So . . . I broke the EGR valve today . . . twice. I was trying to inspect the valve for carbon buildup to see if it might be responsible for the hesitation issue I've been having. Anyone else who has tried this probably already knows that those union nuts are practically welded to the EGR assembly, and the casting broke at both ends.

Can't get a new one in town, and the one I ordered will not be here until Tuesday. I will not have a chance to install it before I leave town on Thursday, so I performed an emergency EGR delete today. Thing is that now it runs quieter, has a little more pep, and does not seem to hesitate anymore. Do you think this is always the result in an EGR delete, or did I accidentally figure out how to fix the problem? Also, what is the story behind the EGR temp sensor? I've read some reports that only CA models use it, but everyone who describes the EGR delete procedure says you have to install a resistor on the EGR temp sensor connector or you will have problems. I don't think that everyone on the internet who deletes the EGR is in CA.