I have a 1997 GMC Jimmy with 4.3 engine. Recently when i checked for codes I got P1406 which was EGR Pintle Position Circuit. So I wanted to go ahead and clean it. Right now I am concerned with getting my SERVICE ENGINE SOON light off. I need to pass emissions test. When I went last week they told me that I didnt pass and he gave me a sheet on a recall for the EGR VALVE on my truck. So I took it to my car dealer and he checked with my VIN and my truck is not on the list. So I dont want to buy a new one. Would I just unscrew it from the engine and use a scraper or something. Also would I need to get a new gasket? Thanks in advance.

It may or not be the problem but.
Get a new gasket and remove the egr valve and see if it has a carbon ball under the plunger.
They also make a gasket with a screen in it to help with the carbon ball problem.
To clear the code you will need a scanner or you will have to drive it until it goes threw the the drive cycle check and clears codes if the problem is fixed.
If you clear the codes it will not pass emission test until the drive cycle is complete.
Let us know how it goes.

well ill try after when my brother brings my truck back. do you know which EGR valve i have? i have a 1997 jimmy with the 4.3 engine. i dont know if i have a linear, neg backpressure, or another kind. thanks.

If a round can/barell type with wires going into it it is a electronic linear egr valve.

If you clear the codes it will not pass emission test until the drive cycle is complete.

actually the vehicle must have 5 drive cycles since last code reset before it will pass emission testing, and that doesn't mean 5 short trips in one day. 5 drive cycles cold start to normal operating temp.

Pretty common problem as the engines get older. Remove the valve and look at the pintle and seat area for a chunk of carbon holding it open just a bit. Usually will make it idle some rough. I usually start the engine and let it run for a few seconds with the valve off to clean out the passages some. It will rev up some and make noise, nothing to worry about. If everything looks fine, you may just have a bad EGR valve, ours went bad at 5000 miles under warranty, thank goodness.

okay i get to work on it today. first i have to run up to the store to get a new gasket. thanks for all the help. i will post results. thanks.

Check my last post on 1995 4.3 miss fires when warm