Patent attributes
Methods and systems are provided for operating a split exhaust engine system that provides blowthrough air and exhaust gas recirculation to an intake passage via a first exhaust manifold and exhaust gas to an exhaust passage via a second exhaust manifold. In one example, all intake valves of an engine cylinder may be deactivated, in response to engine load below a threshold, while operating a first exhaust valve coupled to the first exhaust manifold and a second exhaust valve coupled to the second exhaust manifold at different timings. As a result, intake air may be routed from the intake passage, through an exhaust gas recirculation passage coupled between the intake passage and the first exhaust manifold, and into the engine cylinder via the first exhaust valve.