EGR Valve T/S

I have a 1996 Saturn SL1 1.9 L the check eng. light is on. The codes say that the EGR Valve is bad. Other than the check eng. light performance wise there is no indication. Is there any way to check this part to see if its bad or not? I cleaned it out but it really didn't have any carbon build up that I could see and when I pulled it off it had oil in it and looked like in the manifold too. I also noticed that if you shake it sounds like the valve is moving. This is a pricey part to shotgunning.

Thanks for your help.

Is the EGR vacuum controlled? If so start the engine and manually open the valve by pushing up on the underside of the vacuum motor. Should just about stall the engine. Check all vacuum lines first.
If it is opend electrically, The solenoid and valve are one unit. Might try a bone yard as they are expensive.
Whats up with the oil?