my opinion, a large diesel engine would be too heavy.

[@gilvietor1918]

Interesting. I have a 1992 that I just got a new (rebuilt) engine in mine, a host of other stuff done, should have had them do this while that was happening.

[@airborne1283]

Can you please give a one month update to this project?

[@ldooffroad1823]

Quick update: I did this mod about 10 months ago. I went on 3 trips with it last Summer, one of which was 2000 miles. I think the added performance is what made the trip possible (ie: climbing mountain passes). However, the 345000 mile engine is getting tired, and I dealt with a lot of heat related issues on those trips. I don't believe those are related to this mod though.

[@OswaldoQuiceno-xr3ey]

What can I check, do you think maybe the fusible link

[@cameron11]

Is there a kit like this for a 97 fzj80 4.5?

[@JuanPerez-ry3vs]

Would this affect the vehicle if I still need to get emissions passed?

[@ldooffroad1823]

You won’t pass an emissions test if you do this. It’s for “offroad” use.

[@davcot3675]

Did u delete the CATs? This project is on my bucket list

[@jakeholmsen1842]

Wish I had the parts # for that belt

[@parkerprutzman4201]

The belt is hard to find. I got my at Runnings, a farm supply store in my area. The size is a 5/8" x 53"

[@OswaldoQuiceno-xr3ey]

Hi how are you? I did all the work to erase the egr but no lock, to start the engine, it cranks but don't start,

[@zaceastwood6871]

Hmm, I have no idea. I’m guessing it’s not related to the egr delete. Maybe you unplugged something in the process??

[@logan_d7074]

Hello taking a shot in the dark here but is there any way you could drop the part number for that belt? Lerms doesn’t seem to sell them currently and I will be doing eveything similar just scrounging up my own plugs and hardware all I need is that belt. Thanks

[@CDNSMOKEJUMPER]

Lerms website is down. He never sent my parts and I'm still waiting on a refund. Not sure if he got sick, scamming or went out of business.

[@logan_d7074]

@@CDNSMOKEJUMPER that’s annoying, yeah I was trying to look at the website and it said it wasn’t active at this time.

[@ldooffroad1823]

Look up the delete instructions on the mud forum, and I believe it’s in there.

[@parkerprutzman4201]

The size is a 5/8" x 53"

[@Landcruiserdd]

Hi Zac. Where did you buy the valve cover gasket and how much was it? Thanks.

[@ldooffroad1823]

Probably Rockauto or Spector off road.

[@pimpinbpimpn]

Why did you removed the air injectors from inside the cylinder heads? If all EGR equipment is removed do these need to be removed? If so do you know why? Thanks.

[@ldooffroad1823]

Honestly, I was just following directions from a Mud forum post. It cleans up the engine compartment a little. I’m not sure if cylinder compression is affected by the injectors being there but not in use??

[@parkerprutzman4201]

What state are you in, and is there any emission issues with your inspection. Also, is there any check engine light on after the modification??

[@ldooffroad1823]

I'm in Montana. No check engine light.

[@justinstandefer4033]

May be a dumb question, do you have to delete the cats? Colorado is going California soon so the cats will have to stay on mine, or I’ll have to be able to throw ‘‘em back on. Thanks and great walk through!

[@ldooffroad1823]

To be clear, deleting any emissions equipment is considered against federal regulations. I think that if you did an emissions test after removing any of this equipment you would probably not pass. This is considered for "offroad" use only. To address your question, the cats are usually removed/replaced because they are 30 years old, clogged, and maybe even making a rattly noise. Consequently, removing all these things seems to improve HP. Sorry if this sounds cryptic.

[@TheKoreanMarksman]

what's the part number/name for the hose at 2:52

[@ldooffroad1823]

Specter Offroad is a great resource for finding part numbers.

[@heyselmolina-grande8994]

Hey sir Would it be possible for you to share the belt part number. Im in need of the belt and I can figure out the right size of it. Thanks ahead

[@ldooffroad1823]

Hey, I ordered the kit and so I'm not actually sure what the part # was for the belt, but I found this on a parts list on the mud forum: Dayco #22528

[@parkerprutzman4201]

The size is a 5/8" x 53"

[@bradpacker8774]

Do you have a link for this kit?

[@ldooffroad1823]

No, I’m sorry. I’m not sure if it’s still available in kit form. You’ll have to search.

[@kurtbair6645]

Great video. Just ordered the kit. Did you delete the cats as well?

[@ldooffroad1823]

Yep, here's the video kzbin.info/www/bejne/in3Ymp2saa6cr8k

[@kizito8301]

No link to where you bought the kit from???

[@ldooffroad1823]

Lerm's customs

[@dmitriyabramov6679]

hi dude! working on restoring my truck! what is your gas mileage per 60 miles?

[@ldooffroad1823]

We calculate in miles per gallon here. At highway speeds I get 15-16 miles per gallon now. Previously I was getting 10-12

[@dmitriyabramov6679]

@@ldooffroad1823 oh hell, you have 15 liters per 100 km, I have 42 liters per 100 km

[@preacher031163]

Do not eliminate your air injection if u have a converter!! U will.go back to what occured in the begining and it will get cherry red!!!

[@bartieyeomans7604]

I enjoyed it very much. Keep it up! The number one spot for online marketing P-R-O-M-O-S-M!!!