Tomco EGR Valve Gasket

Comments about Tomco EGR Valve Gasket:

I drive a 1995 Chevorlet Blazer. One day I was driving around and when I came to a stop I realized that my truck was idling a little funny. Almost like it was sputtering. So I got it home and called up my local mechanic. He suggested I check the EGR valve. So I did and realized the spring was shoved open by a chunk of carbon. I had to repeat this method about 7 or 8 times after this. I even went as far aas replacing the EGR valve, which did not help. Then one day I was browsing on here and saw this gasket. I decided to give it a try. It has been nearly two months and I have not had any trouble out of it yet. I wish I would of found this sooner so I could of saved 82 dollars.

Comments about Tomco EGR Valve Gasket:

Carbon buildup in the exhaust manifold can flake off and get into the EGR piston chamber. A small particle can then jam the EGR piston in the partially open position. The screen on this gasket helps prevent that from happening. In my case a new EGR valve was a few hundred dollars. Replacing the old one that had a 1/32" dia. spec of carbon holding it open would have addressed the symptom rather than the root cause. Since my existing EGR worked once I removed the carbon particle, I am hoping that the screen is a more permanent fix. Of course, cleaning up the root cause, flaking off carbon in the exhaust manifold is a much bigger job. My vehicle application is a 1993 S15 GMC Jimmy with the 4.3L V6 Vortec engine ('W'in the Vin number). From my research I found a mechanic whose web post noted that you didn't have to take off the intake manifold to change out the gasket and/or EGR valve. (remove the ~6" long rod/brace on the back of the AC unit that attaches to the right front of the intake manifold. Also remove the wire that goes to the top of the AC unit. You can snake the EGR through the opening after using an 'elbow' socket extension to remove the two EGR mounting bolts.) He also mentioned an obscure GM part PROM upgrade that programs the EGR to open fully occasionally to allow any carbon flake to be blown out. Not sure that is a reliable solution as I had to use a small screwdriver to knock the carbon piece causing my EGR valve to remain stuck open. Note the symptom was rough engine and a warning light came on.