EGR valve gasket orientation

[CheeseHelmet]

I was planning on installing my new EGR valve today but am uncertain as to which way the new gasket goes on. The middle section of the gasket is pushed out a bit but the service manual doesn't give any indication as to which way it goes.

Is it this way:

Or this way:

EDIT: The instructions that came with it also recommend putting a thin layer of vaseline on the gasket, anyone know what that's about?

 

[MazdaSpeeder]

Never did the vaseline, and I think the OEM gasket is completely flat if I recall. My guess is the second pic, but I would imagine the offset is there for more of a sealing effect, like a crush washer. Once you tighten it down, I don't think it will make a bit of difference.

 

[CheeseHelmet]

Never did the vaseline, and I think the OEM gasket is completely flat if I recall. My guess is the second pic, but I would imagine the offset is there for more of a sealing effect, like a crush washer. Once you tighten it down, I don't think it will make a bit of difference.

I think is kit is the OEM one, all the parts look exactly the same and they're packaged exactly the same as the kit from Mazda. They even smell like Mazda parts

I'm thinking the vaseline is there as added protection to keep moisture out, I'll put some if I can find a can of vaseline.

 

[MazdaSpeeder]

I'm sure it's OEM, but IIRC, the OEM gasket on mine is flat. Maybe they went to the ridged gasket with a later revision?

 

[justanothermp5]

all the egr gaskets ive seen are like the one pictured....and i dont believe it matters which way the gasket goes,
i didnt put mine on a certain way and havent had any leaks yet, just make sure you torque it down and you'll be good

 

[CheeseHelmet]

Man that was a lot of annoying work, my hands are ******.

I hope it doesn't matter which way you connect the coolant hoses, only one of them was long enough to reach the IAC valve. The TSB diagram is rather confusing, I hope I did it right :S

I removed the hose marked "OLD" and plugged in the new EGR's hoses where it used to be.

Also, I put the gasket the way MazdaSpeeder suggested, and used a *light* coating of vaseline just for the hell of it. I never want to have to touch that thing ever again.

 

[Flav]

The EGR's are SO ****** on this car, it's soooo difficult to get to, and get out. I don't envy you cheese!

 

[CheeseHelmet]

The EGR's are SO ****** on this car, it's soooo difficult to get to, and get out. I don't envy you cheese!

I was actually not bad with the old-style valves, I could take it out, clean it and re-install it within 30 minutes (with minor handrape). This new one with all those damn tubes gives you such little access, but I'm happy that I finally have a proper valve that I won't have to clean every couple months.

How's yours doing?

 

[Flav]

Hasn't given me any trouble lately. But now that you've mentioned this new EGR..I believe I don't have it? :-S how much did it cost you and from where??

 

[CheeseHelmet]

Hasn't given me any trouble lately. But now that you've mentioned this new EGR..I believe I don't have it? :-S how much did it cost you and from where??

It's the "Canadian" EGR, you probably don't have it. I say that because you shouldn't need to be cleaning this new valve. The main difference is the 2 coolant hoses and the 1 vent hose that are attached to the valve body, also it's made of aluminum so it shouldn't have any rust on it.

You can get it from Mazda for about $150, but I chose to get it from rockauto for $107. The kit is exactly the same either way, you get the valve (with hoses already attached), two gaskets (one for the EGR, one for the throttle body), a bunch of zip ties, and 2 hose clamps. The downside to the rockauto kit is that it's only warranted for 3 months instead of Mazda's 1 year warranty.

Here's a really good writeup about the new valve: http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123732861-Canadian-EGR-valve-exposed

From the small amount of driving I did today my car didn't idle funky at all even though it's humid and snowing out.

 

[Flav]

Wow, sounds fantastic. I remember when I had troubles I was looking at an OEM replacement EGR and it was 200!!
I'll have to save up some pennies for this new EGR

 

[CheeseHelmet]

Wow, sounds fantastic. I remember when I had troubles I was looking at an OEM replacement EGR and it was 200!!
I'll have to save up some pennies for this new EGR

I just checked at rockauto and they're listing it for $92 now (part number EGV1124), get it while it's cheap!

 

[JDMJNKY]

Here's an ebay listing Alex has posted on the forum I'll post it here $80 shipped for the canadian egr valve.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/GENU...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

 

[CheeseHelmet]

Here's an ebay listing Alex has posted on the forum I'll post it here $80 shipped for the canadian egr valve.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/GENU...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

Even better!

 

[Flav]

Omg it's a Christmas miracle! A cheap part for our car!!!!! :-/