1973 EGR Valve

[Tom K.]

Re: 1973 EGR Valve

If you're going to install this valve for cosmetic reasons instead of using a block-off plate, make sure it's stuck in the closed position to prevent exhaust from getting into the intake. To clean up the finish, soak it in EvapoRust then wipe with WD-40 or other light oil. This should improve appearance.

Thanks Mark,

That sounds good - I wll give it a try.


Tom

[Tom K.]

Re: 1973 EGR Valve

Hello All,

Im sorry to be a pest, but I wanted to ask if we can be confident all the EGR valve bases and hold down arms were black?
The one I bought online obviously had been through the 'rattle can restoration' process and was painted silver, so I assumed the orange paint on the EGR valve and hold down bracket were not correct. However, as I looked them over closely while getting ready to refinish them, they looked original to me, so I wondered. Then this happened - take a look at the JG on pg 129 fig. M7.11. That pic is intended to refernce the lift hook, on an LS4, and it shows the EGR valve base and the tips of the bracket both painted orange.
Now Im not sure what to think....

Tom Krause

[Jimmy P.]

Re: 1973 EGR Valve

Hello All,

Im sorry to be a pest, but I wanted to ask if we can be confident all the EGR valve bases and hold down arms were black?
The one I bought online obviously had been through the 'rattle can restoration' process and was painted silver, so I assumed the orange paint on the EGR valve and hold down bracket were not correct. However, as I looked them over closely while getting ready to refinish them, they looked original to me, so I wondered. Then this happened - take a look at the JG on pg 129 fig. M7.11. That pic is intended to refernce the lift hook, on an LS4, and it shows the EGR valve base and the tips of the bracket both painted orange.
Now Im not sure what to think....

Tom Krause

Tom,
You are not being a pest. I'm 100% sure that all the EGR valve bases were black and so were the hold brackets on both the 73-74 small block and big blocks. I can see where you might be confused after looking at the judging manual. The photo you pointed out on page 129 was focusing on the 454 lift bracket, in particular the Omega symbol stamped in it. That egr base and bracket does have engine orange all over it. Which is certainly not correct. If you look closely at the back of the Idle stop solenoid in the photo you can see orange over spray on it as well. All this clearly proves that engine was repainted carelessly. Glad you pointed this out, I'm making a note to either change the photo or at least note that the orange paint on these particular parts is not correct as original, in the next revision.
I've included a couple photos of my collection of 73-74 EGR hold down brackets and bolts to show the original finish vs a painted finish. (NFS)..The brackets on the left are original, arrow pointing to the big block bracket. The second photo shows the backside.
Sorry for any confusion!
PS- So you don't get confused again, that middle bolt and washer are too shiny. They should be black as well. I over refinished and cleaned them.

[Tom K.]

Re: 1973 EGR Valve

Thank you again Jimmy - I really appreciate all your time - I will finish mine a you show above

Tom Krause

[Floyd B.]

Re: 1973 EGR Valve

Be careful using Evapo-Rust. It will remove ANY sacrificial finish (zinc, cadmium, etc.), not just the rust. I think your valve looks pretty good for a 50 year old part. If it were me, I wouldn't do anything further.

[Tom K.]

Re: 1973 EGR Valve

Thanks Floyd - I agreed with you - there wasnt much rust so I just wiped it down with WD-40 and it looks ok.

Tom