Cleaning ASV and EGR valve deposits

[Deep Blue]

Some time ago the Passat CC TDI just stalled at a stop sign - wouldn't restart at all. I, and RACV, suspected the timing belt snapped!

Anyway, vehicle was towed away. Specialist mechanic reported that vehicle just "asphyxiated" - "throttle body" blocked-up with deposits and therefore no air into engine. They cleaned it out and all was good, though they said within a couple of years it would happen again. [I believe they cleaned out the ASV valve and that's what they were calling the "throttle body"?]

Now, can't afford to pay someone to fix again during these tough times, so, having a wee bit of time up my sleeve now I want to take a proactive approach and remove and clean the ASV. If I can also remove and clean the EGR that would be good!

The engine is a 2.0L TDI (CBBB engine) - problem is I need some guidance (How-To) and/or diagrams so I don't stuff-up! Can anyone help here please?

[Transporter]

Your first preventative step should be to install Provent200 to reduce the oil ingress into the intake.
You could remove complete intake and clean it, not that hard.

[Lucas_R]

I did a similar thing a year or so ago on my SQ5. See here: LINK

Set aside a day and have multiple tools (scrapers/metal brushes/old toothbrush etc) and products at hand (petrol/degreasers/oven cleaner etc) and take your time. I had no info or instructions to follow when I did mine, I just started pulling things apart in an orderly fashion and cleaning everything I could get my hands on. Take photos as you pull things apart to reference when putting it back together etc.

I haven't personally used the oven cleaner, but apparently it works very well for eating up the carbon. Easy-off Bam Oven Cleaner Heavy Duty 325g | Woolworths

Also, some brushes like these would come in handy: 10 Piece Tube Bottle Brush Kit Brass Stainless Steel Bristle 12 Long Size 1/4 to 3/4: Amazon.com.au: Kitchen

And, as mentioned above, recommend you install a quality catch can such as Provent/Flashlube to filter out a lot of the mess that clogs up your intake. Personally I fitted a Flashlube catch can to my car as the Provent was too large to fit anywhere (SQ5 engine bay is pretty cramped). Once fitted, you have to empty the catch can every 5,000km or so as it slowly fills up with oily watery mess.