engine cuts out under load

Hi, I was wondering if anyone would know why my engine cuts out under load. It is a 1996 metro 1.0 engine. Would a clogged egr valve do this? Or a restricted catalytic converter causing the O2 sensor behind the converter to make this happen? I've checked plugs, wires, cap and rotor, coil, and everything seems fine there. There is a T-hose from the air cleaner to the valve cover, then down to the intake manifold. Is that the egr in the intake? Or is it the pcv valve? I thought the pcv valve woul be in the valve cover but I don't see anything in there. I tried to take the part out of the intake but the philips heads want to strip. Is it safe to spray carb cleaner in there? If that isn't the egr, where is it located and whats the best way to clean it? My speedo cable broke so I dont know my mileage, but know that it has become increasingly worse before this problem. This car has been great up until now and we (mostly my wife) really depend on it. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank You.

check your cap and rotor and make sure they are good, could also be a plugged fuel filter