the00flaw

So my check engine light came on awhile back on my 95 Runner. When I initially had the code pulled the mechanic confirmed a fault at the EGR Valve and Flow Sensor. At the time he said that it would cost $425 for the new parts and labor to fix the problem. I thought that was exorbitant to fix something that was not affecting the performance of the vehicle that much, so I didn’t have it done. I checked around and a Toyota recycler close by has the parts for $65 from a low mileage vehicle. However the guy who works at the Toyota recycler suggested that the EGR Valve might just need to be cleaned out. Have any of you dealt with this problem? Any suggestions? Also, where are these components located? What do they look like? Pictures? Thanks in advance for any help guys, this board is great!