Modular exhaust gas recirculation assembly

A modular exhaust gas recirculation assembly comprising:

• a flow control body including:
• a manifold conduit including an inner surface defining a fluid passageway;
• an inlet conduit in fluid communication with the manifold conduit;
• and
• an actuator receptacle along the flow control body;
• a closing member movably mounted in the manifold conduit and having:
• a first position where the closing member lies adjacent to the inner surface the manifold conduit and blocks fluid communication between the manifold conduit and the inlet conduit;
• and
• a second position where the closing member extends into the fluid passageway of the manifold conduit and opens fluid communication between the manifold conduit and the inlet conduit such that when fluid is flowing through the manifold conduit fluid flowing in the inlet conduit is drawn into the manifold conduit;
• an actuator assembly contained in the actuator receptacle, coupled to the closing member and driving the closing member between the first position and the second position;
• and
• an actuator cover extending over the actuator assembly and connected to the actuator receptacle to enclose the actuator assembly.

A method for assembling an exhaust gas recirculation system for an internal combustion engine comprising the steps of:

• forming a flow control body having a manifold conduit, an inlet conduit in fluid communication with the manifold conduit, and an actuator receptacle;
• mounting a closing member in the flow control body to selectively open and close the fluid communication between the manifold conduit and the inlet conduit;
• inserting an actuator assembly into the actuator receptacle and coupling the actuator assembly to the closing member;
• and
• enclosing the actuator assembly within the actuator receptacle with an actuator cover.