The Exhaust Backpressure Valve on the 7.3L Powerstroke is a common leak point. So common that most of us just simply remove it altogether.

Why it's there in the first place:

The EBPV was originally installed as a way to increase warm-up on very cold starts. Most of us don't live in climates that necessitate this extra warm-up help, so the removal won't affect the mass majority of us in any way.

How to remove the EBPV

Removing the EBPV can be done in many ways. The factory turbo outlet can be modified with a drill and a couple of freeze plugs, or you can install an International (or Riffraff!) blank pedestal (like these HERE or HERE) and outlet. A pedestal that was never intended to be used with an EBPV anyways. This is hands down the cleanest and easiest way to do the job. 

However...

After removing the EBPV, you're not done yet. The computer will be looking for the EBPV during cold starts, and if there's not one there, it'll spit out a check engine code, and light. So, how do we get rid of that code and annoying light??? Well, there are two ways. You can leave the actuator plugged into the harness (ugly and leaves unnecessary parts just lying in the valley of the engine), or you can install one of these simple EBP Isolator Pigtails by Riffraff Diesel. 

EBP Pedestal Actuator Isolator Pigtail 1994-1997

EBP Pedestal Actuator Isolator Pigtail 1999-2003.5

The Riffraff Diesel EBP Pedestal Actuator Isolator Pigtail is a simple plug and play item that plugs right into your existing EBP actuator plug. Unplug the actuator, and plug in the isolator pigtail. Simple as that. Enjoy EBP related code free operation from there on out.