Can anyone describe the symptoms of a bad EGR valve. My idle speed with no electrical load is around 1100- 1200rpm. Sometimes it fluctuates (pulsates) from 1000-1300 for a short time. I've searched for loose hoses and don't see anything obvious.

 

Your problem could be any number of things. One of them will not be the EGR. The EGR (Exhaust Gas Recycler) is for emissions, and is not active while idle. A fluctuating idle is commonly called "idle hunting". There is a small thread on the subject right here. Idle hunting is caused when your ECU is trying to idle the car, but it can't. Also, your idle is too high. A normal idle is between 750 and 800 on a warm engine. You can adjust your idle by adjusting the throttle cable or the idle bleed screw that is on the bottom of the throttle body.