so i know already that my water pump is on its way out because it's been leaking anti freeze, but now i'm getting code 32 which is the egr code. I noticed that my car greately lost power and struggles to take off now. the idle is roughly around 480 and 500. Can the loss of power be from the egr being bad? how can i test it with the average garage tools and stuff. i dont have no machines or anything to do the real test as some people do.

 

mine just unbolted from the manifold maybe its clogged up. clean it with carb cleaner, let it dry and put it back on see what you get. dont forget to reset the code while testing.

good luck

 

If the EGR gets stuck it's like a giant vacuum leak, so yes it could cause loss of power, poor idling or stalling at idle. On some EGR's you can tell if it's stuck by pushing up on the valve. Reach under the egr and push up on the valve it should move a little. If not do what camarokid said or buy a new one.
Alex

 

EGR valves are kinda pricey, like $60 or so for a brand new after market junk one at AAP or AZ. The original units seem to hold up for a long time. I would check the EGR Solenoid, they usualy go bad before the valve. Also maybe a vacuum leak sprung up between the carb/solenoid or solenoid/valve. Check thos plastic tubes and rubber connectors. Probably not a bad idea to check over all for any vacuum leaks. There are a suprisingly large amount of vacuum leaks in these older cars from dry rotted tubing, and vacuum leaks are very annoying. Cleaning the EGR Valve is not a bad idea, but remember if the car was running the valve will be very hot.

 

Don't dismiss the effect the bad water pump can be having. I got my 'bird cheap and running like total trash, and a new water pump later it ran perfectly.