Is EGR Delete Necessary on a 2003 6.0

[nbc1230]

Quick Background-

2003 stock 6.0 (other than K&N filter) (160,000K) but engine only has about 95,000. (last engine had problems, hindsight says it was the oil cooler and ejectors)

Currently have the EGR valve unplugged since it was causing "wheezing" noises at constant idle, no code is thrown. I hardly ever drive the truck (hunting and occasionally pull a 5th wheel camper (not far)).

Question-

I've read where the EGR coolers on the 03 models rarely fail, but local mechanic has one in shop now that has failed. 1. What is your take on the 2003 needing an EGR delete? 2. He said even if it doesn't throw a code, you still need a tuner since the computer will not know its deleted and the gas mileage will suffer. (lean vs rich, etc) Is the need for a tuner JUST to delete the code, assuming I'm not doing it for power increase.

[colo_dually]

Its not a nessecessity on any 6.0L, its a bandaid solution to the problem with the oil cooler. Depending on your local emission enforcement guys, it may not be an issue.

The '03 EGR cooler is actually the best stock unit out there. Its not full proof. But the reason these things fail is the oil cooler. If you are monitoring your truck, as every 6.0L owner should, you can rebuild/replace the oil cooler before you have issues.

[WarChild]

Inspect your egr valve and that will tell you if the cooler is bad. If it's not then it's not required.