Exhaust gas recirculation valve

An exhaust gas recirculation valve (10) for installation between an air intake (12) and an exhaust of an engine comprising a housing (18) having a first (20), second (22), and third (24) sides, a first bore (26) opening through the first side for connection with the air intake, a second bore (28) opening through the second side for receiving exhaust gas from the exhaust, a third bore (30) opening through the first side for connection with the air intake, and a fourth bore (32) opening through the third side and passing in succession through the first bore, the second bore and the third bore; a valve stem (34) positioned in the fourth bore and extending out of the third side of the housing; a valve seat (36) in the fourth bore at the opening (38) of the second bore to the third bore; an annular seal (40) mounted in the fourth bore at the opening (42) of the first bore to the second bore; a valve head (44) on the valve stem within the second bore and normally in engagement with the valve seat; a sleeve (46) mounted on the valve stem and sealingly engaged with the seal to substantially seal the first bore from the second bore; actuating means (50) mounted on the housing and connected to the valve stem, which, on actuation, moves the valve stem to disengage the valve head from the valve seat. EGR valve suitable for use with a diesel engine or an engine requiring large EGR rates.