carbon build-up

[davebrt2003]

What's a good way to remove carbon build-up? EGR valve constantly getting stuck open from pieces of carbon.

[Blue Bowtie]

Welcome Aboard!

The carbon which is getting stuck in the EGR valve pintle is being generated in the exhaust. When you remove the valve for cleaning, use a stiff wire, sprial wire gun bore or hose brush, or whatever you can to break the cabron free in the exhaust passages as far as you can, then either blow the passages with air or use a shop vacuum to clean out the loose carbon.

You can also find EGR valve gaskets which have a wire screen in the exhaust port opening to prevent large carbon chunks from entering the valve. The one possible problem with using these is that if they are restrictive enough or become clogged themselves, they may inhibit EGR flow sufficiently to set a malfunction code.

[CD Smalley]

Those gaskets work!

GM Top Engine cleaner will help remove alot of that carbon. Get the aerosol version at any GM dealer.

[ericn1300]

once you get it cleaned up keep it clean by using a good brand of detergent gas. the 4.3 runs fine on the lowest octane ratings.

[davebrt2003]

Thank you, the "wire screen" gasket worked just fine!!!!!!