One thing that diesels DO NOT like is to sit. They are not grocery getters and then home. They like to be driven and driven hard. Babying your diesel engine is not a good idea. The saying "Drive it like you stole it" is so true. The EGR comes into this as it can give you some of the same problems, so an EGR Delete kit is offered by several manufactures. This removes the EGR valve (which re-directs exhaust back into the intake to meet EPA Smog regulations) and keeps your intake passages and turbo cleaner. I have my EGR valve and it has never given me any problems. I have taken it out and cleaned it with a small brush and Carb Cleaner. Put it back in and the trucks runs like new. In California we can not remove the ERG or we will not pass smog inspection every two years. This is necessary for your truck license, so we are stuck. I do not know the smog laws in NC, but they have to be a lot less restrictive than here. I have never heard of an inspection in NC, so it is up to you whether or not to remove it or not.
Dave - I hope this is clearer than my reread