Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation system for an internal combustion engine may comprise an EGR valve having an inlet end connected to the exhaust manifold of the engine and an outlet end connected to the inlet end of a heat exchanger. The outlet end of the heat exchanger is in turn connected to the inlet end of a filter assembly, the outlet end of which is connected to the intake manifold of the engine. A valve control system connected to the EGR valve selectively opens and closes the valve to direct cooled and filtered exhaust gases into the intake manifold of the engine. An intermittent water injection system may be connected to the inlet end of the heat exchanger and may be used to inject a predetermined quantity of water into the inlet of the heat exchanger at periodic intervals to remove accumulated soot deposits from the interior surfaces of the heat exchanger.