Ok so I thought this was a picture of my 4.0L engine from my 99 ford ranger *link below* However, on my truck that part is NON EXISTENT! so my question is, is it possible to remove the egr valve? I've had truck approx. 3 years. And it runs pretty ok. I have replaced IAC, spark plugs, spark plug wires, ignition coil pack, and fuel pump assembly. What has me concerned now is that when cold the truck starts just fine, but then stumbles like it is missing. I can drive it but it feels like it's on 5 cylinders instead of six. After truck is warmed up runs nice and smooth. Any ideas what this could be? With all the stuff I've replaced the truck gradually got smoother and smoother, however now this last little stumble I cannot figure out. Thought maybe EGR valve, but as I cannot locate it I'm not sure. Thanks for any help u can provide! I'm going to start looking at fuel injectors next :/

98 Ranger XLT 4x4 ( 4 . 0L )

 

Not all engines have EGR valves.
This has to do with State and Federal emission standards for the year and place they were first sold.

EGR(exhaust gas recirculation) systems needs pipe(s) from exhaust manifold to a Valve on the Intake manifold, hard to miss these IF you have one.

You shouldn't remove an EGR system, it doesn't "rob" power, and is pretty simple to repair if it has a problem.
An engine equipped with EGR system will need the exhaust fumes to cool cylinders to prevent "pinging" with low octane fuel at higher RPMs and Loads.
Spark timing curve can be changed(advanced) as is done for engines without EGR systems.

An open EGR valve at low RPMs would make engine run rough all the time in any case, so wouldn't be responsible for your symptoms.

Make sure to reset computer after changing anything or issue can continue.
use OBD II reader or unhook negative battery terminal for at least 5 minutes.

Clean MAF sensor.
Check OHMs on ECT sensor, this is the TWO wire sensor that tells the computer the engine temp, it is not used for dash board gauge reading, that is a sender.

 

thanks so much for your input! I will get on these soon and let u know what I find.

 

well engine seems fine now! i think maybe it was the negative battery thing. i do have obd II reader and so i cleared the codes. all is hunky dori!! thanks for ur help

 

Resetting computer will make it relearn sensor and control data parameters, some of these take 50-100miles of driving, so keep track of miles in case CEL comes back on, that can help ID what might and might not be the cause.